Mountain Biking - My 1st Hard Tail Build...a few questions

A little info: building a hard tail on a somewhat limited budget and need some help on components ( I have 20" frame and rhynolite wheels to start). I'm not really worried about weight of parts (I'm 210) but more concerned with durability.
1. crank suggestions..raceface, shimano, fsa, etc...so many choices
2. brakes..have avid 5's on my other bike and like them, but open to suggestions, even generic ones
3. fork...looking for decent bang for the buck here
4. shift/brake levers...whatever is on sale..

That should do it. Your help and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Shimano LX or Deore Hollowtech II cranksets are great for a Clyde...but you can't go wrong with these for $90 (http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=6194)
Avid BB5's (http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_dmptZCyclingQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQQ_sopZ1?_nkw=avid+bb5&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=rockshox+tora&_osacat=0)
Rockshox Tora (http://shop.ebay.com/items/__rockshox-tora_W0QQQ5ftrkparmsZ72Q253A1205Q257C66Q253A2Q257C65Q253A12Q257C39Q253A1QQ_dmptZCyclingQ5fPartsQ5fAc cessoriesQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQ_sopZ1QQ_scZ1)
Deore dual control shifters (http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=4163)...I got some for the crapper and they're not bad for my $10 ebay find
Avid FR-5 levers are great...but on a budget --> (http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_dmptZCyclingQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQQ_sopZ1?_nkw=v+brake+levers&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=avid+fr5&_osacat=0)

As far as cranks go, I have standard Deore's on my main MTN ride. I weigh close to 260 and they are holding fine.

Newer Rebas are available with a through axle (perhaps only in the 120mm team version but you could drop it to 100 if you need). Manitou Minutes are almost as nice and cheaper...they also have through axles. Jenson was clearing them out a while back, but I don't know if any are left. You may want the quick release of course, butat 210 pounds you might like the extra lateral stifness.

For bigger (150 dollars or more) chainreactioncycles will be ship free to the US, and the exchange rates are good right now.

Also check out the new SLX cranks. Stiff, reasonably light, and not too spendy.

Newer Rebas are available with a through axle (perhaps only in the 120mm team version but you could drop it to 100 if you need). Manitou Minutes are almost as nice and cheaper...they also have through axles. Jenson was clearing them out a while back, but I don't know if any are left. You may want the quick release of course, butat 210 pounds you might like the extra lateral stifness.

For bigger (150 dollars or more) chainreactioncycles will be ship free to the US, and the exchange rates are good right now. Also check out the new SLX cranks. Stiff, reasonably light, and not too spendy.

Did you miss the OP's first statement:


A little info: building a hard tail on a somewhat limited budget... I'm not really worried about weight of parts...

Why suggest the SLX crankset over the $90 Raceface?
Why suggest a Reba over a Tora?

I know to some of the fortunate people out there in this world...a Reba and SLX are budget minded, but they're really not. They're awesome products for the coin, but there are still some strong / reliable alternatives that are much cheaper.

Good suggestions, thanks guys. Regarding cranks..do you guys favor the "outside" bearing cranks touted as being stiffer or less flexy?
Fork: wow, many choices...thoughts on Marzocchi Comp 100's..found these on sale at $120.?
Chel, thanks for the good links.

Good suggestions, thanks guys. Regarding cranks..do you guys favor
yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Take it from a fellow big dude...this is great for keeping the chain from rubbing the front derailleur under power from flex.



Fork: wow, many choices...thoughts on Marzocchi Comp 100's..found these on sale at $120.
I'd rather hold out for a $120 Tora on ebay.

Shifters: anyone use and love grip shifters? I see a few riders with them on the trail, but have never tired them. Found a new set of SRAM grip shifters locally for $20., so tempting.

Make sure you get the right shifters for your derailleur, cassette, wheelset.

1:1, 2:1, 7,8,9 speed, cassette width.

I'd go 9 speed...SRAM is okay, but I prefer Shimano triggers.

check out chainreactioncycles.com...if they have any left, they had the pre-SLX outboard bearing LX cranksets for $55 each- a steal! and they have great prices on most other stuff too, and free shipping over $250.

check out chainreactioncycles.com...if they have any left, they had the pre-SLX outboard bearing LX cranksets for $55 each- a steal! and they have great prices on most other stuff too, and free shipping over $250.

At that price...as long as shipping doesn't kill you...I'd jump.

+1 My choice (personal of course) for "best bang for the buck" fork is the Tora... for now anyway. :)

LX crankset above looks like a good deal. Have you considered a rigid fork? (sorry if this was mentioned already I just kinda skimmed down here.) I'd pay the extra for the BB7's over the BB5's. there are deals to be had everywhere and they're a much better mech. disc brake. Not sure about shifters (I'm ss only) but avid's fr5's are $25/pair and available anywhere.

Good luck and be sure to post pics!

Shifters: anyone use and love grip shifters? I see a few riders with them on the trail, but have never tired them. Found a new set of SRAM grip shifters locally for $20., so tempting.

If your talking about MX or comparable shifters, don't bother. SRAM X.7, X.9 and X.0 are a whole different animal. They work well, last and are reasonably inexpensive if you shop well. (I've seen X.0's for as little as $69). They will require that you match them with a SRAM 1/1 rear derailleur.

Good info guys...ok, found some new SRAM x-7 grip shifters locally for $30. for the set. I'll probably go with x7 or x9 rear derailer too. Assuming I need to stick with SRAM cassette?
Front susp/fork...going to go with a rigid front fork (retro like my days in the 80's). Jensonusa has a fork that is disc ready and described as "suspension corrected"?? What does that mean? Anyone know of other good fixed fork brands? This is getting fun!
Will post some pics of the final build.

Some advice about your rear wheel. I know when I switched all my parts over to a hardtail the rear XC rim I had just couldn't hold up to the added abuse. I ended up bending it pretty good. I would recommend spending the extra money now to get a solid back rim them end up like me spending $120 on a new rim and wheel building and being bike-less for two weeks.

Some advice about your rear wheel. I know when I switched all my parts over to a hardtail the rear XC rim I had just couldn't hold up to the added abuse. I ended up bending it pretty good. I would recommend spending the extra money now to get a solid back rim them end up like me spending $120 on a new rim and wheel building and being bike-less for two weeks.

Or you could just wait and see if it holds up. If it taco's...then replace. If it doesn't...your not out the $$.

lx crankset above looks like a good deal. Have you considered a rigid fork? (sorry if this was mentioned already i just kinda skimmed down here.) i'd pay the extra for the bb7's over the bb5's. There are deals to be had everywhere and they're a much better mech. Disc brake. Not sure about shifters (i'm ss only) but avid's fr5's are $25/pair and available anywhere.

Good luck and be sure to post pics!

slx

Got my new GT ready to roll! Thanks to Chelboed and others for solid info. Working on my pics now..stay tuned.

Such a tease.

Ok, my first photo shots on BF...fingers crossed.
Frame/components: GT Zaskar frame (20"), WTB FX28 wheels, WTB seat (got this new from factory rep 2 years ago..dealer fit seats), SRAM X9 grip shifters, SRAM X7 rear/front derail's, SRAM chain, Tora shock (new take off at $120.), RaceFace Evolve XC crankset, Shimano mechanical disc set, Avid 5 levers, Easton seat tube, CaneCreek headset, Scott bar, and WTB tires. The frame was an absolute find/steal at $90. new shipped!

get some pedals.

Looks great.

Piece of freakin' beauty!

Job well done...feels good, eh? :thumb:

Thanks chel. I have a nasty cold/flu so only took it around the block a few times, but it feels good. Especially love the SRAM drivetrain...shifts are rock solid. I have Candy pedals on my other two bikes and will probably go with them when our wet N. California weather dries out..until then I'll use my MKS touring pedals as they have a good sized platform and are light. There are lots of good deals out there with some careful pricing: eBay, Pricepoint, Jenson, and one of our local shops (Mike's Bikes in Sacramento) had the RaceFace Evolve XC crankset at $134.99, a great deal and very knowledgeable wrenches (thanks Christian). Thanks again BF guys.

My next project will be a single speed/fixed gear bike for my daughter, but only after she gets a part-time job (full time student) to help with the costs.

if your going to build a single speed.. ive got some helpfull suggestions for u depending on what kind of bike its going to be...

Nice work Jim! Makes my build look amatuer(http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=507676). I have the RaceFace Evolve XC cranks on mine and so far after 3 rides I love em and I agree with you the candy pedals are sweet, go with them.

Looks good.