It's not so much bad as there's a reason BikesDirect is cheaper, they aren't paying anyone to go over the bike and check it out. My $.02 is to narrow down an acceptable bike at the top end of your budget and shop around looking for sales. While you're shopping on the phone ask the person if anyone there is familiar with touring and do they have any recommendations given your budget. While your budget is 1/2 to 1/3 what a touring specific bike might be that doesn't mean the bike will limit you or your plans for touring. The right position on the bike and air in the tires is about 90% of what you need. In your brief concise conversations with shops you might come up with a gem.