Ha! My DD (Dear Dad!) is also looking at a Townie - he's 78, and also has knee issues.

He wants some gears so he can get up hills more easily, but he also needs a bike with hand brakes, because he likes to take his feet off the pedals, ready to hit the ground, way before he's come to a complete stop. So, no coaster brakes for Dad.

We went and test rode one two weeks ago when he was visiting me. He was having a hoot in the parking lot at REI. I had a hoot watching him!