Even if you're a complete noob at mechanical stuff all you have to do is take the bike into any LBS (or friend who is not a noob), and the LBS can have it put together and adjusted in less then 20 minutes at a cost of no more then $75.

Some of that putting together you should already know...the WHEELS! If you can fix a flat then you can install the wheels on that bike.

I think if you take your time and follow the directions, or at least find someone you know with mechanical abilities, you can easily have your bike together in 1 hour and be sipping your favorite beer while you goggle your new bike.

Here is a You Tube (2 parts) on the assembly of a bike. I pretty sure that most if not all the Bikes Direct bikes ship their bikes with the derailleur already attached, at least that's the way my friend's Motobecane came. Also the he mentions in part 2 possibility of cutting the steer tube, this will not have to be done from any bike from BD; nor glue in the star nut. I chose this You Tube video because he assembles the bike without a bike stand which I doubt you have. But watch the video several times before you get yours in the mail so you have kind of a picture of what you need to do. Like I said the BD bike will be easier to assemble then the Arts Cyclery bike, it's just for you to get an image.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6IyI...eature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjc-j...feature=relmfu