vintage shimano late 80s group set-Worth buying?
 

I'm looking at a late 8os Shimano 105 groupset with index shifting, hyperglide freewheel for sale at an attractive price.(about $100.00)Is it recommended?I heard someone say 105 of the 80s was considered low end not like today where it's just below Ultegra.Anyone can advise?Thanks!

Back in the day 105 was what 105 is today as far as hierarchy goes (though maybe it was the era sante was out so it was sorta 4th in the line, but nevertheless, -its a good group, reliable and strong, just not light weight in a sense. if its a complete group thats not a bad price.

If it's a "just add frame" groupset, that's a good price. If it's just drivetrain and brakes, not so much.

-Shimano 105 dual pivot brakes (front and rear): $43
-Shimano 600 RD-6401 Derailleur: $23
-Shimano 600 FD-6401 Derailleur: $16
-Shimano SL-A400 DT Shifters (Indexed): $30

This is what I bought recently on ebay and through the forums. The shifters were NOS too. All prices include shipping. So if you're just getting derailleurs and a FW it's a bad deal. I didn't mind spending a little extra on this because it was exactly what I wanted.

Like mudboy said, if it is a true groupset with BB, headset, hubs, crank, and brakes etc, then it's a great price.

+1 If it included wheelset, then it would be a good deal. Doesn't sound like that good of a deal to me. Your list is missing quite a few pieces.

Generally speaking, 105 is good stuff. 1st gen 1050 series is very similar to earlier 600SIS (but better looking if you ask me) and will index up to 7 speeds out back if you look hard enough (most of it is 6 speed, though). 2nd gen 1055 series is very similar to 600 Tricolor with a different finish, starts at 7 speed and goes up to 8 speed indexed (but 600 is better looking if you ask me).

It's pretty bombproof but not always well maintained- especially the cranksets- because it was found on lower end bikes of the day.

You couldn't buy a modern crankset and set of derailleurs for under a couple hundred dollars, so yes it is a good value. Paying more for mint components is no big deal. If they were well used and scuffed I'd deduct some money. But for 100$ it sounds like you are getting a good starter setup.

I have a bike outfitted stock with 1st gen (1988) 105 throughout. I have to say, I really like this group. It's first gen SIS (6-spd), but on my bike, it works well-- crisp, almost silent shifts, and no fuss. The entire bike weighs 24 lb, so if this group is heavier than 600, it must be by a matter of a few grams. And the finish is very good for a mid-level group.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/...9422309a_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/...dfe2f508_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/...74646893_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/...7f1ec79c_b.jpg

Includes crank and cassette(8 speed)derailleurs,Brakes and levers and shifters,oh and pedals.After hearing it is a quality group I went ahead and ordered it.there's no BB or headset or wheels.Still think I made out all right.

I think you made out great, assuming the group is in good shape!

the first gen 105 1056 groupset is quite very good.

i did a lot of forum-based research on it and found out some interesting facts.

1. the brakes worked so well that racers of the time would ditch their dura-ace brake calipers for the 105 calipers + levers (first iteration of the SLR system)

2. shift is very smooth and snappy and especially good if your chain length is correct (some are installed with too many links)

3. the hubs and loose-ball bearings are fantastic and rebuilable - there is no andonizing on the hubs so they are polishable

4. most people (like sheldon brown) felt that 105 was the pinnacle of japanese cycle-engineering at the time.

dura-ace of the same era had a funky non-rebuildable rear hub that had a different freewheel mech i believe, and sproket interior diameter was also different.

i also had a 105 with 20kms on it and as long as u have new cables/housings, its really the best all around group

The 1050's series are under-rated, in my opinion.

If you got a pretty complete group, you did fine. A lot of tri-bike buiders still use 105 single pivot calipers.

I think the 1050 series is easily comparable to the 600EX of the day.

I also agree with those here on the nice qualities of the 1056 series, and these included Look-type pedals for the first time.

$100 for the items above is an excellent price. The hubs are as stated above, excellent and rebuildable, silky when done right.

Folks my set arrived and I'm very pleased especially after the very encouraging comments about the quality of the early 105 posted on this thread.I'm a little confused however as it arrived with an 8 speed cassette though comments here mentioned indexing up to 6 or 7speed.On the shifter it says SIS and 7S which I assume means 7 speed.Is this 8 speed cassette usable in either index or friction with this set which on all parts says Shimano 1050?Would people suggest I change the cassette for a 6 or 7 speed freewheel?I'm leaning to building it up on a frame with 126mm spacing by the way.Thanks folks!