Your going to get bombarded with love and hate for bikes direct. I bought a name brand bike from my LBS and the service they provided me was excellent! They even took my original road bike that I bought from them first (and rode for 2 weeks) back and gave me full credit toward a cyclocross bike that ended up fitting my needs better. That being said, one day I do plan on buying a bicycle from bikes direct just to have a second bike and to see for myself if they are worth the low price. Good luck!

edit: O yea, make sure you know what size frame to buy if your ordering a bike online.