I think with your frame the rebel would be too small of a bike ESPECIALLY for your height.

Have you sat on one? Rode one? etc...

I think cruiser bikes are the BEST to learn on. That is what they use at the MSF courses.

Forwarning. I was a cruiser guy too. Came from a harley family, hated crotch rockets, and then I rode one. They are an amazing piece of machinery.