Wilfred Laurier

but are they riding on single speed roadsters
or multi speed faux road bikes
which have more features
but are not as durable

Randolfo

There are decent new alternatives out there. I bought a Walmart special, and after about two hundred miles, it essentially started to come apart. I replaced many of the parts with the most bottom line quality only to realize these entry level parts were light years ahead of what came with the bike. If you want to ride, I would say craigslist, local shops often have decent older bikes, and places like Bikes Direct/Performance Bike, etc might be a better alternative.

cplager

I am concerned by this as well. For the general person asking: "Hey? Is this a good idea?" I'd respond no. But the response here: "It's not a great bike regardless, but if you can tune it yourself, then it's passable." is the right answer.

ThermionicScott 

I think the concern over status is a red herring, and that a person determined to stick with biking can start with anything.

A person who is lukewarm to the idea, just dipping their toes in the water because their spouse or doctor is telling them to get more exercise, may well be turned off entirely if their Wal-Mart POS will not stop reliably or refuses to shift or stay in gear. In addition to whatever other "surprises" they wouldn't get with a decent bike.

Anybody that I know personally will get steered toward Craigslist or the local co-op with whatever guidance I can provide.

Roody

This is a much better answer than I gave. SOMETIMES a discount POS is a good choice for a novice, but not always.

................

The advantage to a POS bike is cost, obviously. Status value is zero. Quality is probably "good enough for a beginner." The price range might be free for used to over $100 for a shiny new one. The OP's Denali is in this category.

The advantage to a used LBS bike for a novice is value--better quality for not a lot more money. Status value is low but not zero. Quality of a used bike can range from poor to excellent. The problem with novices buying a used bike is that they can't tell the difference between good deal and a junker. The price range could be from $75 to $300.

Another option is to get a cheap new bike, usually online or at a sporting goods store, although some LBSs carry them. I'm talking about something with a decent frame but cheap components. I don't know much about this category, but I think prices might hover around $250 to $400.

The other choice for a beginner is to buy a new entry level bike from the LBS. they will get good quality and medium status value. A free fitting and tuneup might be included. The prices are going up--maybe in the range of $600.