I've pondered that, too, Zaphod. But I don't know what I want. I mean, I do, but not in terms of names of stuff. Here's what I want:

Something racier than the Sports, but with upright geometry (hence the interest in mixtes). Something with racks and lights and fenders, but that doesn't weigh 40lbs. Something with a chainguard. Something with a Brooks. Something with an internally-geared 7 or 8 speed hub that I don't have to service that just GOES. Something pretty.

Well? What should I do? Could I "build" that up for under $800? Lights, rack, fenders, hub, wheels, everything? My new aluminum wheelset for the Raleigh, once it's built up, will have cost me about $300. If I bought a vintage mixte, I could easily see laying down that sort of smack right away as well. At some point, an $800 bike just makes sense.

I'm selling the Panasonic, for sure. Hopefully to a BF member who shall remain unnamed until he wishes to reveal himself. I tried to ride it today, and the ache in my neck and hands was just awful. I guess having a bike that doesn't hurt at all has really made me conscious of having one that does.

So what should I do, folks? Buy a Creme Caferacer for $800 and get a bike that's DONE, or buy a mixte frame and start from scratch?