Review on the GMC Denali bicycle
#451
Now while ridding to work this a-hole pulles out in front of me (while I did 25mph) and stops. So i turned the bike away from the front of his car and bloked it with my body. I'll heal the bike won't. Hit the front cornner and then landed on his hood while sliding across the hood. The bike never touched the car. Then some how I just keep going. I must have bounced off the hood and back up on the bike.
#452
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
No that's was the way it happened. I really wished I had a camera on that day.
#453
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
Originally Posted by evancds
On my walmart ride, the cranks+chain rings were about 3 pounds. I'm not sure what kind are on the denali, but a new crankset would probably be lighter and definetly help your gearing
#454
Originally Posted by CigTech
No that's was the way it happened. I really wished I had a camera on that day.
I always liked Ripley's B.I.O.N.
#455
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
Yesterday at work, some guy in my store came over and asked if the Denali was my bike. Then asked if I minded telling him where I got it. I told him and he did not believe that it was a Wal-Mart bike. I did not have a lot of time to talk to him because of the line of people I had. So he went back over to the Denali and I seen him pick it up. He said that he just want to see how much it weighted. I told he take was ok. But it did kind of set me off that he did that before asking me. He said that they must be sold out of them. And I told him I did not think so because I have only seen two out side of Wal-Mart. So I was sure there have more. I told him that the bike is stock minus the lights and computer. Then he left. He look like a kid does when a kid see something that he just have to have something that he just seen.
I just hope that he comes back before he buys one. So I can tell him what he'll need to do to the bike to make it better. Like adjusting the breaks and the derailer. And that he'll need to get long vale tubs for it after a flat. Any ways I get this type of looks and questions all the time with this bike.
The store manager told me to keep it parked up by the front window. The Denali brings in more people when I park it by the window. Which increases video store profit. I have at least 5 people a day come in just to see the bike. And now there are three guys that ride there bike to the video store and bring them inside because of my bike being in the window. I take my bikes (don't matter which one I'm ridding) inside every store I go to. No one has told me not too yet. I did have one guy ask me to leave it inside the front door at CVS. Other then that I just gets some strange looks now and then.
I just hope that he comes back before he buys one. So I can tell him what he'll need to do to the bike to make it better. Like adjusting the breaks and the derailer. And that he'll need to get long vale tubs for it after a flat. Any ways I get this type of looks and questions all the time with this bike.
The store manager told me to keep it parked up by the front window. The Denali brings in more people when I park it by the window. Which increases video store profit. I have at least 5 people a day come in just to see the bike. And now there are three guys that ride there bike to the video store and bring them inside because of my bike being in the window. I take my bikes (don't matter which one I'm ridding) inside every store I go to. No one has told me not too yet. I did have one guy ask me to leave it inside the front door at CVS. Other then that I just gets some strange looks now and then.
#456
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by CigTech
The store manager told me to keep it parked up by the front window. The Denali brings in more people when I park it by the window. Which increases video store profit. I have at least 5 people a day come in just to see the bike. And now there are three guys that ride there bike to the video store and bring them inside because of my bike being in the window...
LOL
that is some bike!
#457
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 2
it reminds me of the line of chicks that form outside my own place of employment, all just for a chance at touching my bike.
you kill me.
you kill me.
#458
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
I did 84.9 mile fun ride on the Denali today. It was really nice today wit 78 deg temp. and 5 mph wind.
So far I got 1061.7 mile on the Denail. It run just fine today and I checked the chain and relubed it after the ride. look at the break pads for ware and there still have a lot of pad left. Did not have to adjust a thing on it after the ride.
So far I got 1061.7 mile on the Denail. It run just fine today and I checked the chain and relubed it after the ride. look at the break pads for ware and there still have a lot of pad left. Did not have to adjust a thing on it after the ride.
#459
Code Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
From: South suburbs of Chicago, Illinois
Bikes: Schwinn MTB/Raleigh Marathon
Originally Posted by CigTech
It was really nice today wit 78 deg temp. and 5 mph wind.
__________________
Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, 1/2 a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.
Jake: Hit it.
Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, 1/2 a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.
Jake: Hit it.
#460
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
Well today it's is a little colder here. In the 65 deg rang. But with the humidity and wind down here that feel like 45 deg.
#461
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
Well got the work week started off right today. Very nice ride to work this afternoon. The Denali is still riding along strong as ever. I did check the chain and it is still way with in limits, so I give it 500 more miles and check it again.
#462
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Herndon, VA
Bikes: 05 Fuji Pro, 06 Mercier Serpens, 00 Ducati 750ss
You're not getting as many responses as you were early on but some of us are still reading. Some days I check 3 or 4 times to see if you've updated anything... and then sometimes I go 3-4 days without looking (and end up with a ton to catch up with). Anyways, just wanted to let you know that you've got people reading even if we dont all speak up.
Keep it up, I'd like to see how long this bike lasts.
Keep it up, I'd like to see how long this bike lasts.
#465
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
I have been watching the views of the post. As long as people keep looking at the post I keep posting. But thanks for letting me know that you guys want this review.
Did a fun ride this morning of 28.6 miles. The Denali handled it with out a problem. I did a complete check over of the Denali after the ride. I now have 1104.5 miles on the Denali in 54 days (with only 4 days off the bike). The chain is still well with in limits. Break pads look good and still stop the bike fast. I did adjust the breaks down a bout 1mm due to wear. The derailleurs are still shafting as good as a cheap derailer can. Did not have to adjust them at all. relubed the hubs, BB and chain. Checked all bolts and they are still tight. Pulled the one piece Stem cleaned and lubed it to keep corrosion down.
As a side note: The headlight I use on this bike is a modified Nite Hawk Nomad Headlight. I replaced the 4 D-Cell batteries with a Home Depot 6 vdc 6.5 Ah battery and put a on/off switch in the light housing. The 6.5 Ah battery just fits in the battery bag that comes with the Nomad headlight. The run time is 7.8 hours. So I can ride all most all night if I want to.
Did a fun ride this morning of 28.6 miles. The Denali handled it with out a problem. I did a complete check over of the Denali after the ride. I now have 1104.5 miles on the Denali in 54 days (with only 4 days off the bike). The chain is still well with in limits. Break pads look good and still stop the bike fast. I did adjust the breaks down a bout 1mm due to wear. The derailleurs are still shafting as good as a cheap derailer can. Did not have to adjust them at all. relubed the hubs, BB and chain. Checked all bolts and they are still tight. Pulled the one piece Stem cleaned and lubed it to keep corrosion down.
As a side note: The headlight I use on this bike is a modified Nite Hawk Nomad Headlight. I replaced the 4 D-Cell batteries with a Home Depot 6 vdc 6.5 Ah battery and put a on/off switch in the light housing. The 6.5 Ah battery just fits in the battery bag that comes with the Nomad headlight. The run time is 7.8 hours. So I can ride all most all night if I want to.
#466
just over the next hill
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe 2006 Fuji Tahoe
Originally Posted by No Exit
You're not getting as many responses as you were early on but some of us are still reading. Wanted to let you know that you've got people reading even if we dont all speak up.
Keep it up, I'd like to see how long this bike lasts.
Keep it up, I'd like to see how long this bike lasts.
__________________
Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
#467
Full Member

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 388
Likes: 60
From: georgia
Bikes: Caloi MTB, Raleigh heritage international
I'm still keeping tabs as well.
#468
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
You're about 5 times the miles I had on MY $70 wal-mart bike before my first major mechanical. Keep it up!
#469
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
axOn, you broke the Wal-Mart bike with about 220 miles on it. What happened to it?
#470
Originally Posted by podman
it reminds me of the line of chicks that form outside my own place of employment, all just for a chance at touching my bike.
you kill me.
you kill me.
#471
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,311
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Originally Posted by CigTech
axOn, you broke the Wal-Mart bike with about 220 miles on it. What happened to it?
- Broken seat post
- Broken Pedal
- Un-tighten-able loose handlebars
- Chronic spoke breakage
- Broken axle or something
To be fair, I've had a "real" wheel with chronic spoke breakage also, albeit at a much slower rate. That cleared up when I had it rebuilt. I didn't bother rebuilding the wally wheel.
Also, I've never had a Wally bike that was capable of smooth shifting regardless of adjustment.
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
Last edited by recursive; 12-07-06 at 01:27 PM.
#472
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
Originally Posted by CigTech
axOn, you broke the Wal-Mart bike with about 220 miles on it. What happened to it?
I tried riding it and the wheel was leaning against the brakes and seat stay. It was impossible to pedal. I inverted it, and the wheel hub could move about 1/4 inch in every direction. The outer edge of the wheel could basically be slopped around all over the place. I wouldn't be exaggerating to claim that it could move 6-8 left to right.
Keep in mind that:
1) I weighed 230 pounds at the time.
2) The drop-outs were bent (not parallel) from the store and I did not fix them, probably playing a part, along with my weight, in the axle bending and the bearing carnage.
3) I thought double suspension was an invitation to run into and over any obstacle in my way, including storm drains, curbs, potholes, etc.
4) I thought "Mountain bike" was an open invitation to find hilly and rough terrain to play on.
5) I gleefully accepted those invitations.
6) I didn't really know or care how to properly ride, repair or maintain a bike.
Had I weighed less, been more careful about curbs, learned to bunny hop or at least stand up off the seat before hitting an obstacle, or any number of other things (including avoiding obstacles instead of seeking them out to have some fun), the bike would have certainly lasted longer. As it was, I originally got that bike because I had to have transportation for a few weeks waiting for a clutch to come in for my car. I wasn't exactly thrilled to be bike commuting at first. By the time it died, I was sad to see her go, but realized that she'd never be the bike I needed. Instead of investing in a $80 repair that would have probably out-lasted the rest of the bike, I invested $100 in a whole bike that I knew would last a while.
Both of my current bikes are not only sturdier and made with better components than my wal-mart beater was, but I also am more in tune with any issues they might encounter as time goes on, and I'm prepared to actually invest sweat, time, and money into keeping them running well.
Also keep in mind that the components on your Denali are a world apart from the cheap stuff that was on my Next PowerX DS26. My old bike cost less than half what yours did.
#473
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Saint Pete
Bikes: Seven Axiom Steel, Surly LHT
Cig- forgot to tell you that I saw a Denali at one of the rest stops at the Horrible Hundred bike ride in Clarmont (yes I'm a roadie as well as commuter). I though it might be you but I read on this thread you took that day off. So looks like someone else has made the bike into a weekend century bike.
#474
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
O-Town, was not me. I could see it as a long haul bike. It is a heavy bike at 30 lbs. so I don't think many people would take it on long hauls. I wiahed I know if he/she made it any lighter by changing out some parts.
Well the Denali is still riding fine. Nothing to say about it so far.
I had a BF member stop in the store last night. We talk of a while and he said that his dad had a Denali also. It was slow at the store last night. Man was it cold on the way home too. It got down to 30F last night. I did not have a coat either. So I took the short way home 3.53 miles. I did have long pants and a tee shirt on with a light jacket and fingerless gloves.
Well the Denali is still riding fine. Nothing to say about it so far.
I had a BF member stop in the store last night. We talk of a while and he said that his dad had a Denali also. It was slow at the store last night. Man was it cold on the way home too. It got down to 30F last night. I did not have a coat either. So I took the short way home 3.53 miles. I did have long pants and a tee shirt on with a light jacket and fingerless gloves.
#475
Been Around Awhile

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,680
Likes: 1,996
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Originally Posted by CigTech
Man was it cold on the way home too. It got down to 30F last night. I did not have a coat either. So I took the short way home 3.53 miles.




