Originally Posted by
Classtime
You should learn how to do some of the work yourself. IF YOU ARE TAKING IT TO THE LOCAL BIKE SHOP EVERY FOURTEEN DAYS TO GET YOUR CRANKS TIGHTENED AND YOUR WHEELS TRUED, DO NOT GO BACK TO THAT SHOP EVER AGAIN. Your Shogun is a pretty nice bike.
if the cranks are loosening then -
the tapers are / were damaged in the past.
there is a mismatch and the spindle is at or beyond the base of the crank arm bore.
the tapers were greased prior to assembly-
( an ever so slight amount of grease, like clear the taper bore of the arm and wipe off what you can with clean fingers - then assemble)
not sure of the type bolts or nuts, 40-45 nm was typical for bolts.
that all typed, with a $600 budget, I would look for a better whole bike. Say in the $500 range leaving you some $ for consumables or parts you might need.
then you might sell off the first bike, transferring the saddle you like best.