I built mine as a SS mostly because I wanted to build my bike and SS was cheaper, and easier for a beginner. Now that it's done, it's my favorite bike. I'm always in the right gear, my chainline is always perfect, and my overall cycling technique has improved dramatically because I have learned how to climb on this bike, and not just "spin" up the hills. I have also learned how to manage wind better, because there is no option of shifting to an easier gear. Sure I can't go as fast on the downhills, but that's a tradeoff I am willing to make. One more thing. I find that changing a flat rear tire is easier with my SS than my geared road bike even without the quick release.

My commute is 15 mile each way. I admit that The part of Austin I live in isn'r the "hilly" part of town. My commute into downtown is mostly downhill, but on the flip side my route home generally uphill the whole way with a couple of reasonably steep climbs.