Reasonably-priced-but-decent Shimano/SRAM parts?

[Biggsy]

I'm well out of touch with MTB stuff, but need to give my brother in Canada instructions about servicing his old Trek 820 - that he hardly uses, but I will be borrowing when I visit.

The left shifter, chain and cassette are nearly knackered.  Might as well replace the shifters, chain and cassette.  Currently 8-speed.  Would be nice to upgrade to 9-speed at the same time.

What reasonably-priced trigger-style indexed shifters do you suggest?

The work will be done by a bike shop.  If they suggest replacing the mechs and crankset too, what would you suggest for those too?

Many thanks.

Oh, and a long shot: any recommendations for bike shops in or near Maple Ridge, BC?  Or Canadian or Vancouvian cycling forums to post on?

[Chris N]

Deore is the cheapest decent Shimano groupset, roughly equivalent to Tiagra. Not sure about specific parts though, sorry.

[Woofage]

Alivio or Deore would be fine - shifters and mechs, but for rear it's worth spending a bit more, eg LX, as the cheaper ones get rusty cages after a while. SRAM cassettes are good. Take your pick of chains.

Shimano cranks are quite spendy, IMO. I'm not sure what to suggest here.

[Biggsy]

I suppose the cranks could be any brand, actually.

[Tewdric]

Deore.  Well made, plain vanilla, bread and butter, very reliable. 

[Tim]

Deore with an XT rear mech (should a new mech be necessary).

If the budget doesn't want to stretch to that downgrade the chainset and front mech first.

You can possibly cut corners and cost by making it a single front chainring, but only if that is going to fit in with the riding/terrain.

Only upgrade other bits if you can look good on the bike!

[Kim]

+1 for Deore with an XT rear mech.  Though I'm not au fait with SRAM.  I believe the increased cable pull is a significant advantage...