Cross/tourer drive train options

Hi All

I'm in the process of having my Surly Cross Check resprayed and am thinking about the drive train whilst it's in pieces.

Currently it has Shimano bar end shifters with a mainly Deore drivetrain. I like the beefiness of it all and want to be able to use it off road as well as for touring.

Currently it has:

• Deore BB and triple
  
• Deore front derailleur (triple)
  
• Sora rear derailleur
  
• 8 speed casette
  
• 8 speed chain
  
  

The chain and cassette are very worn and I was considering an upgrade. The problem is that the indexing on the brifters only allows for 8 clicks and all the modern mtb stuff is 9+

I was considering SLX derailleurs and a 9 speed cassette and chain. This would mean I'd either need to change the shifters or use them on friction and hope it can cover all of the gears.

What are my options and what would people recommend?

This is the bike in question

1 Attachment

8 speed cassettes are still available, come in a variety of ranges and are super cheap... Why not just stick with what is has, SLX 9 speed mech should work with 8 speed if you want to add something shiny...

Should have mentioned that the cassette and chain are worn to buggery so need replacing.

You're right though, the rest of it ain't broke.