theres nothing wrong w/ bikes direct so long as you can assemble it yourself. some people complain that the wheels that come w/their bd bike were tensioned incorrectly and needed to be brought to the lbs for trueing fresh out of the box ($20 a wheel).
although that dawes your looking at may be a capable enough bike Id suggest the mercier aquilia for an extra $150 http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...r/aquila_x.htm (I know its more money) the frame and fork will be comparable but the components are superior which translates to more enjoyable time in the saddle and less on the workstand.