I've got an early 1980's Fuji touring bike with half-step + granny that I've been doing most of my randonnees this season. It works quite nicely, after some work (including a repair to the steerer tube). I have to admit that the short, steep-ish hills around here mean I tend to treat it like a wide range 12 speed most of the time. I think half-step works best on longer slopes.