I ride a single speed road bike but not necessarily because I want too, it's the best second hand bike I could get for the money I had. The bike is indestructible. When I got it it was a fixed gear but I wove a coaster hub into the back rim.

I would like a geared bike but I know that buying a cheesy derailleur is asking for trouble.

No doubt my single speed is bomb proof and cost me a grand total of 185$, but if I could get a 10 speed that was equally durable and reliable and required as little maitnence for the same price;I think I would.