Here's the deal with drops. If you run the handlebars high enough, just about anybody can be comfortable riding with them. The reason why so many people hate drop bars is their handlebars are too low to begin with, so reaching the drops is torturous. I run my handlebars the same height as my saddle, and I can ride in my drops all day if needed -- and I am far from what you would call flexible. Drops are really nice to have when riding into headwinds or wanting to go faster or just ride in a different position.

Get the Vaya. It's a great bike, very versatile.

If drops are really out of the question, you could put bullhorns on the bike or your wife could just ride on the top and the hoods -- like 95% of cyclists anyway.