Frank Shelledy said:
...Thanks for your advice.
It seems the "slower small wheel" idea has been satisfactorily put to
rest. In general, a smaller wheel will have a bit higher rolling
resistance, and a bit lower air resistance. Over anything but very
rough surfaces, it's probably not a significant difference.
Regarding fit, I echo the approval of Terry bikes. I think it would be
a big mistake not to check them out. Terry owns the niche market of
shorter women, and they serve it very well.
We got our 5' 3" daughter a Terry Symmetry as a graduation present, one
of the ones with the 24" front wheel. Her previous bike fit her pretty
well, I thought, but having the Terry made an important difference in
her comfort. It changed her from an occasional rider to a person who
initiated our family's coast-to-coast tour.
Check their website, get a catalog, and let your wife have fun with it.
(I have no connection, except as a satisified customer)
- Frank Krygowski