Road Cycling - Is this a good deal?

I, like so many others, are looking for a new (replacement) bike for low $$$. Is this a good deal:

Mercier Serpens (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/serpens_ltd.htm)

It has Ultegra and 105, carbon stays and fork...seem decent to me, except I can't ride it before I buy it... Can I really ride a fuji to feel what it rides like (stated on website)? Thanks for any input!!!

RoadToad

bikesdirect.com offers generic frames combined with good component mixes that equal good value for the money. It would be difficult to find a bike set up like the Serpens for near this price - so yes, it is a good deal IMHO.

The weak link in the equation is the frame - it's Taiwan made and mass produced. There is nothing wrong with that but that's what you are getting and how they keep the price so low.

55/Rad

Just like most laptop companies get their laptops from a common source, a lot of lower-end frames come from the same place. I heard the giant factory also makes trek and specialized low-end bikes.
Can't see anything wrong with it for a ride though it might be taking advantage going to a LBS and having them get out a bike for you to test only to have you buy another one online. But other than that, it looks like a really good deal.

I've looked at the same bike, I emailed them about sizing, they replied quickly with:

"All our road bikes size just like Trek and Fuji road bikes (some are fuji) -
- center of bb to top of seat tube. Find one of those road bikes you feel
comfy on and order that size bike from us."

I don't know if it was this forum or another, but they talked good about it.

That IS nice. That's definately a "Fuji" frame with the Altair tubing