I've bought two bikes from Bikes Direct. A Dawes for my wife and a Windsor for myself. Both were delivered promptly and undamaged. I assembled them using the provided instructions, and then took them to my LBS for tuning as I was unable to get the derailluers set to my satisfaction. I saved myself several hundred dollars, and was completely satisfied with BD.
I also maintained good relations with my LBS by offering him the opportunity to compete for the sales by taking him the bike and components list before I bought. Plus he continues to get all my wrench business.

thank you