Originally Posted by Debusama

There is nothing wrong with bike direct other than the typical problems for new riders ordering online (not knowing if a bike you've never test ridden will fit comfortably, and not being able to get the bike tuned up properly once it arrives) You might also try Nashbar.com.

If you're just commuting on roads, suspension will only slow you down. I'd go for something steel with fender and rack mounts with a little wider tires to soak up some vibration, like this:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_202383.

If you want drop bars so you can get a little more aero and go faster, you might look into something like this:
http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_wt5.htm

Don't get too hung up on disc brakes. Good disc brakes are great, but nothing in your price range will come with good disc brakes. Unless you're riding through a mud-bog, V or caliper brakes will work just as well as low-end disc brakes, and they are a lot easier to maintain.