Aside from a little creeking every now and then, I have't had a problem with the poverty cranks. What kinda scared me about them was when I saw a kid snap one of the arms in half riding up the transition of a fun box. but yeah, almost everything I bought second hand or on sale for significantly less than the original price. I think the rear wheel and sprocket are the only things I bought not used/on sale. I spent around $400 for everything so far so Im pretty happy with it, I just wish it was a little lighter. Between school and my other not-so-cheap hobby/obsession, I dont have a lot of money to throw at my bike. Its all fun tho.