jeff-

that tap might be perfect, plus i wanted to order some sturmey shhh from them anyway.

thanks to all for advice on the bolt-as-tap thing. i can be patient, and i can be determined, but i don't always get "precise". i think i'm better off dropping the $7.50 on the tap. good to know there's a macgyver option too, though

the xd crank, should i use it, would get a matching xd left crankarm. the angle and q-factor is def different than the shimano deore crankarms. pretty sure the 113mm spindle on the existing bb will work nicely, though...

thanks again
-rob