I'm always amazed by people who have so much trouble with geared bikes. I bought my road bike new 10 years ago and have never had a single problem with either derailleur. My tri bike has given me a few problems but only because of new cable stretch. I honestly spend more time tinkering with my fixed gear bikes than my geared bikes.

Anyway, my evolution...
Coaster brake kids bike
BMX
Road
BMX
Fixed
Tri/TT
Track (if it ever shows up)