My MAIN objection to BikesDirect has to do with their use of hugely inflated, imaginary "list" prices, and their attempts to imply that even their cheapest bikes are directly linked to the best bikes sold thirty years ago under the same names.

But, BD DOES provide one valuable service to the cycling community. There is a gap in both price and quality between the $79 bikes sold at Wal-Mart and the $700 road bike that may be the cheapest bike available at a good LBS. There is a need, especially among young riders, for a decent $300 or $400 road bike. To the extent that BD fills that need, they are performing a good deed. I just wish BD would advertise "this is an okay bike well worth $300", rather than saying "This bike lists for $1,100 and is on a BIG, BIG sale today for just $300".

The Schwinn Varsity was the first road bike for a lot of young riders in 1965. Not fancy, but reliable. Nothing wrong with selling affordable bikes, as long as no customer is misled about what they are getting.