I have a late 1980's Cilo Swiss with Shimano 600 group. I'm looking to update it to modern gearing/shifters/stem. I really like the Reynolds 531 steel frame (I weigh just over 200lbs) and am attached to the bike...however, I would really like to have a few more gears to choose from. The 'Fir' heat treated rims have been great at holding true.

I'm interested to know from others experience if I'm better off from a $$ point of view, to just buy a new bike? My budget for upgrades is about $500. My budget for a new bike would be under $1k.

Regards,
Rob

most of us prefer vintage bikes, so most of us will tell you to keep the "heart" of what you have (the frameset) and up-grade the components. Depending on what new gears you desire, you may have to spread the rear to accept a wider spaced rear hub (ie: you probably have 126mm and next step up for 8/9/10 speed is 130mm) and this "cold-setting" can be controversial amongst us C&Vers. If by "more gears" you want a triple crank to replace a double, the process does not involve any frame alterations, and you can keep the FiR rims you like. In either case, I assume you'll want brifters to go with the new drivetrain, and most new ones are very pricey and only 9 or 10-speed. If you want to keep 6 or 7 in the rear consider barcons (indexing if you wish) and nice conventional brake levers.

I would get a 10 speed Ultegra rear hub and lace it to your FIR hub. Add a 105 or Ultegra cassette and chain, Ultegra rear der. and Dura Ace 10 speed downtube shifters. You don't need to cold set the frame it will be fine.

Welcome to the forum.

vjp