I'll stand with the OP on this. I have the Kent International 6061 frame used on the Denali. Mine was sold as Genesis Roadtech. I started with upgrading the tires to Vittoria Zaffiro II 700x28 - much lighter! ($34.18) Next got a CF fork from Nashbar. ($79.99) Unlike the Denali, mine has a 1 piece handlebar and had stem shifters. I replaced them with Shimano Tourney brifters. ($77.95) The RD got bent and wasn't worth the time to bend it straight so I got a Claris RD. ($24.09). After all that, I still have a bargain bike - and I ride it everywhere and park it anywhere. So, replace the wheel for $40 or the wheelset for less than $120. Keep enjoying your ride and laugh at the cynics.