That gear changing system is a little like Julians Rohloff speed hub Mick.

http://www.rohloffusa.com/frame.htm

The pashley is a classic design, and that type of bike is at the roots of mountain biking - its the kind of frame that started the hobby - American kids would take this type of bike up a massive hill, and just have a wail of a time coming down, leaving the path just to have as much fun on the descent as possible.

http://merlinbike.com/bikes/2005/roots.aspx