explody pup

Could anyone here tell me what series the bluish/grey anodized Shimano 600 was? Any item numbers or site that lists the full group?

Thanks!

sykerocker 

If you're talking the ones with the green/blue/dark blue bar under the name, that's the 6400 series.

I think they came out at the same time as the 7400 Dura Ace, aka, the first of the SIS indexed shift gear. I'm temporarily running a 6400 rear derailleur with 7400 Dura Ace levers, and it works just fine.

The next main generation was the dark gray stuff, Ultegra 600 (or was that 600 Ultegra?), after which the 600 name disappeared.

Syke
Deranged Few M/C

smellygary

I bought the group in late 88 or early 89 with the blue green gray stripe on it and are that pale anodized gray color. The box they came in was labeled Ultera 600, but the components all say 600, no Ultegra. I think I got ripped off. It seems the true Ultegra started the next year, replacing the 600 series, or so I tend to believe. Even the more knowledgeable LBS guys I've asked in the past weren't quite sure, though. I've always wondered too.

cyclotoine

I don't think you were ripped off. Either way I think the annodised grey 600 is a fantastic but then I love annodised grey (i have the 2005 centaur century grey group and would kill for C-record in the century finish).

Little Darwin

My Shimano 600 grey group is date coded late 1987 and is on my 1988 Centurion.

Anyone who wants to discard any old 600 stuff because it isn't Ultegra, PM me and I will give you my address and pay shipping for you to dump that 600 crap so that you can make room for some Ultegra!

sykerocker 

And whatever he doesn't have room for, I'll gladly take!!!!!

The only reason I'm converting the Rossin over to full 7400-series Dura Ace, is because I've always had this love for complete groups. I'm anal. From a functional standpoint, all that 600 that's currently on the bike is every bit as good as anything else I've ever used - including the 9-speed Ultegra on my Fuji.

Syke
Deranged Few M/C

Stacey

Uhn uh... I love my circa 1981 600 set. All the pretty eenraving or whatever in it. No way.

explody pup

Thanks for the info, folks!

Couple more questions, is there a model number for the generation after the 6400?

Which gen. was the 8 speed introduced?

T-Mar

600 Ultegra went 8 speed in 1992, the same year it received STI. It was still the 6400 series, though the rear derailleur, freehub and downtube shift levers did increment in their part numbers.

The next generation after 6400 was Ultegra series 6500, introduced in 1998 and reflecting a re-design to accommodate 9 speed.

smellygary

My late 88 or early 89 is 7 speed.

cuda2k

Ah, the Shimano 600 Arabesque group. Very nice looking set. Almost bought a Shogun with a full set on it a while back. Personally, I'm more partial still to the slightly more rare Shimano 105 Golden Arrow of approx the same age. I have a full drive train worth on the 'Cuda Mk.I. I've seen the brakes once or twice on ebay, but I like my modern dual pivots to keep that heavy bike's speed in check on the downhills. (If you can call the decents in Dallas, Tx "downhills".)

The gray-blue 600 Ultegra set is very pretty, though as stated, really needs the full group to look right.

Stacey

So, that's what it's called! Thank you

sabaka

Is this the group that you guys are talking about?

https://cgi.ebay.com/Classic-Shimano-...QQcmdZViewItem

It is the 6200 series of Shimano 600, which was 6-speed. I have the matching BB, RD, and freewheel up for auction as well (I am currently using the FD on an 84 LeJeune). I wish I could keep this stuff, as it it a beautiful group, but I need the cash, if it brings any.

MalcolmsFrejus

6400 series was 7 speed (index)
6401 was 8 speed