Groupset conundrum - old or new?

[macca33]

G'day all. I've recently jumped headlong back into cycling, by purchasing a bike that is correctly sized and is of a good level - it is old-ish (2002) but I reckon it's a ripper.

It is currently fitted with UIltegra 6500 series components and the former owner updated some pieces a year before I purchased. The brifters, however, are a bit worse for wear.

I am considering the purchase of a pair of new brifters ($300+), which would be fine, but I am also cognisant of the fact that NOS 6500 series components are becoming scarce and that I may eventually paint myself into a corner if I retain that series.

I am aware that I could upgrade to an entirely new / current type Ultegra groupset for around $800 or so - dependent upon the deal - thus, cannot decide whether to buy the 6500 series brifters and keep the bike as it was produced, or for a few hundred more, upgrade to newer components...

Any thoughts / advice would be appreciated.

cheers

[rkelsen]

Depending upon how many km the previous owner did, you might also need to change the chain, cassette, chainrings, cables and brake pads.

For this reason, I reckon it makes more sense to go for a new set.

Oh, and how's about posting up some pics of the bike?

[boss]

If you have the money, it makes a lot of sense to go new gruppo.

Also remember that you will be able to sell the old bits and recoup some of the costs of the new stuff.

[Ratts]

I upgraded from 9 speed Ultegra to 10 speed Ultegra at the beginning of the year for under $ 400. I replaced brifters, chain and cassette. There was nothing wrong with the brakes, FD, RD or crank, so have left them in service. The only reason that I made the change is because the right hand gear leaver broke a spring and could not get any spares to do the repair.

[zero]

I have 9 speed DA of similar age, found a NOS right lever with hood about a year ago to replace my failed unit. Occasionally the repair blades also show up.

Shimano I believe still make or at least have useful new stocks of 6500 ultegra cassettes and chainrings, as well as 9 speed sora bits. I'm near due for chainrings, so I'll probably buy an ultegra set an then retire the group in 5 years time when the lever inevitably dies.

[macca33]

Depending upon how many km the previous owner did, you might also need to change the chain, cassette, chainrings, cables and brake pads.

For this reason, I reckon it makes more sense to go for a new set.

Oh, and how's about posting up some pics of the bike?

The previous owner replaced the chain / cassette front chainrings (39/52T), cables / outers around a year ago and I recently put a new cassette on when I purchased the Pro-Lite Comos. So, the F & R derailleurs, bottom bracket, crankset, brakes and brifters are still original, but apart from the brifters - which have a fair bit of wear - everything else works perfectly. The bike itself is fantastic and rides really well, so I won't be looking to upgrade for a long time (if ever) and the thought of keeping the original series Ultegra for as long as I can is appealing.

A few pics for rkelsen (I know that I've broken every Velominati rule there is, but I'm 'different' lol):-








Thanks to all for your responses. I'm still a little undecided and Ratts' info about compatibility with Ultegra 10-speed is also interesting to know, but zero may have convinced me to stay with the Ultegra 9-speed and go for the NOS levers I've found.

Decisions, decisions......

cheers