Holy Toledo.
I think I'm spoiled by a custom ti/carbon bike.
I'm at a 3-day seminar in the VA countryside, and the center has bikes we can use for cruising around the 2700 acre property. My room is in the converted stables on the "north campus." Too far to walk (in 90 degree heat and pumps), too close to drive to the daily sessions.
Perfect for a bike. Just grab one off the rack and go.
The bikes are no name balloon tire single speed cruisers (complete with coaster brakes and a saddle the size of a Barcalounger). I'm in "business casual" attire. VA contryside is rolling.
Ugh. This is harder than I thought! I tried to stand up on a hill and nearly fell over!!!
I think I gotta find the short cuts or this has an opportunity to be painful.