I'm a newbie to cycling and about as beginner as you can get.

My truck died a little over a week ago. I only live about 6 miles away from work (and can't afford a new vehicle anyway) so I decided why not start biking. I'm actually excited about it because I need the exercise (and to lose weight) and am looking forward to the commute.

I've got a $5 "yard sale special" mountain bike that I've used to ride around with the kids once in a while. Up to this point, aside from my kid years, I haven't been a cyclist. I've made the 6 mile ride with this bike 3 times and realize it's not going to cut it. So I've done some research and it seems that the GMC Denali is a good starter bike for the price so I've bought one (which I'll get this Friday).

I'm going to need to tote things on my bike, the most important being my laptop. I bought a laptop backback that I had planned on bungy-ing down on to a rack. I tried putting the rack on my bike I had last night and realized it needed 2 holes in the frame that weren't there, so I had to drill them. I don't plan on drilling on my new bike, so how do I pick a rack that will fit my new bike?

I've read a lot of the other threads on here, but any other general advice you would give a beginner like me?

Go to the hardware store and get a couple of P-clips in the same diameter as your seatstay* tubes. Mount the P-clips to the frame, and the rack to the P-clips.

An example P-clip:


*Seatstays: the frame tubes that extend up from the rear wheel dropouts to the seat tube beneath the saddle.

If you can find one easily enough, I prefer the bungee cargo netting to bungee cord, but that's just me. Good luck on your commute and don't get discouraged if the first couple days are rough.

Congrats on your decision to give bike commuting a go!

I have a co-worker who rides a GMC Denali maybe 2 days a week, 35 miles round trip, and he has had pretty good luck with it. He is running into some trouble with it now, as can be expected from an entry level department store bike, but he's gotten almost 2 years of service from it, and has saved enough money to buy a better bike. It is a good starter bike.
If you want to use a rear rack, you will have to use P-clips or an aftermarket seat binder with rack mounts.

Is your route hilly? flat? do you encounter frequent rain and or snow?

I actually saw the bungee cargo netting on Amazon and was going to pick some up. The first couple of days were rough, but not that bad. I wanted to ride home first, before I tried riding in so I had my wife drop me off at lunch and rode back. Of course that day there was a stronger than normal head wind.

I'm a programmer and I've had to work a lot of side jobs to keep my family afloat so my activity level the past 5 years or so has been 0. So I'm looking forward to getting in shape again, but going from 0 activity to a 12 mile round trip commute is a little of a rough start. But of the 3 times I've done it I've really enjoyed it.

Thanks for the info. My current beater MTB has some holes near the rear wheel where I can attach, and I assume the Denali has the same thing, though it's hard to see in the picture. I'll have to see if I can download some more detailed specs about the bike - there's not a lot on the Kent website.

The truck I had sucked gas. Even though I live about 6 miles from work, I was spending anywhere from $40 - $60 in gas a week. That plus insurance costs, etc - I should be able to save up and move up in bike by the time I'm ready.


I live in Florida - so everything's pretty flat. In the summer there's a chance of an afternoon shower every day, but usually don't have to worry about the snow

Rain is a concern - I obviously don't want my laptop getting wet. And riding home getting soaked isn't an issue, but riding to work of course is different. Who knew such a "simple" change came with such a big learning curve.

It looks like the Denali has tapped holes in the dropouts (where the wheel attaches) for the bottom of the rack. Any rack will have arms that need to attach to the seat stays (the tubes that extend from the back of the seatpost to the rear wheel). The Denali does not provide attachment points there, so P-clips will be necessary.

If your hardware store does not have them (plumbing or electrical) then you can get them online: https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ttachment.html

I'd say keep your old mountain bike around. Does it have suspension? If not that's even better (on flat and more or less smooth surfaces like paved roads suspension just adds weight and the suspension absorbs some of the energy you're trying to direct into your pedals rather than putting it all into forward motion, but it's not a deal killer if you have it). Online, you should be able to get slick tires for it for ~$10 each that will help a lot in reducing the effort required to pedal (low pressure knobbed tires take more effort to pedal on a paved surface than smooth higher pressure tires). A cheap second rack can be had for another ~$20, and add in some fenders for a total of about what you're saving in gas for one week. Presto and you've got a backup bike in case something goes wonky on the Denali and, more importantly, it's perfectly set up for riding in on those rainy days when your wife isn't able to drop you off due to her schedule but you still have to get in. Throw on a rain cape and you'll be more or less dry when you get to work. I know that extra $60 may be more than you want to spend right now and having a second bike may seem dumb (I haven't been able to convince my wife I need one yet, so my only bike has these modifications and more on an old mountain bike and is heavy and slow), but all I'm saying is keep it in mind as you continue riding and don't get rid of that old bike if you've got room to keep it.

Thanks - I do plan on keeping my old bike around for a while, though eventually it will need some work.

For the price of a GMC Denali, you should be able to find a decent used bike that will last you much longer, be more reliable (if it's been taken care of), and many USA or Japan-made 80's and early 90's frames are nice enough to be worth upgrading later on. A local bike co-op could help you keep your bike(s) road-worthy on the cheap and help you learn about your bike, if you give a more specific location I'm sure people could chime in if there are any in your area.

It's always good to have two bikes. Just in case. Or eight. Just in case.

For flexible and affordable cargo-carrying, get your rack on with p-clamps and think about adding either Wald folding baskets or a basket on top of the rack. One of those with some bungee nets and straps should make it easier to pack your backpack, any other bag you feel like commuting with, some groceries, and/or a 12 pack. Get some heavy duty zip ties and your basket(s)/rack can be modular and easy to switch around. I have panniers, saddlebags, folding baskets, top baskets, bar bags, and can use whatever makes sense for a given commute or day around town - but detachable baskets are the most flexible. I've gotten Wald baskets (folding and non-folding) for probably $15-20 each. Or get a milk crate and zip tie it on. Not the best for balance, but thousands of people have been doing it for years, and it's free.

Fenders if there's rain. Detachable are ok if you don't have the proper braze-ons (sounds like you do), but full fenders are best. They make life more pleasant, and will help keep you, your cargo, and your bottom bracket clean. Velo Orange still has 700C fluted aluminum fenders on special for $28, which is a hot deal - otherwise most common plastic fenders (Planet Bike, SKS, etc.) you can probably pick up for $30-35.

If you don't want things to get wet, wrap them tightly in plastic bags. You might look like a hobo, but there's nothing wrong with that. For your person, if you don't want to spend $$ on rain gear (some of it is pretty cheap, but the cheap stuff will probably get you just as wet from sweat)(though I do have an O2 rain jacket that cost $20 and works ok for me), just bring a change of clothes and a towel. Problem solved.

A small repair kit that includes a multi-tool and patches along with a small pump are a good investment, along with learning how to patch a tube. Extra tubes, tire levers. Of course, if you can ride along a bus line, that can simplify your repair preparations.

Depending on where you work or leave your bike during the day, you'll probably want a lock that gives you the confidence that your ride will still be there when the whistle blows. Rule of thumb: get a stout Kryptonite, On Guard, or Abus U-lock. Cables are worthless unless you're in an area with little to no bike theft, the thick chains are overkill unless you're in a big city or bike-theft prone town, but spending $45 on a good quality lock is a good investment.

You've already got wheels and a backpack, which is really all you need. Everything else is about adding some comfort, allowing you to carry more stuff, or keeping you a little cleaner and/or drier. You can buy stuff as you go, and as you figure out what works for you.

If you've never ridden a road bike before, you'll be in for some surprises.

@threecarjam - wow - thanks for such a detailed reply.

I live near Daytona Beach (about 1/2 hour north). I had originally bought a Schwinn Tourist from Target, but after getting it home and looking it over, decided that it probably wasn't the best choice, so I returned it. Did a little more research online for entry-level bikes and ended up with the GMC Denali for $159. Being that I know nothing about bikes (except that when you turn the pedal they go), I didn't think it would be good to buy a used one right now, even though I looked, since I wouldn't know how to asses it properly. I plan on taking the time to educate myself on bikes and maintenance, save some money and upgrade later on.


Yea, this is the biggest issue I'm facing now. I just put my rack on last night and tried to bungee it down, but I wasn't feeling too confident. This is probably going to be the most trial/error part of it for me.


Thanks - I'll check it out.

I did buy a U-lock, though I don't know what brand it is - I'll have to look.

I have ridden before, but of course most of it was when I was a kid. I haven't done any serious riding in many years, and I'm already finding that when it comes to commuting (not just joy riding) there's much more to it than meets the eye.

Try not to let it overwhelm you. But, you're right there is alot more to cycle-commuting. It's a lifestyle committment to a certain degree. The benefits of perseverance far outweigh the challenges of the learning curve, though. When one begins to view a bike in terms of utilitarian use as opposed to recreational or a hobby it takes on a whole new character. Suddenly, you'll find yourself appreciating good componentry, materials, etc. Learn as much as you can about being your own cycling mechanic. Local jr. colleges, adult ed programs, local bike shop or bike co-ops often offer basic maintenance classes. Take one, you wont regret it.

Also, don't be afraid to invest in your bike(s). That includes tools, etc. It'll pay off in ways way beyond losing weight or reducing your carbon footprint. There's an intangible internal confidence that manifests as a natural outgrowth of daily commuting and being capable of doing one's own maintenance or roadside repairs. It's hard to explain, but you'll know it when it happens.

I would recommend reading Bicycling Street Smarts. Good info for anyone riding in traffic. https://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm
Everything I learned about commuting all year long I learned here on BF.

One more thing, I'd suggest a mirror. I rode without a mirror for 20 yrs. I would'nt do without
it now.

When I started commuting I had a rack and one pannier/tote bag and a bike that was 16 years old, granted it was a Trek which last forever, I have a very short commute but live in the snow and also grocery shop and everything else by bike. I have killer hills and 6200 feet of altitiude so the short commute is a blessing. 24 months later I have turned the Trek into an Xtracycle (look at the website and dream) It took me 4 months to save for the conversion. I now have 3 bikes and more gear than you can imagine best part of commuting.
Take it slow and dont give up, eventually the pride you feel when people stop asking "did you ride today?" will be worth it. They stopped asking and just started assuming after 2 years.
Also, give yourself a break, if you just cant do it one day, dont. The worse thing that could happen is that this becomes a chore and you hate it. The next day try again.
Good luck and welcome to the commuters

Consider getting a pannier like this one from Nashbar. An advantage of using a pannier is that you don't get the sweaty back that comes with a backpack. Most have room for a laptop plus whatever else you need to take to work with you. Your LBS (local bike shop) may very well carry a selection of panniers like this one.

Congratulations on your decision to bike commute. You know there's a whole thread on a rather exhaustive evaluation of the Denali here on this forum. Check it out if you haven't already. It's quite a favorable review of the bike.

My vote is for some Wald folding baskets to add to your rack, along with a tie-down net for carrying stuff.

Don't forget lights, high-vis vest or jacket and a helmet. I don't want to preach, but you might think about those things.

Best regards.

Putting a laptop in a pannier: Aren't any of you concerned about the laptop getting damaged every time the bike hits a hard bump? Wouldn't it be less of an issue if the laptop was in the rider's backpack instead?

There are panniers that are specifically designed to accommodate laptops. This one is one of the cheaper ones, and others like this one are available, as well. Most of the laptop-friendly panniers offer padded/suspended stowage that keeps the computer isolated from jarring bumps, and offer much better protection (compared to a backpack) in the event of an accident.

Interesting, I did not know these existed. Thanks for posting.

Congrats on the Denali - you will enjoy the bike. My advice is to take it easy and dont expect too much as the main force is you. I have a $2500 road bike and a $400 commuter. The speed difference isnt that great and both have their strengths and weaknesses....

Congrats!

I use this one and it has a suspended, neoprene-padded pouch, plus a hard plastic back that runs the entire length & width of the pannier.

I am a programmer and am constantly in forums asking questions, etc to find answers to problems. I don't think I've ever seen such a show of support and community in a forum before - very cool.

Thanks for the good words on the Denali - I should be getting it today. I've had people telling me that I'm not going to like the bike and all so it's really good to hear more positive feedback about it.

I'm going to head to my LBS today to see what panniers/racks/baskets they have. Choices, choices, choices. I bought the backback to make the laptop a little easier to carry than the laptop bag before, but I would rather have it off my back for the commute. Now that I'm down to 1 vehicle - it's not as bad watching the gas prices going up (though it still hurts).