That's great. I like the sound of that strategy. I seem to be gravitating to the 80's and 90's derailleur bikes with steel frames. I do spend some money on parts but not an amount that seems bad. I like the way you don't have to buy any. I suppose you do buy things like tires and brake pads, though, right?

Do you take apart the rear hubs to any degree? It's not terribly hard to repack the wheel bearings without fussing with the planet gear system.