I think you can get great value from buying via bikesdirect if you're an experienced cycling, know your size, and know what you want.

What's the price difference between the Mercier, and say a Trek 1000? I bet your could get some great deals on a leftover '06 Trek right about now. If your girlfriend doesn't like cycling, then it's going to be MUCH easier to sell the Trek with less of a loss than getting rid of the Mercier.