Several years ago I got us a pair of Schwinn Loop 7 speed folders, mainly because they were on sale for $199 each. They are very sturdy, surprisingly easy to ride. I would recommend them as first folders, with a few caveats. For you, I'd try to find one to see if your wife can handle folding and setting up, as they are fairly heavy, so maybe at her max weight range. You can get 20" puncture proof "tubes" for them, but that will make them even heavier. I'm 6' 2", about 210, with a 34" inseam, and they accommodate me fine. They are cheap, which means cheap brakes and derailleurs. I can work on bikes, so it's no big deal for me to set them up and upgrade/replace parts as needed--- so far, I've only had to replace brake pads. Other bikes are undoubtedly better riders, and probably lighter. These are "trucks" more than compacts.