Mountain Biking - Shimano XTR Crank & BB, Front & Rear Derailleur Questions

Hello,
I discovered this forum a few weeks ago and have been lurking ever since. I finally came up with a question that doesn't appear to have been addressed - at least I didn't find it in a search of the forum.

I am a 40 year old engineer and have been riding a Trek 8000LT for the past two years. I put around 150 miles per week on the bike split between 50% trails and 50% road. The trails aren't technical in nature. The biggest obstacle is sand and roots, followed by alligators. I am located in Florida.

I have been turning a wrench on my bikes all my adult life and am equipped with a good set of Park Tools and the Barnett Manual. I perform all the basic maintenance on my family's bikes. I simply don't have a bike shop locally that is reputable and trustworthy. In the past they have swapped superior parts for inferior internals on other bikes, assuming I wouldn't catch the theft. For major repairs I have to drive 30 miles, so I will be doing these upgrades myself.

Here are the questions by component - I will be using these with new model XTR shifters. I have Hayes brake levers. The bike is a 9 sprocket:

1. Shimano XTR Crank & BB
My Trek is using an Icon Onyx crank which I have never been too fond of. I originally was going to go with an XT crank, but have been considering the newer XTR. My bottom bracket spindle length is 113mm, but, the new XTR BB I will need to use is listed at 112.5mm. Will this slightly shorter length make a difference? Should it work ok? Should I upgrade the cassette to XTR for better drivetrain/chainline alignment? Current cassette is 11-32 HG70-9.

2. Shimano XTR Front Derailleur
Shimano has two basic models - the 953 and 952. Does one work better than the other? Which is recommended? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two models?

3. Shimano XTR Rear Derailleur
Same question. Shimano has two basic models - the 953 and 952. Does one work better than the other? Which is recommended? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two models? Yes, I will be using a long cage model.

Thanks in advance for your help.

answer to #1.

the xtr bottem bracket is splined and i'm sure the stock is not. Also pretty sure the xtr is proprietary.
Using a longer or shorter BB than is spec'd will mess up the "chain line" with the rear cog and you will have shifting problems.

#2:
Shimano XTR M952 Front Derailleur
Differential Plate Action: Inner and outer chain cage plates move with an independent action that improves shifting response. Light Alloy Chain Cage: Nickel plated light alloy chain cage reduces weight and resists wear. Mega-9 Compatible: Designed for narrow 9-speed chains. Designed to work with outer chain rings of 44/46/48 teeth. Top swing. Bottom or top pull. 1 1/8, 1 1/4, 1 3/8". 117g
0102

Shimano XTR M953 Front Derailleur SALE!!!
Mega-9 Compatible: Designed for narrow 9-speed chains.9sp Bottom swing. Bottom or top pull. Designed to work with outer chain rings of 44/46/48 teeth. Sizes: 1 1/8, 1 1/4, 1 3/8". 131g
(Certain sizes on SALE in HOT DEALS for $35)
0102

your guess is as good as mine, maybe better. the 952 looks better but the 953 is on sale.
but be sure to know what tube size and swing(top or bottem) you need.

#3.

Shimano XTR M952 Rear Derailleur SALE!!!
XTR has titanium upper pivot bolt, with teflon-coated parallelogram pivot bushings. Pulleys have sealed bearings. Compatible with rapidfire remote system and Mega 9. Works with 8 or 9 speed standard shift or gripshift. GS/Mid or SGS/Long cages. Gray. 207g
(SGS long cage on SALE in HOT DEALS for $75.00)
0102

Shimano XTR Rapid Rise M953 Rear Derailleur SALE!!!
Rapid Rise has reverse spring action for easier downshifting with large 11T pulleys that run more quietly and work more smoothly. Compatible with rapidfire remote system and Mega 9. Works with 8 or 9 speed, GS/Md or SGS/long cage. 207g GS Cage
0226
i highlighted what i saw as the important stuff. JMO.

Since your a flatlander, why are you fitting all these mountain gears.
Singlespeed or even fixed gear would be ideal for flatland offroad riding.
If you want to have changeable gears, think about running a single chainring with 9 gears at the back. It is lighter, simpler and easier to maintain.

Michael,
I also ride quite a bit in the mountains of Tennessee as well as Florida. I have no desire to ever ride a single speed up there again.

I also posted this in the mechanics forum and got the answers. Here is a link to that post:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7027

I'm not exacty sure about the BB question :o

but as for the derailleurs, it's pretty much just a weight difference, I'd go with the heavier version since it will cost less and it does not appear that you need the extra light parts.

anyhow the info The Toninator put out there should be really helpful :)