What are "good" components??
 

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a new bike. Now my lovely wife wants to change/upgrade from a comfort bike to a hybrid as well (one ride on mine and she says "I want one like this"). Weve been in the education/shopping/test ride mode for a couple of days now, and have not found "IT" the perect bike yet. As she looks and narrows down her search I want to be sure she gets what feels the best for her. But with that said I keep hearing that brands dont matter, just be sure you get good components. Ok so what are "good" components? I am not educated to what is any good?

To get a feel for level of bikes, so far she likes the Cannondale Quick 4 and Specialized Sirrus Sport. Tomorrow morning she is going to ride a Kona Dew Deluxe. I'm so confused, and all the LBS just keep pushing their inventory of bikes.

With this grade of upper-mid level major brand hybrid, all the components are good enough quality for everyday riding. You have to go way downmarket to get bad stuff.
Most important is the fit, then the bike shop level of service, then the brand.
Make sure you can fit the required accessories on the bike (eg luggage rack and fenders).
If there are individual components you dont like (eg saddle or handlebar shape) these can be changed.

As long as you are looking at the Sirrus (which I really like), also consider other performance hybrids like the Trek FX series.

And, looking at major manufac turers, all of the components are going to be higher level - they might be from some manufacturers lower end, but they are all decent. You can always upgrade things later, as stuff wears out.

I always advise people to stay away from "twist" shifters - as they are just harder to use, and seem more finicky to adjustments.

Any componentry that says Shimano, or SRAM, on it is going to serve you well.

If weight is an issue (the people, not the bike) look for something with MORE spokes in the wheels, especially the rear. A 36 spoke rear is a nice heave duty addition, for only the extra weight of a few spokes.

Watch for "extra space" around the chain stays, seat stays, brake bridge, chainstay bridge, fork and fork crown - in case you ever want to put on wider tires for more comfort, or add fenders for cleaner riding (you and the bike).

I hope this helps answer your question.

edit: also have her ride different sizes of the same bike - they can feel drastically different

i would suggest you add the giant dash to the mix if you've got a giant dealer nearby. i think it's comparable to the sirrus/vita and fx lines, but based on my little experience it's closer to a road bike than the others. thinner tires, more road-like gears and more aggressive stance. i love my rapid (the men's version).

Very low-end Shimano components are not that good.

As long as you aren't on the very bottom rung of the big-name Brands, you should be OK though.

I recommend Alivio (mtb) or Tiagra (road) shifters or better. Sora and Acera are not impressive.