Road bikes are road bikes. They all have 2 wheels, pedals and a frame. The differences will be subtle to most people. Looking at bikes within a certain price range, you will get similar components. By far the most important thing will be comfort. So I say that you pick a price range and try some different brands out. You never mentioned the models you were looking at or the price range

But I am guessing you were looking at the Specialized Alize from what the chick was trying to upsell you

What price range are you looking at? And are you set on touring / road bike? When you said rider friendly, I thought you were talking hybrid bikes. I would never say that my road bike is rider friendly on the streets