I like my vintage Brit 3-speed. It's fun on easy, social rides out to 30 miles. Heavy, not at all clunky, except for when the chain slaps the guard when shifting. Very comfortable. I have no idea how many miles are on it, but it was a mess when I bought it. I took a look inside, cleaned it up, set it, and got on. Haven't touched it since. I rode a Breezer Uptown-8 once, thought highly of it, even on hills.

That said, I have very little trouble with my derailleur bikes either, and they are definitely better on hills. It's mostly the cleaning, but that's just me. I can't stand a gritty drivetrain, and around here in the rainy winter, it's a constant.