Mountain Biking - Battle tested equipment.

Hey all, my bike got stolen yesterday, and now I am currently in a quest to find parts to build up a new bike. I have decided on an evil imperial for the frame. I am now looking for components that you guys have used before that you have been more than or just impressed by. Stuff you wouldn't mind dropping the ducats on. I'm going for urban assault/freeride, so make sure this stuff is beefy and can take the abuse.

Since you are getting the EVIL then I guess you want higher end stuff. Here is what I like.

Cranks : Black Spire "Badger Freeride" w/chainguide 165mm
Wheel set : AtomLab Aircorp rims w/ AtomLab hubs
Fork : either a Z1 w/20mm axel or a DJ 1
Brakes : Avid mechanical
Tires : Maxxis Hookworms

Sadle, bars, stem, seat post : anything from a good company (ie. Easton, Thompson, Woodman or Azonic)

:beer:

I agree with Dirtbikedude, except on the rims, I haven't seen the AtomLab rims hold up to well, their hubs are great though! For over all great rims I like the mavic rims(a bit pricey, but worth it) also sun rhino lights(mainly cause htey are cheap and hold up decently), very heavy though!

The avid brakes are good for an urban bike, but I personally like the hydro type for any type of DH/Freeride work, and looking at the new hope 6 piston brakes.... ooooooooo drool drool ooooooooo man I can't wait to by a set of them!

Go with a block style stem, like the RF diablos(spelling?) stem.

Derailure, I've always loved ESP, but that's a preferance thing, if you usually snap derailures from crashes go with shimano do to the ease of finding one at a local shop(less down time)

The RaceFace Diabolus is the strongest stem on the market, so Ive heard.

http://www.raceface.com/components/stems.jpg

Originally posted by troie
The RaceFace Diabolus is the strongest stem on the market, so Ive heard.


And if its not the strongest, its the best looking!:beer:

While I do like the RaceFace stems (I have a RaceFace SYStem on my MTB), the FSA stems are also worth considering.

http://www.fullspeedahead.com/products/atb/images/stems/fr-200-1p5_small.jpg
http://www.fullspeedahead.com/products/atb/images/stems/dh-300_small.jpg