Originally Posted by
mattkime
i'm really wondering if there is any reason not to go with a standard $40 cane creek unit.
Headsets are different and you get what you pay for. Headsets take a beating. That said, there's nothing wrong with a $40 Cane Creek headset--it's as good as or better than any other $40 headset.
If you're planning on using the bike long and hard, though, I'd recommend spending a little more for a more durable Cane Creek 40-series headset.