The best part of getting involved in an entry level road bike for going healthy is my work has a program once a year that includes paying for up to $300 dollars for health memberships and equipment. Since this is my first year at riding a road bike, the GMC Denali is perfect and is payed for and maybe next year I will upgrade to a newer model, but will still keep it as it has inspired me to get into shape and yes I probably will change out the brake pads as I read and learn from all of the folks posting that seems to be an issue. As I haven't experienced any flaws yet, I will however avoid that and just do it. The seat actually doesn't bother me and really like it. I don't have an issue with the revo gear shifts ( think that is what they are called) as it may seem odd, it works for me. Borobike, thanks for the thread and pictures of your changes to bike. Look forward to getting off work tonight and in the morning riding the Denali for the next 3 days I am off. Of course not all at once..lol Goal is 15 miles a day x 3. Im upping it myself from 12 miles a day I currently do. If anyone can suggest replacement tires as I am sure these ones will get bald soon, I would appreciate it. May be a different pattern to tread, not an expert, but some of you have been around the block more then me and know where to go. Thanks!