Shimano 600
 

I have a complete group set of mid 80's Shimano 600. bio pace rings. What do think would be a good steel frame to build up with this set?

Centurion IronMan

Or a Nishiki Tri-A, Cannondale R600. What size frame are you looking at?

Put that gruppo (or at least the chainrings) on a bike that you won't ride.

If the rings happen to be of the "HP", "SG" or "II" variants, they will however be fine even for racing since the smaller ring(s) will be only half as out-of-round as the original BioPace rings (all Biopace big rings are relatively round like this, only 3.5% diameter variation versus 8% variation).

Looking at 58 cm. I think this set come off a R600.

LOL..My old trek 1000 had the suntour version. I think it was called edge. I do remember it was very oval.

I don’t have anything that size, but I am sure there are donor bikes in that size in your area.

i have 600 stuff on my two Tri-As, one that might be repurposed as an around town bike as it is only 53cm.

I'm just starting to look around for some frames. I was looking at building a winter ride and hook to the trainer. Practice too. I never built a road bike from frame up.

It should be a fun project no matter what frame you get. Just be sure to check the wheel sizes and the frames and threading. Japanese will be an easy fit. I am pretty sure Cannondales are all 700c

Yes.
You don’t mention whether New 600 (6207 friction, 6208 indexed) or 640X Tricolor.
But either way, the answer is still: yes.

A nice Koga Miyata frame is always an option. Look for online catalogues to figure out which models came with Shimano 600. But as asked above, is it 620x (600EX) or 640x series (Ultegra Tricolor)?

Another option could be one of the many Japanese-made Schwinns from the mide/late 80s. A Voyageur SP would be my pick if you can find one ;) They are a fine sport touring bike. But there are tons of Schwinns from this era able to be found in the US in good shape.

A nice Specialized Sirrus or Allez would be a good option as well. More race-y.

Its a 600 ex

Its new index shifting

1987 Miyata 912.


...or any of the literal hundreds of equal options from '84 thru '89 from Japanese, Italian, or American brands.

Have you ever rode biopace enough to get used to it? I was in a bike shop when it came out, so I know the arguments. Have you ever put any time into riding it or are you just saying what you've heard?
When you ride it, If you can get it out of your head, you'll completely forget you're on it.
I don't even notice it except climbing inclines, makes it just slightly easier.

Here's an NOS Biopace II chainring in a 46

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8d88f4f987.jpg

My experience, the more severe biopace makes a bit of funkiness in spinning. Not terrible, but I didn't like it.

The thing about 600 is that it complements just about any frame. I have seen many custom frames set up with 600. It’s hard to argue that choice.

You are so right, it's beautiful. I've got a Miyata made 1984 Univega Gran Tour Gran Rally in a 63 that has the full 6207 group with a Non-EX 6207 rear hub (freewheel)
It looks good on everything. The frame is too big for me but it is beautiful on it.

Potentially shorter list - what would NOT be an appropriate steel frame for 600/EX?

(And no, Huffy and Firenze don't count)

Tongue hanging out... Got an 80's Spalding? lmfao

Ah. Check the tangs on the right (indexed) shifter. They are often broken or breaking, as Shimano used metal with insufficient shear strength on those.
Good news is if they go south, literally ANY Shimano 6 speed shifter will happily interface with your RD. Actually, ANY Shimano indexed road shifter of the 6-7-8-9-10 speed variety will do that, except 740X.

I will check them out. They have been sitting in my attic for years. I was going to clean and polish them up on the next rainy weekend.