Great write-up on the bikes and your impressions.
Originally Posted by
unaleona
Do I really need to stick with the internal gearing in order to commute year round?
The advantages of IGH are almost zero maintenance/adjustment, very reliable, can withstand all weather without problems, very quiet, and allows for a full or partial chain case. It's all how important these are to you. If you don't mind doing some maintenance, don't ride on the crustiest days, and don't need a chain case then you should be fine with derailleurs.
For all of my routine riding I'm very thankful for the reliability of IGH and being able to have a fully enclosed chain (to keep both it and my pants clean). My road bikes are derailleur though and on them I do like the wide range of gears.
As to getting on the mixte, that's why city bikes are designed with the low curved top tube. Easy to step over regardless of dress and heal length.