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?

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

daveornee said:

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

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?

daveornee said:

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

No need to change the RD either unless it is wore out and sloppy. The requirement is shifters,casette and chain.

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?

Cables and casing are also a possibility, in addition to possible mal adjustment.