Upgrade from 8 speed

SteveV said:

I have a 12 year old Serotta with Shimano 600, 8 speed components (this was the first STI and was called Ultegra at the time) and am thinking about upgrading to 9 speed. Mine has gotten sloppy over time. I know that I have to change the entire drivetrain (STI levers, front der., BB, cranks, rear der., cassette, and chain) and have found some good prices on 9 speed since 10 speed is all the rage now.
Has anyone ever gone from an 8 to a 9 and what do you think of the 2004 Ultegra 9 speed?

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daveornee said:

9 speed Ultegra is good.
You don't need to change the bottom bracket, cranks, or front derailer.

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daveornee said:

9 speed Ultegra is good.
You don't need to change the bottom bracket, cranks, or front derailer.

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Randybaker99 said:

I second that. I upgraded an even older 12 speed with downtube shifters to STI 9 speed, and I am using the same BB, crank and Front Derailleur. I did put a new big ring on, and it really smoothed out the front shifting.

You say that you shifting has gotten "sloppy", but I am not sure what that means, but have you considered that possibility that your cogs and rings are worn out?

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