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GMC Denali Road Bike
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: GMC Brand: GMC Product features: - 21-speed road bike features a lightweight aluminum frame
- Alloy calipers and ally brake levers
- High-profile alloy Vitesse racing rims
- Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts makes it easy to change gears quickly and smoothly
- High-performance 700c tires are up to the challenge of rigorous street racing
Accessories:
Sports reviews of GMC Denali Road BikeCustomer Review: I love this bike! Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I purchased this bike to start exercising so that I may reduce my cholesterol level at the recommendation of my doctor. After few rides, I realized I love biking and now put about 50~60 miles/week. I love this bike because it let me get back into biking, which I abandoned since High School. I now have over 500 miles on it and plan to put 1000 miles by end of summer.
Since the bike is so in expensive I figure the bike will pay for itself after 1000 miles when compared to driving my Toyota Highlander.
Here's my calculation:
$140 for the bike / $3 per cost of gallon of gas x 20Mpg on highlander = 933.33 miles
The bike uses bottom of the barrel components and the price reflects it.
The bad news is that the components will wear/fall apart sooner and need to be replaced. The good news is that just about any type of upgrade will be a major improvement, and you can learn to fix and maintain a bicycle. I learned how to adjust derailleur, true a wheel, wrap a handlebar tape, and adjust the brakes and much more. This doesn't mean it will prevent you from riding the bike in the beginning. Any and all bikes require some sort of fine-tuning. With a bit of tinkering and polishing, Denali becomes an excellent commuter bike.
I've also compiled a list of Facts and Myths surrounding this diamond in the rough.
FACT:
The bike is a great bargain: There really is no comparison on the market.
The bike is considered heavy for a racing bike: However the bike weight is more than acceptable for touring or commuting purposes.
MTB Components: 48/38/28t chairing and 14-28T freewheels are MTB components for easier hill climbs, rather than 30Mph racing. Probably cost cutting measures.
Brakes are weak: At minimum, the front brake pads should be replaced for any sort of hill descents.
Weak handlebar tape: The tape does not have adhesives and will start to come off after few hundred miles. Any aftermarket will remedy this problem.
The original tires are very heavy. You will notice immediate speed improvement after upgrading.
MYTH:
Gearing is junk and will skip unintentionally: All Gears need adjustments and fine-tuning. If your gears are not shifting properly, you need to adjust the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur. If the chain is rubbing against the Front derailleur, you need to tighten the cable as well as learn trimming. Grip shifter on road bike is unusual, but much better than down tube shifter like in the old days.
Used bikes on craigslist or EBay is better: Depending on the condition, used bikes may cost more in terms of maintenance and reconditioning to get it ride-ready. For beginning rider it is extremely difficult to pick out a bargain bike from used list.
The bike is poor quality: Kent makes other higher level bikes such as the limited and the pro version with carbon fiber fork and Shimano STI shifters, both based on same frame from the base model.
This bike has too many issues: All bikes require maintenance and adjustments. sheldonbrown and bicycletutor are great sites to learn about both.
I really started to enjoy biking and purchased a Motobecane Mirage Comp as a weekend bike, and now use the Denali as a 12-mile daily commuter. Only downside is that I think I kind of went overboard with accessories and upgrades, since they cost more than the bike itself. However, I think it just adds to the fun factor and motivates me to ride even more.
Following is the list of purchases I made towards the bike:
Kool stop eagle claw brake (Must for the front) = $8
Bell Handlebar Tape (Original will come off sooner or later) = $8
700x28c Continental Ultra 2000(front, found at LBS clearance box) = $12
700x28c Continental Super Sport (rear, found at LBS clearance box) = $10
2 x 700x28c tube = $10
Ventura rear rack = $14
Mirrycle mirror = $14
Schwinn bike computer = $10
M-Wave Large Saddle bag = $10
Planet Bike Blinky = $10
Planet Bike 5000x Xenon light = $35
20Oz Polar water bottle = $5
Bell Gel seat cover = $10
Shimano Sora 3304 STI shifter (left side only to accommodate the mirrycle) = $30
Bell Shift and Brake cables + housing (I might as well since replacing the left shifter) = $6
On-guard mini U-lock (must for commuter) = $15
Wellgo RC-713 Pedals (Hand me down from Mirage Comp) = free
Reduced Cholesterol and Triglyceride level, and losing 10 pounds in one month = Priceless!!!
Some other additional purchases, which I share with the second bike:
Schwinn Helmet = $15
Bell Gel Glove = $15
2 x Jersey = $50
2 x Shorts = $50
Schwinn floor pump = $30
Bell multi-tool = $15
Avenir Spoke Wrench = $10
tri-flow = $8
Finish Line Dry lube = $8
Finish Line Grease = $8
Pearl Izumi Quest MTB Shoes = $33
Shimano SH-56 = $15
M-wave bike stand = $18
-- update 7/30/10
Upgraded the front brake caliper, as it was flexing too much during downhill descent.
Tektro R536 with standard nut mount fits perfectly: Tektro R536 Caliper - Front, Standard Nut
Description of GMC Denali Road BikeMens GMC Denali Light weight aluminum road bike has a 21 speed Shimano derailleur. ~ For any service questions contact Kent at 1-800-451-KENT (5368), EST.,for replacement parts, repair kits, tools and warranty information. The GMC Denali 700C 21-Speed Road Bike is built around a lightweight aluminum road bike frame for racing or commuting. You'll stop on a dime with the alloy calipers and brake levers, and the high-profile alloy Vitesse racing rims look as good as they perform. The Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts make it easy to change gears quickly and smoothly, and the high-performance 700c tires are up to the challenge of rigorous street racing. Lastly, this road bike will help you stay hydrated with the included alloy water bottle cage. Specifications: - Frame: Aluminum 7005 straight gauge
- Fork: GMC Series 7000 steel
- Chain: KMC Z 51
- Crankset: Prowheel Alloy 335P6 28X38X48 170mm
- Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-TZ 31 Index
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-TZ30GS 7SPD
- Shifters: Shimano Revo SIS L2/R7
- Brake levers: Promax BL-250AP Aluminum
- Brakes: Promax 501A Alloy Caliper Brake
- Rims: Vitesse Alloy black 700CX14GX36H
- Tires: Kenda Black With Grey Band 700X28C
- Stem: Aluminum black EXT:100mm 0D.
- Handlebar: Maesbend W: 430mm D:22.0mm
- Saddle: Cionlli Black
- Seat post: HL Aluminum Micro Adjust 27.2 X 300mm
- Pedals: VP-990S plastic body with steel cage
- Weight: 29.0 lbs
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide Finding the Right Bike To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike: The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories: - Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
- Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
- Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability. - Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
- Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
- High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips: - Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
- Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
- Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons: - Helmet (this is a must!)
- Seat pack
- Lock
- Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
- Spare tubes
- Portable bike pump
- Gloves
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