My own experience w/a BD purchase was about the same. Probably a 9 out of 10. My choice was a http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm in yellow. A minor truing of the rear wheel and swapping out the tires for some Schwalbe Marathon Plus w/the installation of all the lights, bags, rack, etc. was all that was required. It was pretty much ready out of the box.

It'll be 3 years in May. I've repacked all the bearings once and relubed the cables twice in 15,000 commuter/utilitarian miles. I clean and re-lube the chain and cassette after every rain or about once per month. It's been a very satisfying experience. I'll continue to purchase bikes from them and other needs from the sister site @ http://www.bikeisland.com