My .02 on BD.
1) A Texas owned company, so yes I like that.
2) Again pay attention to components.....
3) The advantage of buying from people like BD is for obvious reason, low price.
The drawbacks:
1) Having NOT riddent the bike you buy makes a great deal of difference. You could find as was in my case, (A Giant Defy) that I did not like the feel or fit of the ride.
2) Buying from internet sites like BD can cause minor problems say over warranty issues, not saying it would def cause a problem, but that variable goes up.
For anywhere from 100-200 dollars more you can find a really good deal sometimes at Local Bike Shops..and of course in situations like closing out last years leftovers, you can in fact find even better deals or find negotiation is possible on final price.
Also buying from an LBS you get a loyalty factor in terms of repairs and occasional perks simply from buying from a local dealer.
Here is another sire that is an offspring of BD
BikeIsland.com - Bicycle Parts, Accessories and Clothing at Affordable Prices with Free Shipping