Maybe I'm stubborn/stupid, but I'm really not into buying from bikesdirect. Not only does the brandlessness turn me off, but I'm not into the hassle of buying online and going to a lbs to have it assembled/tuned (as well as possibly needing a brake with the Kilo). I also think there is something to be said for supporting the little guy and establishing a relationship with a lbs for future perks/service. I think this goes double for someone who is all but brand new to the cycling world, but maybe I'm amiss. I don't know enough about component selection or bikes in general to do anything but trust blindly to anonymous advice when it comes to, "what kind of brake should I slap on the kilo? What about swapping tires?"

I haven't written off the online route yet, but it would be nice to know recommendations for the Messenger/Kilo are based on component quality/experience riding several bikes as opposed to their recent surge in popularity. Like I said, in a side by side, it would take them really demolishing the U District/Draft Lite to make me want to go that route. Would love some feedback on the U District v Draft though, and something more tangible as to how or why the bikesdirect route is so superior.