Yes what does your wife want? If you spend a lot of money will she be annoyed b/c she doesn't want to feel pressure? Or would she prefer something higher-end?

IMO a bike which shifts smoothly, brakes easily, rides comfortably and fits well makes all the difference in the world in wanting to ride (especially longer distances).

If price weren't an issue I would shop around until she found the "perfect" bike for her. Test ride different materials, sizes, geometries.

My first bike in recent years was a heavy, upright Navigator. Basically a mountain/comfort mix. I could not get up hills without wanting to go back home on that thing.

I ended up finding a used trek 1000 which is aluminum with carbon fiber fork. Tiagra/sora components. The brakes didn't work well, the shifters would drop my chain, and it didn't fit vvery well. I've since invested more $ into fixing the brakes (it really just needed new pads) and changing the stem for better fit. But with only a few hundred miles under my belt this summer I saw the bike of my dreams. Steel with carbon fork and campy chorus components, campy proton wheels. DH eventually agreed to the (extravagant) purchase and I LOVE this bike! I wish I had more time in the riding season and all I think about is bicycling