The GMC Denali 700c road bike has been turning heads for years, and for good reason. As a content creator for usabikers.net, I’ve dived deep into the world of affordable road bikes, and the Denali consistently emerges as a compelling option, especially for beginners. After spending considerable time examining this bike, it’s clear why many riders feel like they’ve struck gold with this budget-friendly find. It’s the kind of purchase that makes you wonder if you’ve underpaid for the level of performance and enjoyment it delivers. Yes, like any bike at this price point, it has a few areas that could be improved, but these are easily addressed, making the GMC Denali a serious contender in the entry-level road bike market.
A Road Bike from Walmart? – The GMC Denali Story
It might surprise some to learn that the Gmc Denali Road Bike is primarily sold through Walmart stores. In fact, the Denali 700c, specifically the 54cm/22″ model, is often the only road bike you’ll find stocked in Walmart. This widespread availability, coupled with its presence on Amazon.com, makes it incredibly accessible to a vast audience.
This broad distribution network, backed by Walmart’s and Amazon’s customer-friendly return policies, likely contributes to the GMC Denali being one of the best-selling road bikes in the United States. Its understated quality and ubiquity remind me of the “New Schwinn Varsity” – a nod to the iconic, dependable, and widely accessible road bike of a previous generation. While the Schwinn Varsity was known for its robustness over refinement, the GMC Denali offers a surprisingly modern riding experience that far surpasses its predecessor.
Ride Quality and Performance – Beyond Expectations
The GMC Denali boasts a modern, aero-tube aluminum alloy frame. This construction is a significant leap forward from the heavy steel frames of older entry-level bikes. The result is a ride that feels responsive and handling that is surprisingly quick, thanks to its well-designed seat and chain stays.
While the Denali weighs in at around 29 lbs, it feels lighter and more agile than you might expect. This is partly due to advancements in frame technology and geometry compared to older steel frames. Even when compared to a classic steel-framed road bike, the Denali can feel surprisingly nimble.
The bike is equipped with Vitesse Lite aero rims, which are robust and precise, if perhaps a bit on the heavier side. However, this sturdiness is a definite advantage, especially when riding on roads with rough surfaces and potholes, which are common in many areas. The durability of the wheelset is reassuring, even if it comes at a slight weight penalty.
Components and Features – What Stands Out?
One of the GMC Denali’s most notable features is its wide-range gearing. With three front chainrings and seven rear cogs, it offers a versatile range suitable for tackling both steep hills and flat terrains. This makes it a great choice for riders who encounter varied landscapes on their rides.
The bike utilizes a Shimano RevoShift gear shifter system, typically seen on mountain bikes. While it might seem unconventional on a road bike, the RevoShift system operates with impressive precision and accuracy. A clear readout window even displays the engaged chainring, adding to the user-friendly design. In fact, some may find this system offers more precise shifting than some older integrated brake/shifter lever systems found on more expensive bikes.
“Old School” light steel framed Benotto Model 850 shows contrast in frame building materials & tube sizing versus the newer aero aluminum tubing which characterizes the Denali frame. Both are valid ways to build a frame but provide a very different ride ‘feel’.
The handlebar setup is designed to accommodate the RevoShift system, using a two-piece handlebar. When properly assembled, this system is secure and safe. However, it’s worth double-checking the alignment of the handlebar halves upon purchase to ensure optimal setup and comfort.
The saddle is fairly standard for bikes in this category. For shorter rides or younger riders, it’s perfectly adequate. However, for longer distances, upgrading the saddle to a more comfortable option would be a worthwhile improvement for enhanced riding enjoyment.
Areas for Improvement – Easy Upgrades
One minor drawback of the RevoShift system is that it occupies handlebar space that would typically be used for accessories like cycling computers or headlights. This is a trade-off for the precise shifting, but it’s something to consider if you plan to use these accessories. While upgrading to a Shimano STI integrated shift/brake lever system is an option, it can be costly. More budget-friendly alternatives like MicroSHIFT systems or Shimano A050 paddle shifters offer potential solutions for freeing up handlebar space.
Connor attempting to prove aluminum plus youthful energy is more than a match for old age & carbon fiber !
Beyond the shifters, there are a couple of other easy and impactful upgrades to consider: pedals and tires. The stock cage pedals are functional but not ideal for serious road riding. Upgrading to toe-clip pedals or clipless pedals is highly recommended for improved pedaling efficiency and power transfer. Toe-clip pedals offer a good balance of performance and convenience, allowing the use of regular athletic shoes.
The tires are another area ripe for improvement. The GMC Denali comes with wider, hybrid-style 32c tires. While suitable for casual riding, they are heavier and less efficient for dedicated road cycling. Switching to narrower, lighter road tires, such as 28c or even 25c tires like Kenda Kwest, can significantly enhance the bike’s performance and reduce rolling resistance. This single change can make a noticeable difference in speed and overall riding feel.
Value Proposition – Performance vs. Price
With these simple upgrades – toe-clip pedals and lighter road tires – the GMC Denali’s performance elevates significantly, rivaling even older, more expensive road bikes. Considering the original price point of the Denali, the level of performance achieved after these minor tweaks is truly remarkable. It delivers a performance that punches well above its weight class.
[
Ready for a long ride….
Finally, for a purely aesthetic upgrade, removing the prominent GMC sticker from the frame cleans up the bike’s appearance considerably, giving it a more streamlined and custom look. A little heat from a hairdryer makes sticker removal easy, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the bike.
Why Choose the GMC Denali? – Key Takeaways
Several factors make the GMC Denali a compelling choice, especially as an entry-level road bike:
- Positive Reviews and Reputation: It consistently receives positive feedback online, with many users praising its value and performance for the price.
- Risk-Free Purchase: The availability through Walmart and Amazon, with their generous return policies, minimizes the risk of buying a bike sight unseen.
- Budget-Friendly Entry Point: It’s an ideal option for those looking to get into road cycling without a significant financial investment, perfect for testing the waters of the sport.
- Size Availability: Surprisingly, for a bike at this price, it comes in multiple sizes, increasing the chances of finding a good fit.
[Ready for a long ride….
For anyone seeking a reliable, affordable, and surprisingly capable road bike to start their cycling journey, the GMC Denali road bike is definitely worth considering. Its minor shortcomings are easily addressed with simple, budget-friendly upgrades, unlocking even greater performance and solidifying its position as a top contender in the entry-level market.
If you have any questions about this review or the GMC Denali road bike, feel free to ask in the comments section below!
