Sorry I didn't make it clear about the distance; when I lived in Nebraska it was 150 miles to the LBS.

Also, I really didn't ask my question correctly. bobotech did a much better job over in the Bicycle Mechanics section.

My question was mainly about bike frames. Is a Rynolds chrome-moly 520 frame from Jamis equal to one from BikeDirect?
Both say they are 4130 ChroMoly (CRMO) Steel.

Right now I'm going to look at the Jamis Coda Comp ( want a steel frame - hybrid; this bike will be my new commuter)

Also looking at the Motobecane Cafe Noir.

Both have a carbon fork, with the Noir having Shimano 105, 9Spd 5600 long cage and the Comp with a Shimano Deore M591 SGS.

Have owned my share of bikes, mostly Road bikes from when I lived in the UK, and I am comfortable with most maintenance and adjustment issues.

I'll be heading to the Jamis dealer on my next day off.

Thanks again for all the help.