Thank you all for all this information so far.

I've been looking for the last few weeks on craigslist for a reasonably priced used bike within two hours from me but to no avail. I do think at this point from all your information and looking at components it might just be easier to buy from BD. I really am mixed as there seems to be a love/hate relationship between everyone on the bike forums regarding their cheap bikes.

Any suggestions on which one I should get? I'm 5'7" and 220. It seems like a 53 would be perfect for me.