Holy crap, BD's offerings have gone to new lows.... yeah I had to go there for a friend who needs a "cheap" bike that has to be "new".

For example, my *former* go to cheap road bike suggestion was like this:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../wel1_2100.jpg

To this:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...1_blu_2100.jpg

Dual to single pivots, cheaper tires & rim, cheaper cassette, no more chainstay protector, no more clips & cages included, even the quick release skewers are those flimsy soda can ones you see on walmart bikes.