Freewheeling single speed seems completely pointless to me. I really like my gears for maximizing acceleration, efficiency, and fun. Derailleurs are reliable and easy to maintain, particularly if you are into friction shift, as I am exclusively.
I tried fixed gear once (1973 wedding present from my wife's brother) and quickly decided it was not my thing. If I ever try it again, it will be w/ the newly resurrected Sturmey-Archer 3-speed system.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069