fwiw - I have a bicycle currently set up as a fixed gear with 42 - 19 gearing. It sails up hills, but makes me look like Fred Flintstone starting a sprint when I'm going downhill or trying to go fast on the flats. I have come to the conclusion that this is a far better gear ratio for a single speed than a fixed gear. I suggest that this might be a good gear ratio for your "riding with wife" bike.
__________________
In search of what to search for.