Review on the GMC Denali bicycle
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Originally Posted by CigTech
I'm going to leave the bike in stock parts (except for the break pads) until something breaks. Just to show you guys that I know what I'm talking about. I do not take it easy on any bike when I ride. If I cannot go fast and hard I stay home. So this well be a nice test for the Denali.
I do think the above should be posted in the road forum just to send the equipment nuts over the edge!
The image of CIG dropping some weekend carbon fiber roadie on a Denali is just too much!
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Originally Posted by KrisPistofferson
That said, I'd rock this one hard, just leave a little earlier than I normally do:
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Wow, seeing the pictures of those handlebars is frightening! They must have had HUGE box of extra grip shifters to do that!
We should keep in mind however that probably the vast majority of the world are riding on worse quality bikes than the OP very happily. Just because Marie Antoinette ate cake doesn't mean that everyone else can.
We should keep in mind however that probably the vast majority of the world are riding on worse quality bikes than the OP very happily. Just because Marie Antoinette ate cake doesn't mean that everyone else can.
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Thx OP for the review, I am going to track this review for some time to see how it holds up...
o.. ignore those who say i will not buy this bike, etc, etc...
o.. ignore those who say i will not buy this bike, etc, etc...
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Originally Posted by CigTech
Ok first off, I never intended this review to start a war over a bike. I never said that it was the same frame as the $1,400 frames. What I said is that 80% of the frames that are on the Market today are form the same factories. And that was being nice. Most sats so 90% to 95% as coming out of China or Taiwan. this is what I meant to say "If these factories can make a quility $1,400 bike frame then why can't they make a quility $150.00 frame?"
From the above posters link:
Bikes are produced in other countries, but Asian factories probably produce 95% of the units sold in the United States. Incidentally, the "big three" (Giant, Trek, and Specialized) account for almost 80% of all bikes sold in U.S. bike shops.
If you think this bike is a total waste of time, then why are you wasting your time with replying? I think you protest to much. Just because you have a high-end bike, does not mean that anything less is not a bike.
We can't all just drop $1,000 on a bike- this review is for those who cannot. As for the shifters and the drive train parts I already had them to answer your question. I use the bike to get to work- I HAD to have something now. Not wait and save- NOW. I certainly hope that clarifies for you.
From the above posters link:
Bikes are produced in other countries, but Asian factories probably produce 95% of the units sold in the United States. Incidentally, the "big three" (Giant, Trek, and Specialized) account for almost 80% of all bikes sold in U.S. bike shops.
If you think this bike is a total waste of time, then why are you wasting your time with replying? I think you protest to much. Just because you have a high-end bike, does not mean that anything less is not a bike.
We can't all just drop $1,000 on a bike- this review is for those who cannot. As for the shifters and the drive train parts I already had them to answer your question. I use the bike to get to work- I HAD to have something now. Not wait and save- NOW. I certainly hope that clarifies for you.
You did say
The only thing that this frame will not have is the carbon fiber seat stay that the $1,400 frames have."
And you did say
80% of all the high-end frames, that are on the market today, come from the same factories (from China) that this frame comes from.
Both statements are wrong.
Your frame is not the same as a $1400 frame
And none of what I call highend frames are made in the same factory in china as your Denali.
Your entire review was great right up to the point when you tried to say your denali was equal to any $5000, bike out there.
The Denali is a cheap bike, you needed a cheap bike, you can ride it for a while.
But it aint no Orbea,or Colnago, and never will be.
I for one dont think it is a waste of time.
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I started my commute on a wal-mart MTB. Because my car craped out on me and the the gas prices went up. That did not last long. Every morring I tried to keep up with a guy on his road bike. He was only doing 16 mph. But the MTB would only do about 14 mph cruse speed 18 mph max speed. Now every time I see a MTB trying to keep up with me, I feel their pain. I have stop many times to give them advice on, and helped them adjust they bike for them. At least with a Wal-Mart road bike they could get to they destation with a lot less effert them for a little more money. This is way I wrote this review.
Now I ride the bike everwhere. I never leave it outside. 6 days a week. I do about 800 miles a month on the bike. This year I have 5600 miles alone. And am looking at 7600 miles for the year. And like I said "If I can't ride hard and fast. I stay home". So we will see how bad the Denali is before the 90 day return Wal-Mart policy, with approximately 2400 miles in the 90 days return period.
Now I ride the bike everwhere. I never leave it outside. 6 days a week. I do about 800 miles a month on the bike. This year I have 5600 miles alone. And am looking at 7600 miles for the year. And like I said "If I can't ride hard and fast. I stay home". So we will see how bad the Denali is before the 90 day return Wal-Mart policy, with approximately 2400 miles in the 90 days return period.
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Originally Posted by infernobutterfl
ignore those who say i will not buy this bike, etc, etc...
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Originally Posted by KrisPistofferson
Yeah, people who don't flush their money down the toilet are "mean."
so... if we consumer are going to buy it... dont critize us for it, maybe discourage us, but its our money, our right... and most importantly... we maybe buying for reasons you may not be aware of... (besides riding it of course)
I want to see what will happen to the bike... (800 miles a month, x 3 = 24000)... wow... if it holds up.. the bike might not be too bad...
P.S. I tried getting an older bike, fixing it up and stuff... so i got an old fuji frame and decent parts... been tring to build it up.. but so far.. no avial....
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I have bought a lot of used bikes and fixed them up. Then just gave them away to kids or friends. any bike that's gets used, is better then a $5000.00 bike that just seats there looking good.
Last edited by CigTech; 10-16-06 at 09:10 PM.
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I look forward to following your experiences. I've read post after post after post claiming that "mart" bikes won't last 1000 miles without significant problems. It seems to me that they should be able to do this. While I don't doubt that everything about the bike is of lower quality and that this detracts from the riding experience, it seems to me that a Chinese factory should be able to build a bike that could last for a reasonable period. Those factories are churning out a lot of decent quality goods, although that is usually more true for companies that have invested money into building higher quality factories.
For example, I have friends in the audiophile speaker industry. They tell me that the Chinese build better speaker cabinets, with better finishes, than US companies. And at lower prices. Some of them were reluctant to outsource to China, but eventually did so for the quality, not the price. Likewise, I know of several high precision telescopes being manufactured in China with excellent quality.
Thus I have no doubt that a Chinese factory could build an excellent bicycle. But it is unlikely they are doing so for Wal-Mart prices and specs. Perhaps though these bikes could have 2000+ miles in them, even at limited performance.
For example, I have friends in the audiophile speaker industry. They tell me that the Chinese build better speaker cabinets, with better finishes, than US companies. And at lower prices. Some of them were reluctant to outsource to China, but eventually did so for the quality, not the price. Likewise, I know of several high precision telescopes being manufactured in China with excellent quality.
Thus I have no doubt that a Chinese factory could build an excellent bicycle. But it is unlikely they are doing so for Wal-Mart prices and specs. Perhaps though these bikes could have 2000+ miles in them, even at limited performance.
#61
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Originally Posted by CigTech
...But the MTB would only do about 14 mph cruse speed 18 mph max speed. Now every time I see a MTB trying to keep up with me, I feel their pain. I have stop many times to give them advice on, and helped them adjust they bike for them. ...
Personally think the best advice you can give to someone on a mtn bike is to shell out the $40 for slicks. Beyond that, its less bang for your buck. Also, $40 is a lot less than $150.
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Originally Posted by CigTech
I have bought a lot of used bikes and fixed them up. Then just gave them away to kids or friends. any bike that's gets used, is better then a $5000.00 bike that just seats there looking good.
I have not seen a Denali that looks better than a Vannila. but ok.
Would a $5000, bike that gets used alot be better than a cheaper bike that doesnt get used?
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Originally Posted by R-Wells
Would a $5000, bike that gets used alot be better than a cheaper bike that doesnt get used?
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Originally Posted by jyossarian
Would an $8000 bike that gets used more than the $5000 bike be better?
If you had both and rode the $8000 bike more what would you think?
Is Tukey Ham really necesary?
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Originally Posted by CigTech
I have bought a lot of used bikes and fixed them up. Then just gave them away to kids or friends. any bike that's gets used, is better then a $5000.00 bike that just seats there looking
good.
good.
On the of chance that you thought I was dissin your Denali,
I wasnt, just your statement that the frame was equal to all $1400 frames.
Your bike will ride untill it fails, when it fails you can decide whether it was an economical sucsess or not.
I am not in the camp that says you shouldnt upgrade components just because the frame isnt the best of the best.
I say If the wheels is kinda round and your Knees dont bump your chin when you pedal, its a keeper.
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As for the GMA Yukon XL.
The GMC Yukon XL has basically the same frame as the Denali. However, the Yukon uses 6061 aluminum where the Denali uses 7005 aluminum. The 7005 aluminum is 5 to 10 percent stronger than the 6061 aluminum. Also Yukon XL has aluminum forks where the Danali are steel. That is why Yukon's is 3 pounds lighter than the Denali. The Yukon XL has better components. To cut costs of the Yukon they use cheaper aluminum. So the trade-off between a good frame or better components. As far as I'm concerned, I would rather have a good frame that I can put the components of my choice on.
This is why I went with the Denali.
The GMC Yukon XL has basically the same frame as the Denali. However, the Yukon uses 6061 aluminum where the Denali uses 7005 aluminum. The 7005 aluminum is 5 to 10 percent stronger than the 6061 aluminum. Also Yukon XL has aluminum forks where the Danali are steel. That is why Yukon's is 3 pounds lighter than the Denali. The Yukon XL has better components. To cut costs of the Yukon they use cheaper aluminum. So the trade-off between a good frame or better components. As far as I'm concerned, I would rather have a good frame that I can put the components of my choice on.
This is why I went with the Denali.
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Originally Posted by CigTech
As for the GMA Yukon XL.
The GMC Yukon XL has basically the same frame as the Denali. However, the Yukon uses 6061 aluminum where the Denali uses 7005 aluminum. The 7005 aluminum is 5 to 10 percent stronger than the 6061 aluminum. Also Yukon XL has aluminum forks where the Danali are steel. That is why Yukon's is 3 pounds lighter than the Denali. The Yukon XL has better components. To cut costs of the Yukon they use cheaper aluminum. So the trade-off between a good frame or better components. As far as I'm concerned, I would rather have a good frame that I can put the components of my choice on.
This is why I went with the Denali.
The GMC Yukon XL has basically the same frame as the Denali. However, the Yukon uses 6061 aluminum where the Denali uses 7005 aluminum. The 7005 aluminum is 5 to 10 percent stronger than the 6061 aluminum. Also Yukon XL has aluminum forks where the Danali are steel. That is why Yukon's is 3 pounds lighter than the Denali. The Yukon XL has better components. To cut costs of the Yukon they use cheaper aluminum. So the trade-off between a good frame or better components. As far as I'm concerned, I would rather have a good frame that I can put the components of my choice on.
This is why I went with the Denali.
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I think the point is that any bike that gets ridden is better than a bike that doesn't. I'm fascinated about the results of this, and if Walmart have a 90 day policy, then I say knock yourself out. My concern was that you'd actually bought this bike to use, when you didn't have much money. Recipe for regret.
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A couple of thoughts here...
The nearest WM to me doesn't have the Denali...I wonder if they will special order...NOT!
If the frame stands up; it isn't too bad for $140. I seem to recall an article in Bicycling Mag about 30 years ago where they tore down and tested a Huffy 10sp frame. Once they got rid of all the heavy componets the frame was competive in weight with the then current crop of CroMo and Reynolds, not the same quality tho. My biggest beef with the X mart bikes is the way they come put together, and the fact that you usually have to constantly fiddle with it to keep it in adjustment. Also the QC on the componets is all over the map. I have a Mongoose MTB that is on the bottom end of the scale,(it was a gimmee) the rear derailleur was constantly going out of adjustment, I replaced it with a similar one from the used parts bin and it does fine. After taking it apart I discovered the reason why, one of pivot pins was installed crooked. I too am going to be interested in seeing how this bike survives. My personal preference are the older interal hub bikes, but they have become collectible and are harder and harder to find. Also FWIW the CL to me is 60 miles away and decent used bikes at reasonable prices are a rarity. The best one so far was the guy trying to sell a matched pair of Free Spirits for $250
Aaron
The nearest WM to me doesn't have the Denali...I wonder if they will special order...NOT!
If the frame stands up; it isn't too bad for $140. I seem to recall an article in Bicycling Mag about 30 years ago where they tore down and tested a Huffy 10sp frame. Once they got rid of all the heavy componets the frame was competive in weight with the then current crop of CroMo and Reynolds, not the same quality tho. My biggest beef with the X mart bikes is the way they come put together, and the fact that you usually have to constantly fiddle with it to keep it in adjustment. Also the QC on the componets is all over the map. I have a Mongoose MTB that is on the bottom end of the scale,(it was a gimmee) the rear derailleur was constantly going out of adjustment, I replaced it with a similar one from the used parts bin and it does fine. After taking it apart I discovered the reason why, one of pivot pins was installed crooked. I too am going to be interested in seeing how this bike survives. My personal preference are the older interal hub bikes, but they have become collectible and are harder and harder to find. Also FWIW the CL to me is 60 miles away and decent used bikes at reasonable prices are a rarity. The best one so far was the guy trying to sell a matched pair of Free Spirits for $250
Aaron
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#71
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Originally Posted by CigTech
we will see how bad the Denali is before the 90 day return Wal-Mart policy, with approximately 2400 miles in the 90 days return period.
Mad props on the mileage. You may get a few years' use out of the bike if you really baby it. Adjust everything, tighten bolts, repack bearings, the lot. If you ride it through the winter with the mileage you report above, it'll probably die a painful death before feb 2007.
Edit: Not as bad as I thought. Shimano shifters and der.s, double wall rims, metal cranks and pedals (plastic pedals being normally what breaks first on cheap bikes)... The BB, HS, stem, hubs and cassette may be the weakest links, but it may just work.
Last edited by LóFarkas; 10-17-06 at 05:19 AM.
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The low end Shimano stuff is crapulous. I have it on my similar priced mountain bike - you dial it in, it goes straight out of adjustment. What I wouldn't give to be able to put it into friction mode instead of index! My girlfriend has a more expensive (£200) MTB, and the shifting on that has exactly the same problems. Even the LBS can't get it to stay in trim for more than 2 months. By comparison, the older, downtube index shifting Shimano 600/105 combination on my Gazelle has NEVER gone out of adjustment, despite far more mileage.
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Originally Posted by Tom Bombadil
For example, I have friends in the audiophile speaker industry. They tell me that the Chinese build better speaker cabinets, with better finishes, than US companies. And at lower prices. Some of them were reluctant to outsource to China, but eventually did so for the quality, not the price. Likewise, I know of several high precision telescopes being manufactured in China with excellent quality.
The biggest problem I recall this company having with repect to asian manufacturing is the volatility. One day a company may be turning out top-quality stuff, the next day they may be bankrupt, have sold out to a different company (with different standards), or they may just have trouble meeting demand due to biting off more than they can chew. It's a little bit more of a gamble, and we shifted some production back to Japan simply for consistency's sake.
Anyway, I don't think its a stretch to think that a Chinese bicycle company could produce something that lasts. Whether it makes economic sense in the end, we'll see. I will say that if he gets 2400 miles out of a $147 bicycle that's enough to be interesting.
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China (Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia etc.) make (often for western brands) some of othe very best stuff out there from bikes to shoes, clothes and electronic gadgetry. Incidentally, they also make the absolute worst crap in existence in roughly the same fields. I think we can agree on that much.
Guess which category some of the Denali parts belong to...
Guess which category some of the Denali parts belong to...
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But remember that I did not get the bike for the parts. I got it for the frame. From what I see, as far as the parts go, is crap. The chainrings look like run of the mill MTB parts. But the cassette looks like stamps steel that will not last very long. I agree with assessment Sammyboy made about the shifters. This is going to be one of the first thing I replace after something breaks.
I think that the bottom bracket or wheel hubs will fail first. If not one of the, then I think it will be the cassette or handle bars. But there do look like they could go longer then the 90 day return policy of Wal-Mart. And you bet that I will be riding the crap out of this bike until it kills itself. And yes I will be doing regular maintenance on it. I have set the second setting on the computer for for the Denali. This way I can track of mileage.
I think that the bottom bracket or wheel hubs will fail first. If not one of the, then I think it will be the cassette or handle bars. But there do look like they could go longer then the 90 day return policy of Wal-Mart. And you bet that I will be riding the crap out of this bike until it kills itself. And yes I will be doing regular maintenance on it. I have set the second setting on the computer for for the Denali. This way I can track of mileage.
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