Don't have a partner, but if she doesn't ride a bike and has back problems maybe a more upright bike would be better. It sounds like you already bought her a bike, but maybe also get a cheap hybrid or even a step through cruiser type thing? If she wants to go faster she can ride the road bike. I also suggest platform pedals until she decides she wants to upgrade. The best way for her to get fast is to enjoy riding and a road geometry and cycling shoes can be intimidating. I also would also be careful about making suggestions about cadence and posture. Thats just my two cents though, good luck!
I think going from not riding to road bikes is a jump most people don't take, heck road bikes intimidated me when I first rode one and I had been riding for years. Don't worry about her not being able to keep up on the hybrid
Last edited by LarrySellerz; 05-10-22 at 11:25 PM.