Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Budget cranks and brakes suggestions?

Hello, I'm new to this forum so I have absolutely no clue if there is a thread on this topic here already. But just a few days ago, I ordered a no brand road bike single speed swappable to fixie for 200 bucks with free shipping from another site. http://www.amazon.com/TRACK-FIXED-FIXIE-SINGLE-SPEED/dp/B004WA93FC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1307319951&sr=8-2 The main reason I bought this bike was because since UCSD has a huge campus, biking with my mountain bike is a bit of a hassle since it is quite heavy. It is very sturdy and great for actual mountain biking but just as a commuting bike is a bit too heavy.

The only cons I hear about this bike is that the crankset/pedals and brakes are cheap feeling. Judging by the pictures, they do seem a bit on the cheap side. My question is, are there any good budget brakes and cranksets out there? I am thinking about getting the lasco crankset since they look nice and seem alright but did hear that they break quite easily. On the other hand, I have no clue about brakes. Could you guys please give me some advise?

Pedals and brakes are worth swapping out pretty imediatly. But Id hold off on the cranks. Even the crappiest of cranks work just fine for quite a while.

The All City 612 cranks kick A$$ for a low cost crankset!

Even the crappiest of cranks work just fine for quite a while.

Might want to take a look at the crank that's on the bike stock. It's crappier than the crappiest.

Give this a whirl. (http://www.cyclingcloseouts.com/Products/EighthInch-Crankset-in-Black__Eighthinch_Crankset.aspx)

I like the EAI cobra ecos if you don't mind the dull/shotpeened surface. i think they're about $60, work with a 110 jis bb

i just use whatever tektros i find for brakes. the r530s (or something like that) are great for the money

Definitely EighthInch and Tektro. If you want front and rear, go with these: http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1757

Sram S300 crankset=blue collar omnium

Thanks for all the help. Just on a side note, how does the Tektro R358 compare with the Tektro 510A included in the economy package (levers and cables included)? I don't think there will be a huge need for new levers, but if the r358 is a lot better than the 510a then i might go with the r358. On the other hand, if a casual rider like me probably can't tell the difference or there is not a huge difference in the first place, I might just go with the tektro 510a/economy set.

Another question i have is, if I change levers and/or brakes, would there be a need to change the cables? I have no clue since I am a newb at this. :D

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1757
http://cgi.ebay.com/Tektro-R358-Road-Brake-Caliper-Set-/330511325742?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4cf4029a2e#ht_500wt_1156

People that bought that bike on Amazon also bought a Sandisk GB micro sd card. Nice.
As for the brake cables, you may be able to reuse them if you are careful, but I would just grab a new set. It would make it easier and doesn't cost too much.

People that bought that bike on Amazon also bought a Sandisk GB micro sd card. Nice.

Just got the bike today. Surprisingly, the crank arms were actually not that bad. In the picture, it made it look like they were made of plastic, but was actually of metal. Granted, it doesn't look as good as the eighthinch crank, i may just hold off on buying new cranksets. The brake on the other hand was not bad, but not good either. It might be because it isn't oiled making the levers hard to press. Hopefully the bike shop guy is able to tweak it to work just right. :) However, if they levers or brakes don't work well, I'll get the tektro economy set.

hideous goes a long way on origin8 ultim8 cranks(lookin like some type of medieval scemitar****) but you get gxp for 80 complete set.

brakes i like me some nashbar jailbrake if you like 23s on them thangs