I have now referred three friends to buy bikes from bikes direct. I don't own one myself. I own a Bianchi alu/carbon frame which was probably made in Taiwan or someplace like that by Giant I am guessing. My latest friend brought in his Le Champion Motobecane today with the Ultegra 6700 groupset. For that price, I'd buy that bike in a heartbeat. Great components and a full carbon frame. Keep throwing your money away on overpriced bikes if you like. The next referral I make will be to myself after seeing these there guys and riding their bikes.