I like the flat bar road bikes, I think if people are into it then why not? That being said, unless she's worried about I would save your money. I don't think she is going to be all that much faster over what she has now. She's a casual cyclist, they go at a different pace. When I ride with such people and/or kids, I just enjoy it for what it is and smell the roses.

That being said, you can never have too many bikes and the Giant looks solid.