Bicycle Mechanics - Kona Smoke Upgrade

Hi all,
I have a Kona Smoke 2006 (http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2006&Brand=Kona&Model=Smoke&Type=bike#.UGcEur3R5Lc) which I use for commuting and touring.
It was cheap to buy with budget components but it has a steel frame which Kona do well and more importantly it fits me.
The bike is in it's original form with all stock components.
Fitted is a cup/spindle BB which needs tightening every few months, so I thought it time to fit a replacement and while I'm at it, a new chainset.
I want to keep the BB square taper so I am considering a Shimano UN54 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17473) mated with an LX triple (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=86411).
Will these be a direct replacements? As it's all Shimano Mega 9 I'm assuming it'll fit no problem.
I'll measure the spindle when I take it out but I think it's 113mm.
The rear mech is a Deore Mega 9 mated to a HG30 8 speed cassette.
More advice will be needed as I proceed...
Regards,
Andrew.

It doesn't matter wht the current spindle lenght is, your new BB needs to have a spindle to match the Deore LX crankset.

Your front derailleur will need adjusting once this is installed. Have you been replacing your chain? if it is still the '06 chain it is likely stretched which means it may not play well with the new cranks. Also if you need a new chain more than likely you will need a new cassette too.

It doesn't matter wht the current spindle lenght is, your new BB needs to have a spindle to match the Deore LX crankset.

Your front derailleur will need adjusting once this is installed. Have you been replacing your chain? if it is still the '06 chain it is likely stretched which means it may not play well with the new cranks. Also if you need a new chain more than likely you will need a new cassette too.

Thanks for the reply. Not sure I understand what you mean by a "spindle to match the Deore LX crankset".
If I measure the removed spindle at 113mm and replace it with a matching cartridge BB of 113mm I'd assume it would fit a new Mega 9 crank regardless of what Shimano have named it.
Good advise on the chain/cassette. Thanks for reminding me.

Andrew.

Different cranks need different length spindles because th 'dish' on the rings is different. Check around the internet for specs on the BB that goes to that LX crankset.

If your current crank is not a Deore level component there is not gaurentee the spindle will be the same length as you will need for the Deore LX

Different cranks need different length spindles because th 'dish' on the rings is different. Check around the internet for specs on the BB that goes to that LX crankset.

If your current crank is not a Deore level component there is not gaurentee the spindle will be the same length as you will need for the Deore LX

They don't make it simple do they...:bang:

Just been on Sheldon Brown. They state the LX M570 is matched to a 110-113 spindle so I should be ok.
Thanks for the info.

Well the latest cranks fix a tube spindle to the right crank arm,
then you have the bearings fitted external to BB shell.

lack of choice does make some things simpler. :rolleyes:

Is there something wrong with he stock crankset? If not then you are the one complicating things.

Unless there is something wrong with the current crank (damaged, worn rings, damaged square taper) then there is nothing (or very close to it) to be gained by switching cranks.

Loose ball BB for the win, IMO.

If you look after your bike, such things are an advantage rather than a liability.

Is there something wrong with he stock crankset? If not then you are the one complicating things.

Unless there is something wrong with the current crank (damaged, worn rings, damaged square taper) then there is nothing (or very close to it) to be gained by switching cranks.

The chainset is tired after 8 years and has non replaceable rings.
Kona spec'd the groupset to a specific cost with the intention of user upgrade.
After 8 years mileage it's time for that upgrade.
By fitting a few select parts the bike will serve me for many years/miles to come.

Loose ball BB for the win, IMO.

If you look after your bike, such things are an advantage rather than a liability.

Agreed. I'm fitting a cartridge BB purely for the convenience.