Lets talk drivetrain. I was coming from a full Shimano XT, 24 speed setup. These components had always been good to me. My biggest issue was not being able to go to more powerful brakes because of the short pull cantilever brake levers. The brake levers and shifters were contained in a single unit like this so I couldn't just replace one thing at a time.

After hearing lots of talk about 10 and 11 speed rear cassettes and derailleurs, I chose to go with a SRAM X9 shifter and rear deraileur with 10 speeds. I also made the decision to go single ring up front. 

Actually, I had decided to go 1x10 before choosing my components. It seems very fashionable these days but is also a reasonable compromise between cost, simplicity and effectiveness. Looking at gear ratio calculators showed that I wouldn't really lose gears that I actually use by going with a 32 tooth front ring and an 11-34 tooth 10 speed rear cassette. Each shift is a bigger ratio jump than before but it doesn't bother me at all. I will also say that I'm almost always pulling a trailer with two kids in it. I have yet to meet a hill that I couldn't climb - and I'm NOT a strong rider.

The choice of the X9 rear derailleur with clutch came because I didn't want to put a chain guide or bash ring on my bike to keep the chain where it belongs. The clutch system keeps the chain from jumping off of the front ring during big shifts. After hundreds of miles, I haven't dropped a chain once.

The front chainring choice was limited. The XT cranks of that vintage used 5 bolts as opposed to the modern 4 bolt cranks. I went as far as contacting Wolftooth to inquire about a fit for my old crank. They responded that there was no plan to produce a chainring in that size. I eventually found a 32 tooth ring made by a Canadian company - BlackSpire. It is called the Mono Veloce and the model number is 9432 for the bolt spacing and tooth count. I installed it right where the original middle chainring was with the 3 ring system. I did have to replace the bolts with shorter ones. spacers are also available to allow you to use the original bolts. I don't have an opinion as to which method is better. the bolts that I bought are steel and should be stronger. I'm very happy with the BlackSpire MonoVeloce 9432 chainring. It is attractive and well machined and finished.

Rounding out the drivtrain are the SRAM PG1050 11-34 tooth rear cassette and SRAM PC 1091R 10 speed chain.