Bicycle Mechanics - Upgrading to Shimano 105

So I've got this roadbike, a 1986 Raleigh Marathon, with an outdated gearing system on it. It says Shimano, but that's about it. In a week my train/bus pass will no longer be valid, which is the ultimate chance for me to go commuting by bike. But I want my bike to be in great shape...

I'm thinking about upgrading the gearing system to a Shimano 105 system.

I've been looking around on the web, and came up with the below list of gear.

Shimano - SL-7800 Dura Ace shifters
Shimano - CS-5600 105 10-Speed cassette
Shimano - BL-R600 Drop Bar Levers
Shimano - RD-5600-GS 105 rear derailleur
Shimano - FD-5600 31.8/28.6mm front derailleur
Shimano - FC-5600 105 Hollowtech II Double crankset

1) Can the Dura Ace shifters (for horizontal tube mounting) easily be used to replace the original shifters?
2) Are Dura Ace shifters compatible with the other 105 gear I was thinking of?
3) Do I need to consider other drastic changes while upgrading (is there something that NEEDS to change because of the upgrade)?

I'm not too much of a greasemonkey, so I will have the work done for me instead of doing it myself. But still would like to hear some of your opinions.

I'm not too much of a greasemonkey

I don't care for that term. No, I don't know too many monkeys who could take apart a bottom bracket.

1. rear width of the frame won't accomodate that set up. 2) yer also gonna need new wheels since the 10 speed cassette isn't going to fit. Frankly, for the money you plan on spending you can get close to a complete new bike.

So I've got this roadbike, a 1986 Raleigh Marathon, with an outdated gearing system on it. It says Shimano, but that's about it. In a week my train/bus pass will no longer be valid, which is the ultimate chance for me to go commuting by bike. But I want my bike to be in great shape...

I'm thinking about upgrading the gearing system to a Shimano 105 system.

I've been looking around on the web, and came up with the below list of gear.

Shimano - SL-7800 Dura Ace shifters
Shimano - CS-5600 105 10-Speed cassette
Shimano - BL-R600 Drop Bar Levers
Shimano - RD-5600-GS 105 rear derailleur
Shimano - FD-5600 31.8/28.6mm front derailleur
Shimano - FC-5600 105 Hollowtech II Double crankset

1) Can the Dura Ace shifters (for horizontal tube mounting) easily be used to replace the original shifters?
2) Are Dura Ace shifters compatible with the other 105 gear I was thinking of?
3) Do I need to consider other drastic changes while upgrading (is there something that NEEDS to change because of the upgrade)?

I'm not too much of a greasemonkey, so I will have the work done for me instead of doing it myself. But still would like to hear some of your opinions.

These are the wrong components to upgrade to for commuting. Higher end components does not translate into longevity, especially 10 speed. You want something durable and bombproof for commuting, 7 or 8 speed makes much more sense. Component costs are much lower and last a lot longer.

I believe all of those components are 10-speed compatible. You would need a 10-speed chain and the front derailleur needs to be the correct diameter for your frame. The SL 7800 shifters are for the downtube and require bosses on the downtube. You I believe could find less expensive 10-speed downtube shifters that would fit your needs.
For these components you will need a new rear hub or a complete new 10-speed compatible wheel. This hub will have a 130 dropout spacing and your frame is probably spaced 124 mm. But since it is a steel frame it could be spread enough for the new hub.
This will be an expensive project but with gasoline close to $4 a gal it may be worth it.

Al

why do you want to upgrade? want to shift quicker? sick of using downtube shifters? I'm not against upgrading or spending money on your bike but you should think about what you need. I'm upgrading my trek 400 from around the same year with a really nice set of bomb proof wheels (open pros) and bar end shifters along with new paint a new chain and a new cassette. STI is cool in theory but if one of those brifters breaks your out 100 bones atleast. do you have panniers? those might be a better investment if you ain't driving or riding the bus you might get sick of carrying everything on your back.

Rethink your project.

An '86 Raleigh most likely has a 6 or 7 speed rear cluster, 126mm rear spacing and downtube shifters. Do they currently work? If so, for commuting you're not going to get a whole lot of advantage out of adding 3-4 extra gears on the rear, but you are going to spend a lot of money.

If that Raleigh was my bike, my first expense would be to put it in tip-top shape in it's current configuration. Then add mudguards and a rear rack (you're going to need to carry stuff and have to ride on days when the road is wet). If the drop bars aren't comfortable on the commute, go to flat bars and friction thumb shifters.

And the total expense for all the above will be about half the cost of those Dura Ace brifters.

If you gotta go modern, look at Sora or Tiagra. You're commuting, not racing, and the two bottom line models will do the job just fine. Once again, for a whole lot less money.

+1. Unless you need some extremes in gearing due to terrain, all a 9 or 10 speed setup will give you is more steps between your highest and lowest gears and a lighter wallet. I'd follow sykerocker's recommendations, and consider if you need a good lock for wherever your bike will be during the day and perhaps rain gear depending on climate, preferences, etc. , and save some money for lighting in the fall. More info in the commuter forum and electronics forum.

+1 look at classic and vintage as well. its important to remember newer isn't necessarily better.

Thanks a lot for the replies :) I'll put the upgrading on hold for now.