Giant is the largest bike manufacturer for almost thirty years, noone heard of them untill less than twenty years ago, they hadn't sold bikes here under their own name untill the mid-late '80s. They have and still make bikes for others. I have a Giant Hybrid, steel, I like it. I'm very,very much more of a fan of steel. Jamis is quite a bike. I'd buy one sight -unseen and will in a month or so,to add to all I have. I'm NOT saying you ought to. My LBS that has Jamis, only has the cruisers. I do understand your position and concern. I'll add; Giant has a "tighter fit" than most others,which I don't prefer. Specialized I've tried, the better model is better than your's listed. Flatbars are better on pavement,more like a road than mountain frame. I'm a roadie though so...Again,nothing wrong with aluminum; Giant ,Trek, Specialized and others just don't make steel.