southtxrider "Is aluminum definitely the way to go? (no rust, lighter) If so that knocks out the first one."

Uh, look under my name, see that sub-heading "steel is real" at this price range steel will be heavy but ride quality may be better.

Same shop, try something like this if it fits.

http://rideawaybicycles.com/itemdeta...ogId=39&id=584

Unless you ride in a skirt there may be no reason for you to have a "step through: frame And even if you do with a skort you'd be fine.

This kind of frame geometry would be better and may be available in the Giant.

"it helps when I don't feel so dumb walking in the shop! LOL"

Don't feel dumb, and that's one of the signs of a good shop that they answer your questions.