I'm running an XT crank that I've changed to a couple different bikes now and it's still going strong.  It's not as 'cool' as other options, but it's reasonably light and stiff.

That Surly crank looks really sweet though!  I've also seen the new Crank Brothers crank on a few sites, but don't think it's been released yet.

http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/7181.0.html

You may want to hit SS Belmont up about the cranks. I know he's done a lot of crank research trying out differnet things, arm lenghts, etc. He may have some info on the Surly cranks.

CL__ wrote: Im starting to look around for a new set of cranks for the green machine... Obviously I need something well inclined for the constant mashing. I will do a new bb also. I was looking at the surly big dummy and found their new cranks. Anyone heard or seen them? They will send as a package or you pick and choose. http://www.surlybikes.com/new/crank_pop.html Im open to anything else...it will only take 6 mos to think and decide before i move on this so time is ticking Stiff and durable! Who has the best life on their external bearings? Has someone gotten that worked out yet?

I am preferentual to cranksets that use outboard BBs o square taper (old school).  I found that ISIS BBs seem to wear out quicker for SS.

Here is the list of SS specific cranks that I like:

Middleburn R8 Cranks with Uno ring (scheduled to release an outboard version)
White industries ENO Cranks
Truvativ Stylo cranks
Surly cranks
XT/XTR 08 cranks with SS ring

Currently I am running an XT 08 165mm, yes I said 165mm.  :)  I do not have the same opinion as most folks that 180 is better for SS, but that is a separate subject.  

Good luck with the crank search.  The middleburns are very nice!

Check out the ENO cranks too.  They look really sweet. 

http://www.whiteind.com/cranks/mountaincranks.html