Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Looking for a mountain bike for my wife......any suggestions?

I'd like to surprise my wife by buying here a bike for here birthday.I'm looking to spend anywhere from $150-$200. I want to find a hardtail bike,no added suspension. I'm looking hard at some lady Schwinns,they look pretty good to me. My wife is on the heavy side,say way over 300 lbs. I know she won't be comfortable riding the streets,so I'm ging to have to get a car rack and drive to some parks where they have places that have low speed limits.I'd like for us to do this together,it's hard to loose weight by yourself and watching your spouse that isn't into it. Any suggestions? I'd go a little higher,but I'd be in enough trouble spending that much! Thanks.

I'd suggest that you not surprize her. Could you go somewhere that rents bikes and see if she even wants to ride?

^+1 I spent a bunch of time getting my wife's old bike in working condition because she mentioned she was going to start exercising and she rode it once. Hasn't touched it since.

I'd suggest that you not surprize her. Could you go somewhere that rents bikes and see if she even wants to ride?

Yes,Yes ! A very good idea!!

At over 300 lbs there is a possiblity she may not be able to ride just now. Your doctor needs to be consulted FIRST before any activity like bike riding is undertaken.

Thanks guys. Yeah,the thought about spending that on a bike that would go unused goes thru my mind. I guess I could buy her a helmet and see if she would take a spin on her old single speed Huffy. It would be a start anyway.