The Mercier Elle at $600 seems to be a very good value and the fact that they are almost completely sold out of that model proves it. It might be worth giving them a call to see if they are expecting more soon. My second choice would be the Windsor Willow as it seems to have a few better components than the Dawes Sheila for only $10 more. I think it is a good thing that you want to work on your bike yourself. It is too bad you had a bad experience at some bike shops. Hopefully you at least got a chance to test ride a couple of bikes they had to feel how a nice bike should ride. That experience would be helpful when you get your bikesdirect bike and need to assemble it. Good luck.