Bicycle Mechanics - Value of used Shimano groupsets?

I'm a noob to cycling and I can't decide whether buying used groupsets is a good idea, especially price vs quality.

I've seen good condition Shimano 600 (90's) and Shimano Tiagra groupsets (F&R Deraillers, Brakes, Shifters, Crank, Cassette, Levers for around 200-250 bucks. Considering that the 600 was the 90's equivalent to Ultegra and that Tiagra sets are more than 400 buck new, are the used components worth 200?

YMMV depending on the condition of the gear, but 600 is well-made stuff that lasts when looked after... you don't want a group with a sloppy, worn RD, though. Tiagra's not too flash compared to 600/Ultegra; I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it.

One caveat is the old STIs may need fushing with solvent at some point to restore functioning, and the plastic on the small levers can perish and break, leaving the lever as a stub. Still usable, but a bummer.

I would hanker after some Ergolevers instead, and make it work on a Shimano freehub (cause they're a much better design, like Ergos over STI) with a Jtek Shiftmate. You only need a good brake on the front; any old single-pivot will be fine for the rear. If you stay with 8spd, you can use any old cranks.

All my bicycles use old group sets and parts... the key here is knowing how to tell what is good and what is beyond it's useful shelf life.

For the average cyclist, finding a 600 / Ultegra groupset in great condition and using that on their bike would give them some rather excellent kit that I would consider to be superior to modern Tiagra level parts.

Find a good deal on some older 105 and you will have of the nicest and most solid parts Shimano makes.

On the other side of things, much of Shimano's mtb and touring groups from years past was very well made... my primary commuter runs XT from the 80's that I found in very good condition and at a very decent price.

I agree, look for Shimano 105 or Sora/RX-100 parts for now. More expensive parts wont really make the ride noticibly better, since you dont have the experience yet.

Besides, if you screw up or break something it wont set you back as much.

If you do come across some 600/dura-ace stuff for free or almost free, there is no reason not to grab it though.

So basically, 200 isn't really a good price to pay for used Shimano? I can't find any 105, but have my eyes on some 600 and Tiagra sets (mostly complete, but no cables or hubs).

For decent condition tricolor 600, expect to pay $35+ for an RD, $25+ for an FD, $48+ for a crankset and $50+ for a set of brakes, all plus shipping. Tricolor DT shifters are stupid expensive, instead go for R400L 8 speed ones from Chain Reaction or ProbikeKit- new and will last a lifetime. +1 on what's been said here re STI's of that era. Wheelsets are all over the place, but not unusual to find an OK set of 600 wheels, either 126 OLD (6/7 speed, UG or HG depending on the hub, some are freewheel) or 130 OLD (8/9/10 speed, sometimes both UG and HG compatible) for $150 or so.

I've found with Tricolor stuff that if it looks like it's in good cosmetic condition the mechanicals are good too. Especially if the jockey wheels look clean and crisp. I stay away from ones that look like they've been dragged through a corn field behind a pickup truck, so far have had good luck on probably 20+ groups.

So basically, 200 isn't really a good price to pay for used Shimano? I can't find any 105, but have my eyes on some 600 and Tiagra sets (mostly complete, but no cables or hubs).

I'm assuming the Tiagra has STI levers and the 600 is downtube shifters. I would think you might lean one way or another based on that.

I have 600 STI. They work fine BTW.

I have 600 STI. They work fine BTW.

I'm just curious if the OPs potential buy includes them because he listed off 'shifters' and 'levers' seperately.

Almost all of my parts I have picked up used, in the shape of a complete bike. That way I get everything: wheels, cranks, shifters, saddle, seatpost, etc., and usually at a price lower than the major drivetrain pieces.

All of my builds have been with used parts. Shifters (STI) are the weak point.