Originally Posted by
LeeG
If you don't know how to adjust hub bearings or brake pads you might consider heading off to REI as BikesDirect assumes you have some wrench skills.
Operator error is more likely than getting a lemon so getting a deal at a bike shop will get you some warranty and servicing with the purchase.
Novara Verita or Raleigh Port Townsend look nice.
I totally agree with this.
The primary downside to BD is that you do not get any "free" post-purchase maintenance, and either need to be able to do it yourself (REALLY easy to learn basic bike maintenance, btw) or pay a shop to do it.
As far as quality, I have purchased two bikes from BD and feel that they offer solid value for the money, and have heard similar results from the vast majority of other folks.
Their sub $600-ish bikes typically utilize no-name saddles, handlebars and seatposts, but from what I've seen they are perfectly functional.