I would agree that your wife be with you in her selection of a new bike. If you want her to join you when riding, then she would need to be comfortable doing so. Let her try out the standard position bikes for pedal efficiency, and then let her try the pedal forward bikes that allow her to flat foot at stops. Whatever she decides, she will be enjoying the ride with you. Oops, I didn't notice this was a thread from a couple months ago. Hope she's enjoying the ride....