I tried to run a search, but the number "8" is too short for the search engine.

I might buy an older steel road bike built in the early 90s. It has Campagnolo Athena 8 speed drivetrain. The seller wants $300. Bike appears to be in great condition (less than 5000 miles in the last 10 years) and frame has been refinished to like new. My current ride has Campy 10, but I seriously doubt I would miss 2 gears. Should I wait for a nice steel ride with Campy 9 or grab the 8 speed ride and have fun?

My only real concern is parts availability in the future. I'm confident I can resist the temptation to 'upgrade' to newer components.
regards, jurgen

I tried to run a search, but the number "8" is too short for the search engine.

I might buy an older steel road bike built in the early 90s. It has Campagnolo Athena 8 speed drivetrain. The seller wants $300. Bike appears to be in great condition (less than 5000 miles in the last 10 years) and frame has been refinished to like new. My current ride has Campy 10, but I seriously doubt I would miss 2 gears. Should I wait for a nice steel ride with Campy 9 or grab the 8 speed ride and have fun?

My only real concern is parts availability in the future. I'm confident I can resist the temptation to 'upgrade' to newer components.
regards, jurgen

Drawbacks, finding parts for one.

I would probably remove the 8 speed hub body, replace it with a 9/10 speed hub body, change shifters, derailleurs and spread the chainstays first day I got it home.

I don't get too nostalgic over equipment from a bygone era (blame that on computers). Yesterday's technology ....well it just carry the water of todays stuff.

That step down from one gear to the next gets a little more noticeable. I realize quickly why Campy has pretty much gone all 10 speed.

That's just me though.

Whatever you do, enjoy it!

Drawbacks, finding parts for one.

I would probably remove the 8 speed hub body, replace it with a 9/10 speed hub body, change shifters, derailleurs and spread the chainstays first day I got it home.

It's already got 130 dropout spacing.

It's already got 130 dropout spacing.

Spacing, OK. The cassette for 8 speed is splined differently than 9 & 10. That will take one big hammer :D. It's easier to replace the hub body.

I have record 8 and Dura Ace 9 (no 10 speed yet). No big difference having the extra gear. The Dura Ace does shift smoother. Campy really improved shifting with 10 speed. That said, I'm not planning on replacing the 8 speed any time soon.

Hey, if that bike has a cool frame you like go ahead. Just upgrade things when they break.