Conference noted::bicycle

    YOU do not need a new chain yet, unless there are other unmentioned
    factors, like riding in rain and dirt.
    
    As for the upgrade, what problem are you trying to solve?  Why do
    you want to upgrade?  Then folks might be able to give reasons for
    why to upgrade.
    
    I know, I know, I never let reason interfere with upgrading my bikes.
    
    ed

    Reasons for the upgrade:
    
     1. It's spring! (wink, wink!... nudge, nudge!)
    
     2. Tax return is burning a hole in my pocket.
    
     3. Originally wanted the Ultegra 600 when I bought the bike last
        June and figured if after 1000 mi. I still wanted the next 'step
        up', I would treat myself.
    
     4. I figure to do SOME racing this year and would like the performance
        edge and better wear that the Ultegra might offer.
    

    Does this help?
    
    				Russ
    

    Try Ultegra first, before you blow money on it.  I've heard it's fine,
    but you might not notice an appreciable difference from 105. If you do
    go for it, all you should need is a rear derailleur and shifters.  Your
    existing hub and cogs should work. 
    
    I can't help thinking that you'll get more value for your money
    by saving for a new bike, or investing in some wheels.  Apparently,
    in a short time, you've already become dissatisfied with the perfomance
    of your current bike, and piece-by-piece upgrades will only be a
    stop-gap solution.  Still, I've been known myself to upgrade just
    for the sake of change, or "personalization."
    
    MATT

    As long as we know why:
    
    "Would an upgrade to Dura_Ace here be compatible?"
    
    If you do rear D and shifters.
    
    "Should I consider replacing the front derailleur also?"
    
    Only if your current front D is not satisfactory.  The DA is
    nice and wide in the rear so that you don't have to feather it
    very often.
    
    What bike is all this going on?
    
    I would tend to agree that upgrading the wheels might be the
    best way to blow your loot.
    
    You wouldn't be looking to upgrade pedals would you?
    
    ed
    (who has about 12 pr of pedals begging to be used.)

< Note 1056.0 by DELNI::GRACE "life is unpredictable; eat dessert first" >
                  -< Upgrade from Shimano 105 to Ultegra 600 >-

There are two ways I know of to check chain wear: with the chain on the large 
chainring, pull a link away from the ring at 3 o'clock.  If it moves 1/8 inch 
or more, its stretched enough to need replacing (I've never tried this on a 
new chain for comparison).  You can also take the chain off and compare its 
length to that of a new chain with the same number of links.  If the old is 
1/2 inch longer, replace it.  I've heard that 1500 miles is a reasonable time 
to change, tho all my bikes have more miles than that on their chains which 
means I'm probably wearing out cogs and chainrings.
    
>    I figure I'll upgrade to 600 Ultegra (at least in the rear) from the 
>    Shimano 105. I'm thinking of doing the rear derailleur and rear
>    hub. Is this something that will yield noticeably better performance
>    (quicker shifts, less flex) AND better wear? 

You'll need shift levers as well, since the 105 stuff is 6-spd and ultegra is 
7-spd, assuming you want to use the indexing.
    
>    Would an upgrade to Dura_Ace here be compatible?

Compatible with what?  I run Ultegra drive trains on all my road bikes and I 
love the stuff.  Its quicker, more reliable shifting, and VERY quiet.  My 
girlfriend has 105 stuff and its noticably noisier.  Tho I would like to 
upgrade to Dura-Ace 8-spd 8^)

>    Should I consider replacing the front derailleur also?

This doesn't matter, altho you may find a better deal buying the upgrade kit, 
which includes front and rear derailleurs, levers, chain AND freewheel.  Altho 
whether you need the freewheel depends on what hub you go with.  The Ultegra 
rear hub is a cassette (is you 105 a cassette or freewheel?) and so the 
freewheel is useless.  The problem with upgrading 6 spd 105 (w/ cassette hub) 
to Ultegra 7 spd with cassette hub is that the cassettes are incompatible, 
according to all the bike shops I've talked to.  So you need to replace the 
rear wheel.  If you've got a regular rear hub that uses freewheels, then all 
you need to change is the freewheel.
                                  
>    Should I consider replacing the bottom bracket? Should I be concerned
>    about the flex from within the BB on what I have now?

BB flex refers to frame flex in the BB area, not the BB itself.  Upgrading 
your BB may get you less friction and longer wear but won't change your 
frame's flex characteristics.
    
>    I don't mind spending a few bucks to upgrade, but I don't want to
>    go too much over the line (read that bike rebuild). I was quoted $125
>    for the Ultegra 600 rear derllr., 600 hub, and new chain. Is this
>    reasonable? 

The upgrade kit I mentioned earlier has been advertised for $100 at Colorado 
Cyclist.  (Nashbar had them for $89 but sold out!)
    

I've been researching this one too, and have not come up with a suitable 
alternative, unless someone out there wants to buy my 105 stuff (including the 
rear wheel).  Its got only a couple 1000 miles on it.

Kevin        

>>I should do an upgrade to my '87 Trek 560 to Ultegra 600, or possibly 
>>to Dura-Ace (if compatible):
  
Why? If your 105 works keep it and get something that will add to the
performance of your bike. Such as light weight wheels with good hubs(+tubulars?)
or Look style pedals. If you go with the Ultegra get the front D it's worth it.
  
    
>>    I don't mind spending a few bucks to upgrade, but I don't want to
>>    go too much over the line (read that bike rebuild). I was quoted $125
>>    for the Ultegra 600 rear derllr., 600 hub, and new chain. Is this
>>    reasonable? 
  
NO. Get a Nashbar catalog.  
   
Tom        

    Everyone,
    
    Thanks for all the helpful replies. This is a great community we
    have here. I hope to meet more of you on the road soon. The bike
    is a blue-green '87 Trek 560 with Reynolds 531 frame for those that
    might spot me on the Rt. 225 backroads. I wear a white Bell V1-Pro
    helmet.
    
    To begin with, it helps to hear the voice of reason and experience
    whether to do an upgrade such as this. In fact, I might be leaning
    now towards upgrading the wheels and hub beased on the
    "if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it" philosophy espoused by Matt and
    others. I will still check out the differnce by riding an Ultegra
    600 equipped bike to see for myself. Also, it's good to know that
    Colorado Cyclist has the upgrade kit for cheaper than the local
    Nashbar store is quoting ($122).
                                                                  
    I doubt that I'll be replacing my chain. Tonight, I'll be checking
    it over based on the information that I've learned. It certainly
    makes more sense that you could get more than 1000-1500 miles out
    of a chain.
    
    BTW Ed, I have Shimano Competition (Look-comatible) clipless pedals
    installed on the bike. I did that upgrade when I bought the bike.
    I enjoy the solid contact all the way through the stroke. It took
    a while to get used to kicking out to remove my feet, but I learned.
    
    After the spring tune-up, next week, I'll assess which way to go
    with the plans to upgrade. I'll post any changes that I make. 
                                        
    				Thanks,
    				Russ