Necromancy! or: How I Learned What Parts I Need for A 1994 Nishiki Cornice Revival
Hello from Rod Serling's hometown, I seek wisdom of things that I know not of. I have now what I've been told is a pretty stock 1994 Nishiki Cornice that I want to resurrect as a 80%-daily-commuter/20%-camp-fish-biking-trail-tourer. The wheels seem like they only need some trueing but the 3x7 gearing and chain are just absolutely rusted and trash, and while both derailleurs look like quality components I can see even for myself they're really bangled up and need serious off-site servicing if possible someday. Shift levers seem to click just fine. I'd post pics but apparently this forum still has gearing & rules from 1994 as well too lol, so!
Okay so, I'd like to stick to Shimano 3x7 stuff since I'm interested in the 14-34T MegaRange gearset, I'm actually a bit of a Shimano fanboy already (IX2000, Sienna 500/2500HG, Catana2500FC, Bass One XT, Sahara4000FA), and it all seems to be STX components on it including the 2-in-1 thumb-clicky brake-shifters, even the cantilevered brakes are Shimano badged. My budget is about $100-160'ish, I've skimmed amazon and seems like Tourney grade parts start around $20 and up, but conditions apply.
Since I will be heavily using the bike almost every day half the time loaded with gear and me (300lb + 55lb capable Ibera IB-RA15), and that I'll be doing bushwhacking to fishing spots sometimes, I realized I need to pay more for a drivetrain bundle/package/set that's built and literally geared more like a mule for dependable durability than high end peak pony performance. Any advice or questions welcomed, and thanks!
Oh yeah how do I figure out what size of handlebar stem adapter I need to be able to bolt on bmx trail handlebars?