• Alloy calipers and alloy brake levers with hi profile alloy Vitesse racing rims
• Shimano 21 speed derailleur
• 700 mm hi performance tires
• Shimano Revo shifters
• Alloy water bottle cage

My first bike
This is my first bike in my life and I am very happy with it. It feels smooth to ride and most importantly it costs only 0. However, I do think the bike needs some tweaking before serious riding. My bike makes clicking noise when in higher gear and I can feel something is shaking a little bit inside the bike. Gear doesn't shift very smoothly also, sometimes the chain just doesn't move to its adjacent gear so I have to keep twisting the gear control in order for the chain to "skip" the gear. Does anybody have the solution to this?

Since I have zero knowledge on bike, I have been googling new bike tune up tutorial and it's actually pretty difficult to learn. So far I have tried only turning the barrel adjuster and I sort of have a feel that the problem comes from the rear derailleur. I would greatly appreciate if anyone tell me how to tune the bike.

UPDATE: After taking it bike shop, I learn that the bike's brake and gear are defective. Changing them would cost probably what half of the bike would cost. The bike needs a of fixing by seasoned mechanics. Therefore, I would not recommend it to beginner and I am going to return the bike.

I love this bike!
I purchased this bike to start exercising so that I may reduce my cholesterol level at the recommendation of my doctor. After few rides, I realized I love biking and now put about 50~60 miles/week. I love this bike because it let me get back into biking, which I abandoned since High School. I now have over 500 miles on it and plan to put 1000 miles by end of summer.

Since the bike is so in expensive I figure the bike will pay for itself after 1000 miles when compared to driving my Toyota Highlander.
Here's my calculation:
0 for the bike / per cost of gallon of gas x 20Mpg on highlander = 933.33 miles

The bike uses bottom of the barrel components and the price reflects it.
The bad news is that the components will wear/fall apart sooner and need to be replaced. The good news is that just about any type of upgrade will be a major improvement, and you can learn to fix and maintain a bicycle. I learned how to adjust derailleur, true a wheel, wrap a handlebar tape, and adjust the brakes and much more. This doesn't mean it will prevent you from riding the bike in the beginning. Any and all bikes require some sort of fine-tuning. With a bit of tinkering and polishing, Denali becomes an excellent commuter bike.

I've also compiled a list of Facts and Myths surrounding this diamond in the rough.
FACT:
The bike is a great bargain: There really is no comparison on the market.
The bike is considered heavy for a racing bike: However the bike weight is more than acceptable for touring or commuting purposes.
MTB Components: 48/38/28t chairing and 14-28T freewheels are MTB components for easier hill climbs, rather than 30Mph racing. Probably cost cutting measures.
Brakes are weak: At minimum, the front brake pads should be replaced for any sort of hill descents.
Weak handlebar tape: The tape does not have adhesives and will start to come off after few hundred miles. Any aftermarket will remedy this problem.
The original tires are very heavy. You will notice immediate speed improvement after upgrading.

MYTH:
Gearing is junk and will skip unintentionally: All Gears need adjustments and fine-tuning. If your gears are not shifting properly, you need to adjust the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur. If the chain is rubbing against the Front derailleur, you need to tighten the cable as well as learn trimming. Grip shifter on road bike is unusual, but much better than down tube shifter like in the old days.
Used bikes on craigslist or EBay is better: Depending on the condition, used bikes may cost more in terms of maintenance and reconditioning to get it ride-ready. For beginning rider it is extremely difficult to pick out a bargain bike from used list.
The bike is poor quality: Kent makes other higher level bikes such as the limited and the pro version with carbon fiber fork and Shimano STI shifters, both based on same frame from the base model.
This bike has too many issues: All bikes require maintenance and adjustments. sheldonbrown and bicycletutor are great sites to learn about both.

I really started to enjoy biking and purchased a Motobecane Mirage Comp as a weekend bike, and now use the Denali as a 12-mile daily commuter. Only downside is that I think I kind of went overboard with accessories and upgrades, since they cost more than the bike itself. However, I think it just adds to the fun factor and motivates me to ride even more.

Following is the list of purchases I made towards the bike:
Kool stop eagle claw brake (Must for the front) =
Bell Handlebar Tape (Original will come off sooner or later) =
700x28c Continental Ultra 2000(front, found at LBS clearance box) =
700x28c Continental Super Sport (rear, found at LBS clearance box) =
2 x 700x28c tube =
Ventura rear rack =
Mirrycle mirror =
Schwinn bike computer =
M-Wave Large Saddle bag =
Planet Bike Blinky =
Planet Bike 5000x Xenon light =
20Oz Polar water bottle =
Bell Gel seat cover =
Shimano Sora 3304 STI shifter (left side only to accommodate the mirrycle) =
Bell Shift and Brake cables + housing (I might as well since replacing the left shifter) =
On-guard mini U-lock (must for commuter) =
Wellgo RC-713 Pedals (Hand me down from Mirage Comp) = free
Reduced Cholesterol and Triglyceride level, and losing 10 pounds in one month = Priceless!!!

Some other additional purchases, which I share with the second bike:
Schwinn Helmet =
Bell Gel Glove =
2 x Jersey =
2 x Shorts =
Schwinn floor pump =
Bell multi-tool =
Avenir Spoke Wrench =
tri-flow =
Finish Line Dry lube =
Finish Line Grease =
Pearl Izumi Quest MTB Shoes =
Shimano SH-56 =
M-wave bike stand =

Fantastic Bike for 0
For 0 this is an excellent bike. If you are looking for something better then you must be prepared to spend a lot more money.

I am a casual biker and I wanted to use something that could get me around in Boston. I bike around 5 miles a day, some times around 10. I've use this bike for over a year now and I have no complaints at all. The build quality is solid, the welds look good, and the gears work great. Some things could definitely be better, but not for 0.

I would also recommend a tuneup as soon as you get it, something that I did the first day I got it. I've had no problems at all with it since then.

Pros:
1) Solid build quality.
2) Great gears.
3) Easy to setup.
4) It looks very good and passes for a far more expensive bike.

Cons:
1) The grip shifting mechanism is rather unusual. It is also reversed where rear and front shifters shift up and down in opposite directions.
2) The angle of the seat does not look adjustable.
3) It's slightly heavy for a road bike, but again, it's 0.
4) The bike will require a tune up out of the box.
5) The breaks are marginally effective.
5) The space in the center of the frame is too small to fit a decent bracket u-lock.

Over all I pleased with the purchase and this bike has been very, very reliable. I paid around 0 including shipping and I can't expect more. I've not looking for race performance. I've looking for reliability and style, and this bike has provided both. If you are into performance and have more money to spend, then this bike is probably not for you.

Low Quality
Assembly wasn't too bad. Once I was able to get it on the road the back tire went flat in under one mile - I'm very disappointed.

Unbelievable!!
I have a vintage Zeus roadbike Campy equipped. I have ridden it since the mid 70's. I keep it tuned and it rides quite well. Now, I'm not saying in any way that the Denali is in a class with my B000BTEIIU,500 (1970's price) Zeus, weight wise or otherwise, but I was SCHOCKED when I rode a friend's Denali!
Initially, it stunk! Terrible coasting. Plenty of resistance, etc. What I discovered was that whoever assembled it had the cones so tight that the wheels could barely turn. The freewheel also needed lubrication. After having cared for these in his behalf, along with some other "tweeking" (i.e. proper tire pressure, seat, neck, brake adjustments), I took the bike for a test run. It was like riding on air! I couldn't believe how smooth, comfortable and FAST the bike was. Now, as far as the overall quality is concerned, if you don't expect a ,000.00 bike for 0.00 you'll be more than satisfied. This isn't a bike to compete in the Tour De France. But, if you want to take long rides at a good speed without burning yourself out, this bike fits the bill.
Just remember to check your hub's cones to be certain they're not too tight and lube the freewheel (basiccally get it tuned up by someone who knows what they're doing as opposed to the department store kid who throws them together) and you'll be surprised how nicw a ride the Denali is for a VERY affordable price.
The one negative concern I have is the type, and location, of the gear shift levers(?). They're designed for a mountain bike and if the bike were mine, I'd replace them. Which still would only cost a mere .00 tops.

• Bike Type: Road--Light and sleek, great for commuting or recreation on city streets, open roads, or country lanes.
• Bike Frame Material: Aluminum--A light material that offers you a responsive ride.
• Type of Shifter: Shimano--
• Front Brake: Dual Pivot Caliper Brake--
• Rear Brake: Dual Pivot Caliper Brake--

• Bike Type: Road--Light and sleek, great for commuting or recreation on city streets, open roads, or country lanes.
• Bike Frame Material: Aluminum--A light material that offers you a responsive ride.
• Type of Shifter: Shimano--
• Front Brake: Dual Pivot Caliper Brake--
• Rear Brake: Dual Pivot Caliper Brake--