I think going with the original proposal of changing the bars is a good idea.


First of all, the gmc denali is not a road bike, it just looks like one
it uses a mtb drivetrain and grip shifters
stick a riser bar on there and you've got a hybrid (well, not really, but this description is less of a lie than 'road bike')

That aside, a flatbar/riser configuration makes a lot more ergonomic sense than what they've got on there by default.
as it is, your shifters are up top far away from your brake levers.
a flatbar re-unifies your controls at lot more cleanly

also, the detault parts are questionable; in order to install grip shifters on that handlebar the bars have a cut at the center, which is then held back together with a sleeve. I find this scary.
the road levers are also fairly low quality, and I see many old denalis where the plastic bases fracture

should be a fairly painless operation
the grip shifters directly transfer
I'm pretty sure the stem clamp diameter is also mtb 1" not road sized
just make sure, that the levers you buy are 'traditional pull' or 'cantilever compatible' Not 'linear pull' or 'v-brake compatible'.