Can anyone speak to the quality (or lack thereof) of these. I need something under $300 and it's either this or the "Crosslake Sales" bike.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=130284100366

Obviously at this price point I'm not expecting much more than a serviceable, decent bike.

Do not get this bike! I made the mistake of purchasing it and thinkingit might last me a few months but no. Within a week the wheels became out of true and I went to my lbs to get them retrued but the single walled rims were so sh***y that they were untrueable. It also doesn't come with foot retention if you plan on going fixed and the pedals are crap. The breaks are so bad they aren't even safe and the bike is super heavy. Overall, the bike is terrible and I highly recommend getting a Windsor the hour instead. Take my advice and don't get it.

I find it strange that it appears such poor quality. The Dawes from bikesdirect.com are at least respectable entry level bikes right?

Yea those are a lot better. I actually recommend the dawes sst; my friend has it and it is very nice.