Actually, My main point is the lack of adventure.

A singlespeed will work for the majority of inner-city adventures, but it won't work up in the hills or when I want to go for an all-day stint in the saddle with a bit of gear, so that's why I'm thinking horizontal dropouts with a hanger. A fixie won't cut it, and before anyone says 'Matt Chester does it', I look nothing like Matt Chester and my poop doesn't smell of banana, so gears it is.

Versatility, toughness, and 'all-road' abilities is what I'm after.

Straying form topic a bit, does anyone else have a copy of that cool article from Bicycle Guide where they had a few industry types showw off their townies? Mark Nobilette was featured, as well as some guy from Fat City and others. I should go dig that up for inspiration....