No1mad says:
Pitching BD to someone who freely admits that they know nothing about bikes, is having difficulty sorting out what kind of frame geometry works for him- even through test rides, AND has stated they aren't interested in buying from an online vendor for this all important first purchase?
Thus far, the OP's total experience in the world of cycling as primarily been BMX bikes and single-speeds. You once suggested MTN bikes. That was a good suggestion. Now, if we can get him to at least mount a MTB, he might just get a warm inkling from the mounting, alone. Furthermore, once in motion and actually riding a MTB, this heart-felt inkling, just may get confirmed and the OP, just might find his niche.
Insofar as frame geometry is concerned, I think that the mounting and riding of a greater variety of bike types has a better chance of simplifying matters, not complicating the issue. Even if the OP does become even more confused, that's good. That just means that he shouldn't make the purchase until he's certain. In this case, time is his friend, not his enemy. For all you know, he may mount a MTB and think, "God! I think this is it!", without even riding it! After riding it, he may say, "I'm so glad, I tried a MTB before buying that silly old fixie, I don't know what to do!".
OTOH, he might be totally put off by the whole notion of a MTB. However, at least after this epouch in time, we'll all have a better idea!
Now, as far as Bikesdirect is concerned. Just keep your shirt on. Exactly how difficult do you think the bike assembly is going to be. He has access to the Bikesdirect video for assistance. He also has access to a bike co-op in his area. There are multiple assembly-related videos online and in libraries. The OP is clearly NOT stupid. He may lack confidence, but that's it! Besides, if he is going to become a MTN biker, he's going to need to start learning how to repair his own bike, anyway.
We all should know how to repair our own bikes and install various components. The Bikesdirect bike will be just a very brief introduction to bicycle mechanics. Bikesdirect bikes are delivered 90% assembled, anyway. If you watch the video a number of times, you should have no difficulty putting things together. Besides, he could just wait and assemble the bike at the co-op.
He could also assemble it himself and confirm his master mechanics skills, at the co-op.
Whatever the case may be, he'll be the better for this experience. If the whole idea sounds repugnant, then he could just forget about it! He could just walk away..
To TohTruck:
If the idea about MTN bikes sounds good, but you're not certain about buying online, then at least test-ride of a few MTN bikes at REI, so that you'll have a better idea about what you really want. That experience alone could solve the fixie vs geared dilemma.
Perhaps, nothing but the feeling of having to be your own mechanic, intimidates you. Other than that, you'd be fine with the idea of a MTB and Bikesdirect. Well, that's why bikesdirect.com has a video. That's why we have the luxury of bicycle co-ops! We all have to start somewhere.
All I know for certain, is that babies learn from exploration!
TohTruck, don't worry! You're going to be just fine! We're going to arrive at the correct conclusion, together. I don't want you to purchase a bike that won't fulfill your cycling needs and deisres. We're going to approach this matter logically and with a cool demeanor. There will be no drama involved in this purchase. We're going to take it step by step. Any trepidation encountered, will be immediately dismantled by investigation, exploration, and the assimilation of knowledge. The more you know your opponent (fear and ignorance), the greater your chances become in defeating your opponent.
-Slim
PS.
If we do go into the bikesdirect direction, just rest assured, that your bike will be assembled by an intelligent human being, who's concerned about his own safety.
That's ten times better than what Walmart cyclists get!