thanks all - that's what i was suspecting, about being right on the border of big problem (drive train) and little problem (just the chain).

as much as i don't really have the money, i'm tempted to upgrade the bike to:

• Shimano XT Cassette 9 Speed M770 (11-34)
• Shimano XT Chainset 9 Speed M771 (26-36-48)
• Shimano XT Rear Mech Shadow 9sp M772 (SGS)
• Shimano XT Front Mech Conventional 9sp M771 (Unisize - Dual Pull)

that's about $400-500(US) - half of which is the crankset. not cheap, but for the same money i could get a bus-pass for 4-5 months. i'd rather put the money into my bike! i didn't realize i've been riding it for a year and half!

i guess i'll see how it works with a new chain. if the cogs are too worn, i guess i'll get a KMC "missing link", put the old chain back on, and keep going until either something bad happens to the old drive-train or i pull the trigger on an upgrade.

if anyone has any comments on that list of parts for this bike...? if it makes a difference, it's already got schwalbe marathon tires and BB7 brakes.

thanks...