Cranks/BB for restoring touring-ready mountain biking

[CliveA]

I've decided on a project: to overhaul my battle-weary 1991 rigid steel mountain bike.

This used to be my pride and joy. It was my only bike. Over the years it evolved from a mountain bike to a geared commuter and then to a singlespeed commuter. Then it was stashed in my parents' shed for a few years and forgotten. Hardly any of the components are original an it's now a bit shabby.

I want to fit a new drivetrain and wheels, and turn this bike into an expedition-ready mountain bike tourer. Fit for extended touring in faraway places, but also for off-roading.

Most component choices will be obvious. Strong wheels, Deore or SLX mechs, existing V-brakes, rapidfires or maybe thumbshifters.But I'm not sure what to do about the chainset.

I want compact mountain bike ratios rather than anything roady. Most off-the-shelf mountain bike chainsets come as external BB systems now, but I have a hunch that for optimum touring durability I'm better off going for good old square taper. Am I right? Should I fit a square taper chainset and bottom bracket?

Any other tips for a touring-ready mountain bike restoration?

Thanks.

[hartleymartin]

Old-fashioned square taper probably better. These external bearing types appear to give you rather wide Q-factor, which isn't something you want when you're spending hours in the saddle, mostly riding on the roads. 26" x 1.5" slick tyres, and 44/32/22 crankset with 11-34 or 11-32 8 or 9 speed on the rear will give you the sort of gears you want. I tend to favour 8-speed because you can get away with using standard chains and they seem to have a longer service life than 9-speed (they also run on the same hubs and with the same derailleurs as 9-speed anyway)

[rootes]

stronglight single speed - cheap

[hamster]

Cranks themselves don't really wear out, so I would buy some decent chainrings like Stronglight or TA and fit to your old cranks if you still have them. While a new chainset can be cheaper, if they are Shimano then the rings appear to be made of metallic cheese and they don't last at all long.

Failing that, Spa Cycles are doing some stunning deals at present on what appear to be OEM Sugino chainsets.