I gather that the bike is already on its way, so when you get it you can either put it together and learn as you go, or send it back. The Ti Motobecanes have gotten good reviews on BikeForums, as have many of their other bikes. I own two, a Windsor and a Bottecchia, that have been great fun and were outstanding values. The truth is that the vast majority of all bikes sold worldwide are made in Asia, including famous Italian makes like Pinarello and Colnago...that foolish people pay ungodly sums for Those expensive Cervelos that many crave are made in China. BikesDirect bikes are generally good quality but have generic frames with good components for prices that are hard, but not impossible to beat. A mechanical checkout like a bike shop would do for the Asian-made bikes by Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale (CF frames ?) they uncrate is probably a good idea. I think the only long term concern is about seized bottom bracket threads? Bikes are a lot simpler than many unhandy people think.