Best bicycle upgrade I could have gotten!
341120
This was my Tax Refund gift this year. I am very happy with it's performance compared to my Edge 705 that it replaced.
Navication calculated quickly. Boots up in  seconds, live Strava segments have helped me claim several new PRs.

Cell phone integration and WIFI connection are a welcomed addition, no more plugging in after every ride, only when I need to recharge. Live tracking is also a nice feature, my friends can check in on my 100K charity rides.
4205720
Last year I had brought the previous version of the NV 2.  I needed a solid bottom rail rack for my TRI Bike.  The thing that intrigued me the most was the inclusion of the bike stand.  I liked the rack but noticed a number of small nuances that I thought could have been done better.  As luck would have it, I was rear ended and the rack was bent and broken.  So, I had to replace it.  The old version of the rack was not available.  Without a second thought, I bought the new one.  The upgrades in this version of the rack are OUTSTANDING!  Kuat addressed every concern I had and more with this version of the rack.  The molded wheel cups fit different width wheels.  The integrated steel security cord is almost double the length of the old one and has 2 locks.  The rear cap at the elbow is now molded and seems to be welded in (my old one eventually fell off).  The step locking mechanism for folding the rack is much more convenient.  Finally, for us TRI people and mountain bikers with deep profile carbon wheels or big nobby tires, not only are the straps longer and wider making them more duable.  But even if the new ones aren't long enough still, they include an extender kit.  BRILLIANT!  The rack is pricey, but in this case, you truly get what you pay for.
364516
I've received these pedals today and could immediately tell the difference between them and my dull, narrow, rough and ugly stock pedals. These pedals are great in supporting your whole foot during the ride, since they are much wider than stock, and, what is most important, they are much easier to pedal- my speed immediately went up, and the whole process of pedaling has become almost effortless. I really enjoyed my first ride with these new pedals and would highly recommended everyone to replace their stock pedals with these ones. They have a very smart design and look attractive. The rolling of the pedals is slow and smooth, which I really liked. Overall it feels like a major upgrade to my Vilano road commuter bike.
3952547
Five stars for the price at which I got it. Best $132.97 I ever spent (got it "used like new" from the warehouse deals). The price went up like $100 after I bought it so guess I got lucky, but I'll take it since the whole reason I bought it is because my previous commuter bike was burglarized by some jag off whole stole my fork, seat and seatpost while it was locked up (with THREE locks) in the bicycle parking area of my condo. The box arrived with an 8 inch diameter hole where one of the front wheel hub nuts was poking out. No biggie for the price. Some assembly is required...prolly more than most consumers would like since most people don't really have the tools just lying around to get this done properly. You will need a pretty complete set of tools to mod and tune the Denali to your liking. You have to put the front wheel on as well as the handlebars, pedals, bottle cage and seatpost. You will also have to tune the bike ie adjust the brake pads and calipers, seat angle and alignment, derailleurs, straighten the handlebars and my front wheel was noticeably out of true so a spoke wrench (or small adjustable wrench if you can't find your spoke wrench like me lol) and truing skills will come in handy. If you ARE handy this bike is a steal (at the price I got it. I wouldn't pay what amazon is currently asking which is around $206 for the medium frame; it's not worth that). I am a cyclist so I kept only the essentials and removed all the stuff that just added needless weight as you can see from the picture. I also had some brand new and very light 25c Continental Gatorskins with Presta tubes lying around from the remainder of my burglarized bike which I threw on since the included 32c wheels with Schrader tubes are HEAVY. I'm not kidding. Swapping the tubes and tires must've taken at least two pounds off this bike. I also only left on a few of the decals in my mod that I thought looked tasteful and added to the description of the bike as you can see in the pic. There were so many stickers and decals. It looks so much better with just the ones I left on. They are everywhere on the bike including the wheels. Got rid of most of them and prolly shaved a few more ounces off by doing so. I also removed the reflectors off the pedals and wheels and didn't install the front and rear ones which also shaved some ounces. You will need a large diameter Allen Wrench to remove the kickstand. I removed the clear plastic protectors on the front crank and cassette and the black plastic trim piece on the front crank which took off a few more ounces and makes it look like a decent bike. All in all with just the essentials and tire swap I prolly shaved about 3lbs off the Denali. It's not a high end bike so it is weighty, but it was a fun little affordable project and serves as a decent commuter.
3859931
Wonderful riding now!
I picked up this bike due to it's simplicity.  I have a 24-speed road bike and riding around the neighborhood with my three young boys, it seemed cumbersome and overly complicated.  With this bike, there's tons less to think/worry about compared to the 24-speed.  Also Maintenance was also a big factor in deciding on a fixie.
I took a small tumble where the bike landed on the rear derailleur; bent it so out of shape I had to walk it back to the car.  Was out of commission until I could get into the shop.  I fully expect this bike to still be ridable after another such fall.
956993
I ordered the MXR pedals, but the shop was out so they sent me these upgraded ones instead for the same price (a great deal). Anyway, those are so much better than the half platform/half shimano clip pedals I had before to try being clipped some of the time - "Sunlite Bicycle Clipless" - (knock off the Shimano PD-M324 Clipless/Clip Pedals). They are so easy to pull out now that I am always clipped even for DH and technical sections, where I originally thought I would use platforms instead so I could easily bail out if needed.

It takes a few rides (maybe dozen +) for them to loosen up where it is really easy to get out (I still catapult at times, btu never had issue still being connected, unlike my other ones) and don't come undone unless I hit my foot on a trunk or something. To get in, you roll your foot forward or back until you hear a bit of metal, then press down. Pretty easy to get in. And they look so nice and minimalist !

love those things.

Only down side: they are a rather small surface (maybe candy would be better ? I got to demo soem for a short 30 min ride, but didn't pay much attention as I was demoing the bike really). My shows are not supper stiff (I can hike with them) so I can fell a bit of a pressure point during long uphill rides - which then reminds me to use the pull and not just the push of my legs (since I'm attached) which is much more efficient anyway, so I don't mind :)
2737711
I got the Large model (black) a couple of months ago.  I finally have it set up as a very functional commuter "hybrid" bike for San Francisco, and I hope given its origin, it's not so attractive to theives.  I spent about as much on upgrades as I did for the bike.  That sounds weird but I think I have a better bike than I could have gotten new for that total amount.

Here are the things I did:
1. Remove all decals (heat gun)
2. Swap in better pedals (the stock ones were small and annoyingly they have a top and bottom so you have to make sure your foot goes on the correct side of the pedal).
3. Replace the weird heavy mutant road handlebars with:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/XLC-Riser-Bar-30mm-height-HB-M04/dp/B009GIG2C2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">XLC Riser-Bar 30mm height HB-M04</a>.  Clamps right in using the shim already on the bike.
4. Replace the horrid twist-grip shifters and brake levers with&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Shimano-EF-51-Shifter-Brake-Lever-Combo-3-x-7-Speed/dp/B004V2ACD8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Shimano EF-51 Shifter/Brake Lever Combo (3 x 7 Speed)</a>
5. Install rubber grips on the handlebars:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Avenir-Comfy-Soft-Grips-Black-Grey-137mm/dp/B00165P52Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Avenir Comfy Soft Grips (Black/Grey, 137mm)</a>
6. Install&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Mirrycle-MTB-Bar-End-Mountain-Bicycle-Mirror/dp/B0009R96YK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Mirrycle MTB Bar End Mountain Bicycle Mirror</a>
7. Install&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Shimano-M361-Hybrid-Crankset-Black/dp/B004V2996E/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Shimano M361 Hybrid Crankset (Black)</a>&nbsp;(I sacrificed high-end speed for better granny-gears up SF hills.)
8. Install&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Shimano-MF-HG37-Tourney-Freewheel-13-28T-7-Speed/dp/B001IORDH0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Shimano MF-HG37 Tourney Freewheel (13-28T 7 Speed)</a>
9. Install Tektro dual-pivot road bike brake calipers

The drive-train component upgrades give me much improved shifting as well as a much "tighter", non-flexy, feel when I'm pedaling hard (uphill).  The brake upgrade is like night and day; the stock brakes were so bad as to be dangerous (and not just the pads--they were single-pivot calipers with very little mechanical advantage).

Of course I had to true the wheels, and the derailleurs were both out of line; I had to bend the rear one to make  it straight and re-mount the front one.

The one residual complaint I have about the bike is that the fork (steel) is very stiff.  I will probably look into replacing it at some point.  Ideas about that are welcome.

I'm 5'11" tall, and the bike fits me and my 6'1" son fine.  I don't think it would fit anyone shorter than me.

(And hey reviewers, don't assume that all versions of this bike come with exactly the same components.)
4838551
I really like this bike. It has a lot of support parts since its a big seller.  Lots of forums and videos on how to upgrade its weak points ie bearings and brakes.  Plus it is made of steel and has twist grip shifters which makes it great for an electric bike conversion which is what I did.  I went with majic pie version 5 and panasonic battery and am quite pleased with both the bicycle and conversion.

Edit: several months later.  What I said above still stands.  This is the 'jeep' of fat bikes- so many upgrades available it is great. Also after riding this fat bike with electric conversion I will never go back to skinny size tires again.  Fat tire bikes give much more confidence on all riding surfaces.  Some say to replace twist grip shifters: what I say is don't replace them if you are doing a magic pie v5 electric conversion which is what I did.  Twist grip shifters take up much less room than trigger type- leaving you with room for electric components.  Also on the megarange: great mod but if doing electric conversion you shouldn't need it.  Overall if you tinker and mid-sized you will love this bike!
3884974
well where to begin,
i got the bike 2 days ahead of schedule it arrived intact save for a broken brake holder eveything else was great i got it to the shop post haste and had it repaired and adjusted got it back in great working order added a rear basket front bag phone holder and bottle cage and it still folded up neat and tidy to fit in my studio apartment i just got back from a small shopping trip to my local meijer a ten mile trip (5 miles there 5 miles back )
if performed splendidly and with little to no effort i own an electro scooter as well but it only has a 10 mile range and would have needed a charge before coming back from such a trip this little marvel is also tough too with a sturdy frame I simply adore it and will be using more often so i can get my bike legs back (been off my bike for 7 years needless to say i ache like a son of a bitch after workout like that lol) but its worth it i would buy this again if the need ever came to get a new one there are a few bad reviews but i really do not think the buyers knew what they were buying nor were they avid bike riders oh before i for get i recommend the cloud 9 bike seat its fantastic!! well happy trails y'all!!
201341
I installed this DNM on my brand new Schwinn Protocol, basically a solid entry level bike.  it was literally plug and play. Took the old spring coil off which was way too bouncy for me on climbs and even street riding. I'm 230 lbs so the stock spring was just way too soft. My bike went from "really solid" to "Damn this is how a Mountain bike should feel" Not kidding. I'm extremely happy with it. I really like the ability too reach down and easily lock it out while riding also. I would definitely recommend this upgrade to anyone looking for a stiffer rear shock.
1463113
Great bike!
This is my first mtb since my Specialized Hard Rock I bought 20 years ago.  I just recently got back into riding, and being out of the scene for so long, I had to do a lot of research and get up to speed with the new technology.  I did a lot of studying and came to the conclusion that short of buying a high end rig for $2k+ at my local specialty bike shop, this was the best bang for the buck in terms of price and performance.  For just under $1k you get all of the new trendy technology in mtb including slack trail geometry, 1x10 gearing, a good brand fork, hydro brakes, 27.5" wheels, etc.  Warning: I had a ton of questions that I could not find answers on about this bike until I bought it and the manual it comes with is total crap! It's very generic and doesn't cover this bike specifically.  Here is one major thing you may be wondering as I was.  The RockShox fork is not the "Solo Air" version as hoped but rather the coil spring version. Not the best, but really pretty decent,  And it is a medium weight spring so if you are much over 150lb or so, so will likely benefit from a heavier spring.  On the bright side, you can do a solo air conversion with about $70 in parts.  I will be doing this soon but honestly I've been riding this med spring pretty hard for a few weeks, and at about 190lbs, I haven't have much issue with it.
This bike looks really cool, the Race Face components are great, the drive train is solid and it shift well.  I've really come to like the benefits of the 1x10 gearing and I am becoming a much better/stronger rider without the added complications.  I like the balance of 27.5" wheels, bike is plenty fast and nimble, and I haven't found any situations where a 29" would have an advantage over me. For a bike with more of a "trail" geometry leaning towards a downhill specific bike, I find that the bike climbs quite well.  And the best part, boy does it descend well! The design of the bike inspires a lot of confidence on the downhill stuff and drops.  As someone who just recently recovered from a broken arm after a bad downhill, over the handlebar crash, this was topmost important to me in a new bike.  With this bike and it's modern trail features, I feel like I can go down pretty much anything I could ride in my area with enough confidence to keep the shiny side up.  The hydro brakes are great and plenty strong, so strong I actually endoed over the bars the first day I built it when playing around in the yard.  I'm very happy with this bike and I did a LOT of research before I settled on this.  I feel it will last me several years of hard trail riding with proper maintenance.  I really don't think you can get into anything better than this bike in modern trail features without spending about double what this bike is selling for here.  Honestly, I looked and compared hard.  Get it, Ride it, Love it!
2708110
My Girlfriend and I purchased this bike for her 19 yr. old (black with red) and he absolutely loves it!  Easy to build, but I do recommend taking the thread less fork & stem apart to re-lube the bearings - it was pretty dry in there.  I did *not* disassemble the hubs or bottom bracket but they felt sufficiently lubed for the quality of the components.  The freewheel hub has some drag when spinning on the repair stand (more than what you would find on a low end shimano hub), but when riding you can't feel the difference.  Re-lubing won't improve it - it is just the quality of the rear hub.  The front hub and bottom bracket spin smooth enough.  Rear brake pads... well... they suck.  They pad material just disintegrates upon use.  Just replace the brake pads with koolstops or whatever is your fave is when you build because you will need to adjust the brakes.  Speaking of brakes they need adjusted and there are plenty of free youtube videos to teach you, but the calipers will need centered, pads aligned to rim and cable slack removed. Then that is pretty much it. Finish by greasing the seat tube and make sure the stem/handlebars are aligned with your front tire and you have built a fun ride.

The gearing works well for a variety of moderate inclines and level roads. Easy to get pedaling while leaving some room to get a decent sustainable speed.

Back to brakes, if you feel you need more stopping power then add a front brake. Any side pull road caliper (center mount) should work with a reach from 39-49mm. (confirmed by an email to Critical Cycles).

During the build, I kind of questioned some things about the bike but once assembled I really enjoyed riding it before handing it over to the intended.  It is a fun bike and should get a lot of mileage.

*Special notes to first time assemblers* The left pedal (as with all bikes) is reverse threaded.  Left is the side with-out gears.  When attaching the pedals you need to be patient and hand thread each pedal before using tools!  This is true regardless if it is a $3000 bike or a $200 bike.  Always lube the pedals with a good quality water resistant grease and wipe the threads on the crank arms (inside the hole where the pedal with screw into) and pedal to make sure there isn't some left over machining bits. If the thread feels rough right at first - STOP! Back out gently and get eye level to insure you are going in straight when installing each pedal.
2285684
Crisp clean shifting on an old bike that I used to hate. This was a great affordable upgrade to my winter commuter. I'm sorry I waited as long as I did to purchase.
4364397
Bought a 1 year old used bike.  It has nice shimano components and should have come stock with a Shimano 105 chain.  Unfortunately, the previous owner decided to "upgrade" with a KMC Ti-alloy plated chain.  I could not get this chain to quiet down or shift right even after playing with the front derailler multiple times.  I decided to get a new chain.  This Dura-ace chain is only peanuts more than a Shimano 105 so why not?!!  Thanks to all the previous reviewers, they were spot on.  This chain is smooth to pedal and shifts great now.  I used a Wipperman removeable/reuseable link to terminate it so that I could remove the chain easily to clean and lube it--it does come with 2 Shimano pins in case you want to connect the ends the old fashioned way.  Just get a 10 speed-compatible chain tool and you are golden.

As mentioned elsewhere, this chain is for 3-chainring 10 speeds.
1060330
Spectacular value for the cost. First impression was how incredibly lightweight the bike was. I spent maybe 10 minutes assembling the bike with the included tools. The weekend after I unboxed it I put 60+ miles on it. The flipflop hub was really easy to swap and seems pretty durable. The brake is adequate but don't bet your life on it if you're in singleshpeed mode. The toe clips are decent and the grips are pretty comfortable. The only thing I replaced immediately was the saddle but that's just a personal preference.

All in all, I'm really happy to have bought the bike. I've owned it for a few months and have put many, many miles in on it. I'd buy another one and have heartily recommended Critical bikes to others. Since then, I upgraded the straps to strapless toe clips and upgraded to thornproof tires. Otherwise, I'm extremely happy keeping the bike with stock hardware as it's really nicely buil.
2439099
I installed these on a 2010 Road Glide, they are a half inch longer than suggested. I was able to fit them by just slightly moving the exhaust. I wanted to get the maximum travel and also raise the bike for better cornering clearance. I also installed the regular height monotube progressive front fork kit and am abIsolutely impressed with how this has transformed the bike into a truly  wonderfull riding street machine with better cornering clearance, nicer suspension, and firmer but yet very compliant ride.
4312315
Great upgrade for my favorite ride.  Smooth and sensitive feel on the downhills.  Love the price and quick delivery.  Thank you Amazon!