I took the Jamis Coda Sport for a ride today- wasn't thrilled with it, but then I took the Cannondale Quick 4 out for a ride and loved it. So now I'm down to two bikes:

Cannondale Quick 4
Specialized Vita Elite

Thoughts? I'm a 5'4" 32 yr old female with shorter legs. Using the bike for mostly exercising around town, but will be doing a 70 mi charity ride (on and off bike) and a sprint triathlon.

Thank you again for all of your help!

Get the one that trips your trigger................

They look really close. Both are great brands, components look pretty similar. Really, depends on what you like, and perhaps, which bike shop has the better reputation for service.

I know you are getting close to a final decision, but have you tried any drop bar road bikes? You can do 70 miles on these hybrids, but a drop bar road bike is the better tool for the job. Hybrids are great, but the flatbars will get fatiguing after 50 or so miles. Please don't misconstrue my post as raining on your parade. Whatever you choose will be acceptable, but if you really plan on riding long charity rides, consider what I said. After all, you wouldn't run the marathon portion of the triathlon weighted down by a 10 or 15 lb backpack.

I have test driven them both. Both very good but I thought the Cannondale felt better. Though ultimately the Giant felt the best from my perspective and that's what I bought.

Giant offers a lot of value for the money.

We all have budgets and such, and this is certainly a factor.
In the context of a budget, I think you should decide based on how the bike feels to you when you ride it.

For me, based on my mind and body, the Giant felt the best. The next person could easily have a different opinion.

Buy a Giant!