Originally Posted by the sci guy

A) I like the puzzle of building up & customizing a bike
B) I don't want to just run a clunky ugly triple and "not shift" - it's as much about making the bike look awesome as functional. I already have new bars, stems, & levers to give it the look I want
C) "Lower end" bikes are ripe for upgrades
D) my original cursory glance had me thinking it was a freewheel. I took the wheel off and inspected it today and it is a cassette - not that it matters at all to my questions

Bu thanks for being condescending instead of helpful.