For you guys who know what you're doing -- or at least feign it very well -- do you know anything about Ibex bikes? The company doesn't sell in stores "in order to cut out the middle man and keep prices down." It appears to offer better components than for the prices I've seen elsewhere, but I wasn't sure if anyone here is familiar with the bikes or ever even seen them before. Keep in mind, I'm thinking of these bikes as compared to comparable models, not a top of the line LeMond or Calfee here like you big boys are riding, but something that's a step up from my banana-seat Huffy "Space Invaders" bike. Sweet bike with an awesome black glittery seat.
http://www.ibexbikes.com/