My fault jmc101. Not made myself very clear.

Having to junk the 7sp Freewheel Hubs and Wheels, so have already got a pair of Shimano R500 Freehub Wheels which would take either the SRAM 9sp I already have, or a 10sp anybody recommends.
I only mentioned what the bike IS running, and is going to be replaced, so you can get some idea how I'm limited, and how easily it could be improved.

'You may find that it soon get cheaper to buy a complete bike with the parts you have listed so far'.

New Boardmans costing £850 to £1000, with used ones costing at least half, means I still have a bit to play with, with my ' Ebay Special '


'Just pick a whole groupset based on looks & price, have it installed, ride'.

That would rather defeat the whole of my DIY, Anklework. Saving cash, gaining experience, knowledge and the satisfaction you've put together every bolt on your now unique Handbuilt.
It's not ability I lack.....just knowledge.
Give me a Fulcrum and I'll strip any thread you like ! (apologies to Archimedes)

Sorry for confusing you, Raiden (I'm in the middle of it ! )
Many thanks for your exceedingly detailed reply, and the time taken just to compose it, never mind type it !
Thanks for confirming what I suspected, that the SRAM is just TOO big to work with the 105 Triple, and might even struggle with the Tiagra Double. Might as well go for something like a 10sp 12/28 with a 10sp KMC chain (I think).
Going to junk the sq. taper BB along with the 52/39 Crank, and go for the stiffer and lighter Hollowtech.

Haven't ID'd Shifters until I get everyone's opinion on 105 Triple (with it's Granny) or the Tiagra Double and maybe 'Mash' like hell and wear these nylon knees out !

Don't know what your terrain's like in sunny CA, but here on the N. Wales coast, on the doorstep of Snowdonia, you go uphill to get anywhere.

'22:36 =1:0.61 would that be low enough for you' ?

Sorry fletsbob. Is that the algebraic solution to a quadratic equation, or something ?

Seriously though, thanks for all answers.

Cheers

MalcB