Question(s) for you retro build guys. Need to re-do drivetrain on 30 yr. old.

[simplemind]

I have a very nice Paramount (PDG) 56 bike, which was my first road bike. Hasn’t been ridden in 20+ years and I would like to update the drivetrain (STI) to something more current and functionally better. It’s a 9 sp now, and I believe it has the wider chainstays to accommodate a 10 sp cogset.
How and what would you use to accomplish the task?

[rccardr]

Looks like it’s currently Shimano 600/Ultegra 8 speed, which means 130mm rear dropouts. So you can update to pretty much anything you want that comes withan english threaded BB. Use the current wheel set for economical result up to 10 speed or go whole hog and buy new wheels compatible with the 11 speed group of your choice.

11 speed Ultegra would be a good starting point, methinks.

[Coffee Rider]

I think it actually makes the most sense to go with 11 speed since that will have the most spare parts for a while. Depending on your budget, it seems the best options are likely Potenza or the current incarnations of 105 or Ultegra. If you run a larger cassette on the back (I recall a 34) then you should be able to run the group on your current wheels.

[simplemind]

Originally Posted by rccardr

Looks like it’s currently Shimano 600/Ultegra 8 speed, which means 130mm rear dropouts. So you can update to pretty much anything you want that comes withan english threaded BB. Use the current wheel set for economical result up to 10 speed or go whole hog and buy new wheels compatible with the 11 speed group of your choice.

11 speed Ultegra would be a good starting point, methinks.

Originally Posted by Coffee Rider

I think it actually makes the most sense to go with 11 speed since that will have the most spare parts for a while. Depending on your budget, it seems the best options are likely Potenza or the current incarnations of 105 or Ultegra. If you run a larger cassette on the back (I recall a 34) then you should be able to run the group on your current wheels.

You guys are kidding...I would have never believed I could run 11sp with this frame and maybe a 11sp used wheelset makes the most sense. And yes, Shimano 600. First iteration of STI shifting I think, and what a difference from downtube shifting...a revelation! Also, this is a Waterford, when they still made bikes for Schwinn.

[robt57]

Put the parts you pull off in the classifieds here, there IS a market.

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano...et-118524.html

11/34 is HG800 cassette will fit your wheel/freehub for 11speed.

[Pegoready]

If you want to use the 11-34 Shimano Ultegra or 105 11 Speed Cassette, it *should* fit on those wheels. Anything smaller range, and you will definitely need new wheels.

I'd personally do 105 or Ultegra 11 Speed with the 11-34 cassette for low climbing gears and keep those wheels, as long as they're in good shape, because they look pretty sweet.

Should be a cool project! Nothing will ride noticeably better than that frame, even today, in my humble opinion, so it's worth updating the drivetrain for sure.

[Pegoready]

I'd also splurge for a nice 26.0 compact bar for modern STI shifters. It will be much more comfortable. Something like the Soma Highway One will allow modern ergonomics while maintaining the classic looking quill stem.

[choke]

If it was mine, I'd run a 10sp cassette, a retro style crank (IRD, SunXCD), some normal brake levers and DT shifters. But I know most people don't think like I do.

I beg you, whatever you decide on, please don't put a threadless stem on it.

[robt57]

If shifters are working as should be, I'd jut get/put a 8-9s MTB rear derailleur, a 34/50 HTii 5600/6600 chainset and BB, new chain [I'd use a 9s] and a one of a million cassettes.

I'd redo all the cables unless they are barely used or something.

If you are going to only flatland, I'd keep the chainset too, and do the above MTN RD/chain etc.

This is the cheapest way to go. Unless you go 11s w/long cage RD and the HG-800 11-34 , you'll have a good reason to justify more modern wheels.

If you want/need wheels in your plans going forward, I'd sure pickup a nice used 11s Chorus 34/50 groupo.

[RonW87]

Chorus 12 speed. Go big!

[sg8357]

You can use the existing 9/10s wheels with 11s road cassettes,
leave of the useless 11t cog.

[tv_vt]

Lots of options here. You could easily jump up to 10 speed: new shifters, chain and cassette and you're there. Wheels and even derailleurs on there now would work.

Or go 11speed. You could still keep your wheels if you want by getting the 11s Shimano 11-34 cassette, which fits on older freehubs. Or go full bore: wheels, tires, FD, RD, chain, cassette, and shifters. Zondas and 105 would get you there cheapest. Go up to Ultegra for a little more.

[robt57]

Originally Posted by sg8357

You can use the existing 9/10s wheels with 11s road cassettes,
leave of the useless 11t cog.

How does one do this exactly, the 11t is what the locking ring locks to by design.

[stien]

Spending other folks $$, I say either Dura Ace 9000 or 9100 would look ACE on this bike. 9000 has the silver accents that would blend well (IMO) with the classic parts on the bike. I wouldn't play with the grey of Ultegra. Wheels could be a more classic TB14 box section, or Dura Ace 9000.

[Ken Robb]

I think it may be difficult to find stuff that FUNCTIONS better than well-tuned 9 speed Ultegra or DA but the other reasons quoted above might make a total change worthwhile but I'd try to stick with gear that will work with your Shimano wheels unless they are shot.