thanks for all the info guys. The cranks are definitely "just ok". I didnt have a problem with them, but after riding my bike my bro got a bianchi pista which I didnt like so much in comparison, but the components are WAY better. After riding his for a short bit I really noticed how "just ok" the cranks on my bike are. Im turning into a snob, boo.

Anyhow, looks like I got some research to do. Maybe I can let a bike shop do this and see iff they'll let me watch as I really do want to learn this stuff, would be really cool to build up a bike on my own from scratch.

someone should anodize or acid etch cranks different colors, you'd think there'd be more of a market beyond the same polished silver color everyone has.

dave