Originally Posted by
wphamilton
You're right it was 3 years and it IS a crappy shifter in my opinion but after 3 years at $139 wth, replace the whole darn bike with another Denali and you're still way ahead of second place. I'm seriously not trying to be argumentative but it punches a button when I say I actually like it, and then someone opines "sure it's ok for the casual rider who might make six rides over the summer but for a serious cyclist ..."
Put some decent 28mm tires on and it's a nice easy-riding bike even going at a good clip, if you can get over the extra 10 pounds you're dragging around.
I realize that there's a number of people who've put quite a few miles on them and like them just fine. I'd just have trouble recommending one as an every day commuter. Not because they couldn't work, but because I think a little bit more money will get something that will provide a better experience in the long run. Of course I'm talking about $200 vs $259 and not $139.
I also understand your frustration with me. I put the words "serious" in quotes because it was half tongue in cheek. I read posts about how road bikes make lousy commuters all the time, yet somehow I manage to get to work on one most of the year and enjoy myself while doing it.