Mountain Biking - New Project: Suggestions Needed!

I am just starting to gather some parts for my new project. It is a single speed do it all bike. I am wanting something that does not have to be classified as strictly an XC bike or a Freeride bike. Really I want a fairly light bike that can handle quite a bit of abuse. (I am only 150lbs, so I am not heavy by any means) I am trying to build it up on somewhat of a tight budget, so I have been buying used or OEM parts for most of the stuff so far. Here are some pictures of what I have already. Not pictured is a Thomson stem and seatpost coming my way. I need some suggestions for brakes, a crankset, and for a headset. For the brakes I was thinking Juicy 7's, but I am open to any other ideas. For the cranks I was looking into Race Face. I really like the Atlas but I do not know if it is worth the extra cost over the evolve series. Also, is a heavier duty crank necessary on a SS, because I will be standing on the pedals harder than on a geared bike? For the Headset, I would love to have a king, but they seem to be way to pricey (even used), for my tastes. Any suggestions on cheaper alternatives.

http://bengal.missouri.edu/~msbgd5/P1000182.JPG

http://bengal.missouri.edu/~msbgd5/P1000184.JPG

at one point... i was able to get a king headset off ebay for 85dollars shipped..

so they arent too expensive when bought online...

i saved at least 40 dollars over what my lbs was charging

at one point... i was able to get a king headset off ebay for 85dollars shipped..

so they arent too expensive when bought online...

I have been watching Ebay, and the prices there are more reasonable, but I would really like to spend less than that on the headset.

Cane Creek S-6 or S-8 should be good and cheaper than King.

Congrats on the single speed! is this your first?

Congrats on the single speed! is this your first?

Thanks for the suggestions!

Yes, this will be my first ss bike. I am just tired of the excess noise and chain/shifting issues on my Cinder Cone. I have been noticing that I do not shift much with my geared bike any way, I am more of a keep it in a higer gear and grind away type rider, so I think I should like ss.

Does anyone have any opinions on a good crankset to use for this project. I was initially thinking the Stylo SS would be good, but have heard several bad reviews of it (mtbr), so was now looking at stuff from Race Face. What is a good, relatively light but strong crankset?

Does anyone have any opinions on a good crankset to use for this project. I was initially thinking the Stylo SS would be good, but have heard several bad reviews of it (mtbr), so was now looking at stuff from Race Face. What is a good, relatively light but strong crankset?

I'm using a RF Turbine (5-arm, ISIS) and have had no problems. Not telling you to get one, but it's pretty damn strong. Can probably find a closeout somewhere from a place that still has stock left - PricePoint ran out recently.

Brakes - unless you absolutely 'need' to have adjustable pad contact points, I'd go with Juicy 5s instead of the 7s. You'll save $$ and get a set of brakes with allmost all the functionality of the 7s. Greenfish (http://www.greenfishsports.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=367) has 5s for $115/wheel, 7s for $130/wheel, and BB7s for $70/wheel. There may be other deals out there on the BB7, but I haven't seen anyone lower than Greenfish on the Juicys. If you go with Juicys, pick up one of their bleed kits - can't bleed them without it.

I concur with the Cane Creek headset recommendation - solid headsets.

Good luck with the build and enjoy the ride!