I've never gone the bikesdirect route because I've never felt the need. Last winter, when I was in the market for an inexpensive sub-$400 bike, I went to my local bike shop. They had a previous year's model Specialized Allez (aluminum frame, carbon fork) on the floor for $400. It was a hideous color combination (neon babycrap green / neon orange and it sounds a lot prettier than it is). I was able to negotiate it down to get out the door for less than $300. And I didn't have to assemble anything -- fully assembled and fitted to me for bar and saddle position.
That bike is my "gets no respect" backup bike for when I don't want to or can't ride my primary road bike. But I think it says something that, in a year's time, I've put 2,750 miles on it. It's a great bike!
[EDIT: It appears on Specialized's website that the least expensive Allez now lists for $840. I would still check local dealers for New Old Stock bikes in this series. Bargains can be found.]
Last edited by FlashBazbo; 01-25-19 at 09:33 AM.