how about the The Sturmey-Archer AW 3-speed hub? I had this ideal that i could buy on old schwin with one of these hubs and rebuild the hub with a nicer rim and put it on a lightweight roadbike frame. Perhaps this would be alittle more work then you'd like but it seems like from everything i've heard Sturmey-Archer hubs are good quality and long lasting and I belive they still build bikes with them or perhaps you could find one of those dreamy english roadsters that has one and use that as a commuter. just and ideal i guess i have a big heart for old bikes. personaly I like the derailer and find it enjoyable to keep it well functioning.