I appreciate the honesty. I certainly dont want my gal riding junk. Im ok with upping the price a few hundred if it really makes the difference. If there are any specific models/brands that I should keep and eye out for, or avoid, let me know!
Like this for example: Giant Women's Avail 5 Bike
Giant is pretty decent in the MTB world, but dunno how their road bike reputation is.

Thanks!

Edit: Ok. the Giant has a pretty low-grade Claris groupset.

This: http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/4892855817.html, seems to have a 105 groupset, which is a pretty good step up.