@ Chipcom, Good points,.. though i have to say i am kindoff a 'muddy the waters' type of guy.
Sometimes you have to disturb the water loads, wait and then you can see the bottom the clearest. Allright, bad analogy but you get my drift.
So much misinformation is given out by bike industry,.. And since the OP had actual physical pains on one bike and is a 'newby' (at least here) it thought it prudent to give her lots of options & info, especially as she asked about Custom/woman's fit bikes & comfort. Lastly she seems to be considering rather different bikes and materials hence it can't hurt to get people's opinions on them. I for one wish i had gotten lots of perspectives (and tried some of the stuff i ride now) years ago. I might have rejected -rightfully so- about 80% of people's ideas and perspectives but the left over 20% would have made a world of difference for me.