Noone is really getting at the heart of the issue.

What is mechanically wrong with these cranks that makes them bad? Clearly some of the models have been threaded badly, but that is most likely due to the tap that was being used by the manufacturer of that specific model. The other models have not had the same issue.

To extrapolate, what mechanical features or designs should one expect to have in a good crank set?

Cheap soft aluminium, large manufacturing tolerances on threads (pedal threads, puller threads) and the square taper interface. This would be my quess.

So in a good crankset you'd expect to find good materials and good workmanship.

The chainring and arm are not a solid piece of metal and I have see the ring come loose from its interface. That's no fun

That's a really good point. The tolerance level of threads would be based on what tap and dies they use. So basically it would depend on the reputation of the manufacturer. Are there any articles on the reputation of specific component manufacturers?

Probably not, considering that many component brands outsource their manufacturing to the same places. Almost anything you can buy, however, will be better than those Sunlites.

I just built up my first bike, and I bought a crummy Origin8 crank for $65, and even at that level I'm worried about the quality. So cranks for $25? No way.

What about the cranks seems crummy? I know a lot of people who use origin eight components and many of them have good things to say. I was considering origin 8 as an alternative.

The people that are willing to use Origin 8 products are not the kind of people you want to be taking advice on bike component quality from.

I mean, the origin 8 cranks are just re-branded lasco's. For most casual riders that'll do just fine.

I've had Origin 8 cranks for about three years now and have no complaints about the quality. I do believe I got lucky with my chainring though, as mine seems to be nice and round, while complaints from others state the opposite.

Yeah, now that I've actually used it, I have few complaints. There's a tiny bit of run out on the chainwheel (which could be BB related maybe), but the arms seem solid enough for the few times I've taken it out. I just had a bit of trepidation ordering a brand known for its color options. Check out my sweet fixie brah, barspinz for days.

$8?

If I remember correctly, J&B sourced some models for 7.99


J&B sucking isn't something I've forgotten though.

I win?

I just looked online, and it's $13.99@ J&B

Not to resurrect an old thread, but but I decided to buy those sunlit Cranks and I have been riding them all winter. (1000± commuter miles). They're being used on a single speed (freewheel) ill so they're not being used to brake the bike. They have held up through one crash, many potholes and a few drops. No stripped pedals, no mechanical issues at all actually.