If you want to save some money on a great bike, a new 2009 Jamis Coda Elite with a 19.5" frame is still $680 delivered from Bicycle Bananas. Steel frame, carbon fork, wider gearing, and generally better components than that $1400 Giant Accend. Trikes2Bikes near Green Bay has Jamis bikes to look at. I have a 2009 Jamis Coda Comp and love it.
2009 Jamis Coda Elite
Even a Giant Rapid 1 would be a better bike for your application in my estimation.