I know this post is somewhat old, but I'm thinking about doing the same with my 2011 Giant Rapid 3. I post this thread today:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...bar+conversion
The Rapid is slightly leaned more towards road than the Escape (Road gearing, thinner tires, dual pivot brakes, slightly more compact geometry), but for the most part they're very similar.
Maybe you can give me a few pointers
