Basic bike mechanics are essential. Like mentioned FD may need adjustment. Loosen right screw a bit and it will shift easier. Nope chain is not twisted.Nashbar and places like that sell chain for $ 30-50 and chainring you can find on e-bay for 50-80. Cranks don't have anything to do with it. Have to crash pretty hard to bent them. For miles I ride I find SRAM chaines and cassettes best band for the buck. Granted is compact with 9 speed. Have a cassette on it that has more than 14000 miles on it and still in good shape. Found a compact aluminum chainring once for $ 15 on e-bay. Should've bought the whole stock. Doesn't last for more than one chain. Still a good buy.