[QUOTE=kalifornsky;8466808]Hello,

"I have a Raleigh Grand Prix Mixte and cannot decided what I want to do with it. I actually really like the ride and would love to clean it up and ride it as a commuter/grocery hauler. It is quite dirty, but in good shape. It looks like there is a cool bronze/gold color underneath the grime, so I want to keep the original paint. The components are Raleigh and not doing so hot, so part of me says put a SS freewheel for convenience. I like the downtube shifters, but if I turn it into a commuter/hauler, would like barends. I am pretty sure I am going to get some rims that are in better condition, but would not be against keeping them 27, with the wonderful high flange hubs.

Any thoughts? ideas?"

Being a fan of the Mixte frame that I am… I would definitely keep it and fix it up, if you like riding it. How far you go with restoring or customizing it is purely up to you. You may be able to get by with just some bar tape, some clean up, maybe a set of new cables, and drive train tune up.

If the rims on the wheels are straight; the main problems with steel rims is they are heavy, and get slick in the rain; which diminishes braking power quite a bit. If you decide to customize it… the sky, or your bank account is the limit. If you looked at all the Mixtes in the “Show us your Mixte” thread on this forum, then you should have some ideas what can be done with a Mixte frame.

By the way… I think you answered your own question in your first post….