Muddy Fox Pathfinder - freebie > commutourer

When I moved into my house last year amongst the usual crap left by the previous tenants was a Muddyfox Pathfinder, which had definitely seen better days. I had a little look at it at the time but with various seized parts and final exams approaching I didn't do anything with it, and ended up burying it in the basement before moving out.

Now finals are out the way I've found myself with a bit of spare time, so I went and knocked on the door of the old house and found that the frame was still sat in the basement.

My plan is to build it up into a bit of a commuter / tourer for when I move to Glasgow in summer. I've already got a surly crosscheck for faster riding so I want this to be something a bit more chilled. I also want to be chilled about locking it up around the city.

With that in mind it's basically gonna be a parts bin build, but I'd like to get a few new bits n pieces. I'd appreciate suggestions on any of the following:

1. wheels - i need some v compatible 26 inch wheels. Thought I'd be able to snap some up on bay or gumtree for real cheap but they're proving a bit illusive. Anyone help me out?
   
2. Tyres - Id like to put some nice wide tyres on this, pref tan wall. Any recommendations?
   
3. Handlebar / stem combo - the originals are long gone so I'm trying to decide whether to go for dirt drops or a swept back bar a la one one Mary, or similar. Gonna mock the bike up once I've got some wheels and have a play with different positions before deciding, I reckon
   
4. Drive chain - gonna stick with the Shimano Exage brake and gear shifters that are currently on it until I decide between flats or drops, but it's horrible and plastic so would like to change eventually if something cheap crops up.
   
5. Rack - would love to get a front rack on this, maybe with basket for shopping duties
   
6. Finishing - I quite like the saddle that's on it but it's tatty. Might have a go at recovering it or put a beater flite on
   
   

Will probably be a very slow project as parts trickle in but will hopefully be an ideal bike for exploring Glasgee and the surrounding areas come summer!

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