I have some elastic bands somewhere for binding my pants, but I've never used them. I'm always wearing shorts. That's like in California.

It's not quite true that derailer bikes can't have chain guards. My Jeunet has a Simplex chain guard. That's how I know they can be a PITA to keep aligned, especially if you're not very careful where you put your right foot.

I completely disagee with you about IGH bikes and weight. I built mine to be as light as possible for the same reasons that I want my derailer bikes to be light. It doesn't matter what kind of transmission it has. light is good.

My goal was to keep it under 25 pounds and my digital biike scale says I succeeded.