Originally Posted by
bmthom.gis
Simplicity is nice, but it isn't exactly easy to break a derailleur, nor difficult to replace one. I've never seen someone break part of their drivetrain w/o it being caused by a crash. I know certain people really like SS, but it isn't for everyone. Me? I like gears, and I use them.
As for fenders, I didn't have any for a long time, but I do like them when it is wet out. Living in FL, I am sure the OP has plenty of wet. But you are correct in that they are not mandatory.
I just look at it as one less thing to break or needing to fiddle with. Some low end derailleurs are really finicky and I know for me, if it isn't just right, it becomes a huge annoyance. No one likes gears that constantly skip. If gears are a necessity, then by all means go with gears. A flat commute though, and not trying to set land speed records, hard to beat a single gear.