Originally Posted by
nfmisso
If you increase the number of teeth, you will most likely need to get a longer chain.
You should consider replacing the cassette or freewheel if you replace the chain.
Unlikely you will increase the length of your chain even if you go up a few teeth. Your chain is probably long enough, where you don't have to worry about it. Try the chain first, if there is a problem then get a new one. I am from the school where you don't replace anything until you have to. I guess it easy to spend other people's money.
Originally Posted by
nfmisso
This is NOT true; but if you stay within the Shimano cranksets which use square taper BBs, you will be okay.
I don't know where you are coming from please tell me one square taper mountain bike crank that won't fit this bike? Sure maybe the Campy one they sold thirty years ago. This is why I said "pretty well".