Here's the prob -- I don't know how a regular bike feels! (And I'm afraid to find out, actually, since I'm worried that I'll find out it's better. Gack.) I finally found a discussion about them and supposedly they're superior to a poorly maintained chain bike, but not as efficient as a well-maintained chain bike. Also, they're supposedly heavier.

I don't know. The shipping weight of my 17" hybrid was 34 pounds.

As I said, I have nothing to compare it to -- but I love it!

I never thought about noise. It makes none. So maybe this is my Stealth Fighter? Heh.