I was at my LBS a couple of days ago and rode a couple fo the Suede verison they had. If I had a nice urban setting and large park to cruise around in, I would get one ASAP! I still might get one or a Transend this fall for around town and under 10 mile oneway trips to near by parks with my youngest's tag a long bike.
I like the lower to the ground feeling and actual center of gravity. I see why smaller riders like it and will be pushing this model of bike to a friend's daughter who was balance issues and has never riden a bike before.
I've seen several crank forward bikes in St Louis being ridden by both sexes, so I wouldn't worry about it.
About the only thing I don't like on some versions of the Suede is front shocks. I think on a crank forward bike you would REALLY feel the power being absorbed by them.
Jerry