My library system has 2 copies. (I don't have my own, I just am a repeat offender checking out theirs) Try sno-isle.org and get an interloan. Depending on your library system, they may charge you for shipping and limit your checkout time, but at least you'll get to read it.

There is a utility brand we saw everywhere in Germany and the Netherlands called "Pegasus". We even rode a couple. They were great commuter-mobiles! I think with the big trend right now in 700c commuter bikes we are seeing the market making the step in the "Pegasus" direction.

I sympathize with the 7 inch sitbones. I have ridden maybe 30 miles on my new Brooks B67. Even though the leather is still hard and not broken in yet, it is such a relief to have my pelvis completely supported! Feels like I'm sitting on a kitchen chair. Can only get better as the leather softens to my particular anatomy.

Sexy bikes ARE sexy... but they are best for what they do best:going fast/going extreme. Utility bikes are also best at what they do best: just plain going. I don't need to go fast. In fact, a racer would probably be a mess on my commute and the crap I ride over. I don't need to go extreme, and a lot of my energy would be wasted by a suspension and big tires on my commute and fun rides. Kinda like a 2 seater Audi would be waaaay sexy, but would suck at hauling my kid and dog and luggage and groceries. And an SUV would be waaaaaay sexy but would suck at gas mileage and be awkward to park and maneuver in the places I go. My little station wagon does what I need.

Perhaps shops need to do a better job of educating customers on how to choose the bike that meets their needs, but the fact of the matter is that shops need to sell to survive, and if a wannabe weekend rider comes in fixated on a racer or a mtn bike the shop will sell it to them, even if a utility bike would do a better job for functions that customer wants.

It's up to us (and bike clubs and such) to do the educating. I doubt utility bikes will ever be sexy, but they can be fun and "easy" and useful. (look at Electra's advertising) I tout my bike to anyone who asks me about it. It does what I need and it wasn't expensive.

When I need a bike to do a different function really well (like loaded touring) I'll go buy one.

Whoa, this was a long post. sorry!