Classic & Vintage - switching from 105

wondering if I should switch to an ultegra or something like it, instead of my 105. would it make a big difference in ride,maybe new chain, a little rust on chain, don't know much about bikes

Are you talking about a classic 105 group? I assume you are since you mention a rusty chain. Is it friction or indexed (click) shifting?

My opinion is that a clean and lubed 105 group is probably just as smooth and dependable than the 600/ultegra conterpart. I have a 7 speed 105 group and think very highly of it, 20 years old and still super smooth.

Yeah, 105 ain't bad. If you really aren't that into bikes, I doubt you'd notice a difference between 105 and a higher level of components.

thanks, just bought this cannondale on ebay cheap, haven't gotten it yet but thinking if there is any thing I need to do. Previous owner says tires are good ,but they are heavy flat proof ones, the shifters and other components look ok. When I take it out ,I'll just really try to sensitive to stuff. not sure how much it weighs, it's a SR 600 I think a 1990. Would you be able to give some ideas/advice on what I might do to make this ride well assuming I'm gonna put a couple hundred in it . I'm gonna keep it for a while maybe give it to one of my boys in a few years

Yeah, first off that is a very nice, high quality bike so I would not worry about upgrades at all.

What you will probably need to do is get it some routine maintenance.

-New grease and bearings in the bottom bracket, wheel hubs, headset and pedal spindles.

- New cables and cable housings, decent quality lined housings make a huge difference.

- Check the chain for stretch and either clean/relube it or buy a new one

- New tubes are not a bad idea, check the tires for wear or cracking.

-Lube all the pivot points on the derailleurs, and anything that moves

- Grease the seat post and stem

Stuff like that, I think it's best to learn how to do it yourself but you will need special tools and patience. 200 should get you a decent overhaul at a local bike shop. That bike is worth the work in the end.

I'd have to see it, but 105 stuff is fine, especially the calipers for that era. Everything else is fine, but I'd polish the crankset, the 105 one just didn't have the greatest finish on it.

If I buy a 7-sp or less bike for myself, the first thing I do is buy a new SRAM chain. Cheap and easy.

yeah, I have a Sram pc-850 on my 105 7 speed too.

Robbies right, the dual pivot 105 calipers are great brakes

I noticed a huge difference when I switched from 600/Ultegra (8-speed STI) to Dura Ace (8-speed STI). The shifting action was much better, both in feel and function.