There are several factors to consider when buying a bicycle: Fit, Frame Material, and Drive train. I bought the GMC Denali because I really wanted to start riding but was intimidated by the price of the bikes at the local bike shops. So instead of forking over 400 dollars for a new bicycle I picked up the GMC Denali for 200.

Fit  The Denali comes in three sizes (Small, Medium and Large) and as a 6'4 individual I chose the Large. The Seat can be raised or lowered as well as the handlebars so you do have some adjust-ability beyond the frame. For those taller individuals you may need to buy a longer seat post because I could not raise the seat high enough with my 34" inseam.

Frame Material The Denali is made from "lightweight" aluminum and has a aerodynamic appeal. The ride on the frame is rough as the aluminum is pretty unforgiving and does not absorb the bumps and vibration on the road. Furthermore, the frame is by no means light as I believe my Denali weighed in at 32 pounds on the dot. 

Drive Train The Drive train is made up of derailleurs (the parts that change gears), crankset, chain, shifters, and cogs. The shifters are Shimano but the Shimano shifters and derailleurs are at the bottom of the line. My experience with the shifting was that the Denali changed gear really roughly and there was a lot of grinding and chatter. Furthermore, the components lost their settings and were constantly having to be re-tuned in order to work properly.

In Conclusion  I love riding bicycles so this was a very affordable way to help me regain my passion. I did not like how the bike did not fit me, how heavy the bike was although it was labeled as lightweight, and how the drive train felt cheap and did not shift very well. I ended up going to my local bike shop and buying a Trek 7300 F/X for 500 dollars. There I was fit by the knowledgeable staff, was given a free tune up redeemable within the first year, and lifetime minor adjustments. Now I am happy as can be.



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