I know that everyone has different financial abilities, but getting an ultegra crankset isn't an incredible amount.

for example there is a guy on slowtwitch selling several brand new ultegra cranks for $175. Its a much stiffer crank, lighter, adds value to your bike and is better to look at.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.c...tegra;#4458839

here is another option:$215
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Shimano-...item27cf2b9a75

Be on the lookout with CL also. Lots of options there. I use a "search all of craigslist" site. this allows you to put in the item your looking for and it will search all options across the US. find what you want for a great price and pay for them to ship it.
http://www.searchcraigslist.org/