Oh... I keep forgetting, it is dry in the summer on the West Coast, but regularly rains in the East.

I'll ride along the canal paths here. But, they are only a few miles long, with a fairly regular surface, except around the gates.



Hopping from one side of the hump to the other is a bit of a pain though.

If I had to choose which bike to do a 200 mile ride on it.... it would be a tough choice.

Of course, you already have been on the Towpath.

Another option to consider might be bike rentals. It may or may not be good to head off on a "tour" on a bike that she hasn't ridden. But, you can find a comfy seat, and it might not be bad.

There are lots of good cross bikes available. Some quite light, if they are in your budget.

I love the looks of the new REI COOP ARD 1.4, Carbon Fiber. But, it looks like the "Women's" version is aluminum. It would be worth looking at both.

https://www.rei.com/product/892430/c...d-14-bike-2017
https://www.rei.com/product/106310/c...mens-bike-2017

Hmmm,, I'm not seeing a lot of small 650b or even 26" Cross bikes (depending on the person's size).

This Surly Straggler showed up (auction ends soon).
Surly Straggler 650b 38cm XS Touring Road Bike Mint | eBay