Check over in the Touring subforum. I believe there is a lengthy thread on mtb touring conversions.
Originally Posted by
MWPdx
I'd be fine w/ a normal mtb crank n stuff. I think the brakes I was talking about are the traditional cantilever ones. I'm more worried about the handlebars/brake levers/etc.
If you want to use a square taper crank (e.g., Sugino XD), you can get a Shimano UN54 bottom bracket to fit a 73mm shell. Or you can get a Deore crank with external bearings. There are options.
Traditional (centerpull) cantilevers are compatible with short pull brake levers, which is the same as you'll find on standard road brake levers. Choose between current Shimano BL400/600, Tektro 200, etc. Or you can shop for older levers (e.g., Shimano 600) at the usual places.
Bar is your choice, but keep two things in mind; the bar diameter needs to be compatible with your stem, and the reach varies somewhat between different drop bars. A bar with a long reach to the hoods will effectively stretch you out more, which might be fine if the top tube of the frame isn't too long for your upper body, or you want to run your bar higher.
Like fuzz said, fit is the real issue. Your first stem/bar combo might not put you in the ideal position, so spend wisely. And LesterOfPuppets raised a good concern; there are a number of options for quill stems compatible with 1" headsets. Don't know about 1-1/8" options. You might want to find out before diving in, though.