Wow, I am really impressed with the wonderful, supportive, and knowledgeable answers! Thank you all.

My Nishiki has more of a mountain-bike type frame and straight-across handlebars. The only change is that I did replace the big nubbly tires with smoother road tires. I wouldn't mind putting some money into upgrading it, if we can find a workable solution. Maybe I will print out a picture of ClockworkOrange's bike and show it to them. I am such a n00b when it comes to this! haha

I am intrigued by recumbents, but I cannot find a single bike shop in my area which stocks them. At one point I was calling bike shops in other counties with no luck. Shops are happy to special order one if I pay a non-refundable deposit, but nobody had one I could try. I wouldn't know how to tell if it fits me, and it's hard for me to risk $1000+ on something that will just make me hurt in a different body part. Any ideas? I'm willing to even drive a few hours (Delaware? Philly? Baltimore?), if I found a good shop with several recumbents in stock.