WNG

Verify that your brifters are indeed 9-speed before committing to a 9-speed cassette and 9-speed chain.
Just a reminder...8/9/10 cassettes all fit a modern Shimano 130mm spec freehub. But the spacing is different for each. Thus each requires their own selection of kit. The only exception to this rule is the rear derailleur...any post 1997 rear derailleur will shift indexed from 6-9 speed. 10 speed becomes too narrow and anything other than a 10 speed derailleur will yield sloppier shifts.

Again

Well, I inherited these brifters from a friend who said they were shot and he bought new ones. However, after WD40 treatment I got 8 clicks out of it, which indicates a 9-speed.

Again

Well, I have committed myself totally to the old Sportour frame.
On order are:
Aeromax Alloy Wheelset Road Bike Comp 700c Wheels
2 Michelin Dynamic tires 700x28
2 Q-Tubes Q 700c x 35-43mm 32mm tube 140g
Shimano Tiagra 4500 9 Speed Front Derailleur
Shimano America RD-M662 SLX 9-Speed Rear Derailleur
Shimano 9-Speed Cassette with 11-32 Teeth
Shimano CN-HG53 9-Speed Chain, Silver/Black

And I have to mention that I am very impressed by BikesDirect, where I just had bought the Motobecane Cafe Latte. Realizing that I made a mistake, and want to upgrade the old Univega instead I asked them whether they would consider taking it back. Karla emailed me back this morning and said no problem, just pack it the way it arrived and pay for shipping back and we'll refund you in full. Very impressive customer service I must say.
I will remember that.

WNG

Good! The ol' Univega is going to look pretty wild with those wheels. You're going to have to post pics once done in in all the related threads...ie. Before/After, Univega Appreciation, and C&V with STI.

Again

Still a good few days off, but will do when ready!

Again

My new wheelset has arrived, and so has the 9-speed cassette.
Since my spacing was already 130mm with my old 6-speed freewheel is there anything to stop me from popping in the new wheels and taking them for a spin before the new derailers arrive)?
The friction shifter and the old Suntour derailer worked 6 sprockets over the 130mm hub, so they should work through the new 9-speed cassette as well, shouldn't they?

WNG

The 9 speed cassette will be wider than a 6 speed freewheel. And the new freehub could be narrower technically.
But try it and adjust the limit screws on the old Suntour to see if it'll do it. I think it has enough swing.

Again

That's what I figured as well. And if it doesn't reach all sprockets it wouldn't matter - it is only to let me see the new wheels run until the other parts come in.

Again

Just installed the new wheels. They fit ok, but the old Suntour can only reach 8 of the 9 gears. No matter, since I still haven't installed the new rear derailer.
Interestingly, I bought a new front derailer, as advised in the mechanics forum, but my current front derailer (a $9.00 Shimano from Walmart) can move through all 3 chain wheels!

Again

BTW, does anyone know what the little plastic tape inside the Ultegra brifters is for? It is folded over like it has no function, but I thought it must be there for a reason...
You can see it real clear here:https://www.rockymountaincyclery.com/...thumbnail6.jpg

Ah, I found out (I believe). It is the connector to Shimano's bike computer(Flight Deck enabled). If you don't have the computer it is just in the way it seems.

Again

Update:
I got everything installed, but couldn't find any shop in town that had the double cable stop I still need to replace the friction shifters on the down tube and connect the gears to the brifters. So I had to go to an online seller, and the stuff should arrive in the next few days.

Again

Alright, everything is done now, and here are the before/after pics:

Here she is on the day I got her home, with 12-speeds on the DT shifters and a decidedly neglected look.

$850 and a lot of fussing later she looks like this (with a new triple up front, a 9-speed cassette on new wheels, and Ultegra shifter):

Note the ingenious combination shifting system! Ultegra brifter for the rear 9s, DT friction for the front triple!
I hardly use any other than the middle chain ring anyway, and as a side benefit the trimming is much easier with the friction shifter.

...and a nice set of brakes that actually slow down the wheels (as opposed to what the old ones did - just squeal!)

Was it worth it? I am not sure - it rides wonderfully, but it cost me almost as much as the one I have on order now:

yearz

looks purdy damn good!! you did a great job redoing it.........i like the white on the wheels and brakes realy ties n with the frame nice!

WNG

Worth it? That's a subjective matter. Once you've gained experience in C&V pursuits, you realize where and how to trim costs. At least you have two rides to compare, once the left brifter is functioning

old's'cool

Again, I can see, as opposed to myself (a mere workman), you are an Artiste!

Again

I don't know about that, but I know that I learned a lot about what can and what cannot be done with an older type frame. I believe one has to look at it more like a hobby than a sensible purchase or investment, maybe a little like stamp collecting or art or similar things.