Thanks for the reply!

About the frame:
I noticed that the cannondale quick series, from 4 down, uses the same frame and Giant escape 1 and 2 use the same frame, but the Trek 7.1 and 7.2 use different frames. So I would prefer the 7.2, as I could upgrade it to a better bike as opposed to starting a whole rung lower. I hope that makes sense.

I really don't know how the bars attach, just wanted something to stretch out on. So if all straight bars can take the clip-ons...its a non-point

I thought it would be in the right price range, but I'm getting quotes that are quite a bit above that. Is the escape a leisure only bike?

Again thanks