So my cranks are f-ed. Thought they just needed tightening up, but no, "they're f-ed," says local bike shop. Please don't make me explain why, because I'm not sure how. They're loose even when tightened, if that helps, and getting worse all the time.

The Skinny:
The f-ed cranks I have now are Truvativ, 1.1. Naturally, I'd like to keep using my old chainring.
I don't know what the f*uck my BB is: came stock with the pista. Probably ****. Willing to replace if so, or if it allows me to pick up some other type of highly recommended crankset.

I'm not rich, but I'm also of the "you get what you pay for" mentality, thus I'm willing to go a step or two above cheap.

Help.