Commuting - Upgrade reccomendations for a Denali

Hello everyone. Recently i have found a new interest in cycling. And thought i would bike to work to save a little money and get some good exercise in there. I was looking around for a cheap commuter bike that wouldnt break the bank and found the GMC Denali for 175 at target. I would like to do the upgrades while building the bike so would some of you guys please recommend what parts i should upgrade and in sort of an order of importance.

There's a whole thread by a Denali purchaser detailing his experience; http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=237231&highlight=Denali

Many people will say you should start with a better bike - maybe something used - and build up from that, but this guy did manage to get quite a bit of riding out of the Denali.

Honestly, the strong point is the frame, if you want aluminum. (FWIW, there are many valid reasons to want steel over Al for a commuter.)

So, one valid approach to this bike is to ride it stock for as long as possible, and then change stuff as it needs replaced. That's what CigTech is doing, to an extent. And, I think with used components for upgrades, you could come out well ahead he you do your own work on it.

[/two cents]

I would put money into gloves, a decent helmet, and some good clothing. A saddle that you find comfortable would also be pretty good choice (if the stock one doesn't do it for you). I would not do much to the Dinali until things start to break.

The only part on this bike I would replace IMEDIATELY is the rim tape. As soon as you pump those tires up to full presure you will get pinch flats with the stock rim tape, so that should run about 5.99 or so. Everything else on it has worked great for me. Buy a helmet, lights/blinkes, and personaly the seat fits me but if it doesn't work for you get another that does. Other than that I have 213 miles on mine and it's running like a champ.

Trek