It is quite expensive, but it's not cheap crap at all. It comes with what looks like good powdercoating and all the nuts, bolts and washers that you need. Granted, the material is not worth that, but I think that if you tried to make one and finish it that well you'd probably end up spending close to what this one cost. I think it is a long term investment, It will fit my next Wee when this one eventually kicks the bucket (or curb or old lady's car, etc.) How long the blocks will last me is something I will have to see. I'm hoping it lasts me 2 months at least (about 7000miles), but I might be a bit optimistic. I'd think they'd make more money if they sold the cradles for cheaper so that people buy them. The blocks are a consumeable and if they have a larger install base the money would be coming from the block sales.