Bob Jackson group set dilemma

[EddieNplusOne]

Just picked up a Bob Jackson road bike today. Frame number puts it at 1990 according to the handy chart posted by @FalconSS. Well maintained, already a fine ride but components are a real mix - the majority being Shimano 600 Arabesque (front & rear derailleurs and chaining/ cranks). Reading up about Arabesque these components must have pre-dated the frame by 10 years. The question is whether to complete the Arabesque group when replacing bog-standard brake levers and calipers or to start again with a group set from circa 1990 and in all probability get much better performance. Also stick with Shimano or look elsewhere?

 

[Jonny69]

8-speed Dura Ace would look, er, ace on that!

 

[Jamesbike]

Unless you want to go to sti I wouldn't bother.

Nice bike btw.

Cheers James

 

[Mike-p]

Tricolour 600 would be a cheaper option. Beautiful frame, would fit me very nicely...

 

[legrandefromage]

Old Ultegra 9spd looks nice and shiny

 

[Nob]

Campag Athena in silver would go nicely

 

[otherself]

Me, personally, Shimano 6400 600 Tri colour or Suntour Superbe Pro.

 

[pigman]

Tricolour 600 works well and is a bit unfancied so relatively cheap, even less in demand than 105 of the same era, so cheaper even though it's higher up in the groupset ranking

 

[non-fixie]

What I am seeing is mostly 105 "Golden Arrow". Which works well and I really like the look of. More modern and more elegant than 600 Arabesque, IMO.

I'd put on a pair of Cane Creek brake lever hoods and call it good.

Nice bike, BTW.

 

[pigman]

I'd definitely get something with indexed gear levers. Makes gear changes and knowing it's not going to slip under load so much better.