In article ,
says...
Dave Mayer wrote:
A kickstand

What, and run away from what might turn out to be a good touring bike?

Of course not; I *added* a kickstand to my new tourer.


Nutted wheel axles (i.e. no quick releases on wheels)

Oh, what *did* we do before they were invented...

Carried a wrench around with us GGG.


Still, I agree with most of your list (though stuff like levers and
pedals can always be ripped off), but I was intrigued by this:

Steel chainrings

I was under the impression that aluminum chainrings, though lighter,
were also less durable. I can see how one might favor one or the other,
but is there a reason why you would reject those outright?

I wouldn't.

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).