Thoughts on the Specialized Ariel?

My wife and I cycle for fun, however we just impulse signed up for a 100 mile race this summer. I ride a custom fixed gear and she had an old mountain bike. Obviously these needed upgrading. The problem, she is terrified of road bikes and skinny tires. I happened to find a 2015 Specialized Ariel on FB marketplace for $160 which seems to be in perfect condition other than a little bit of sun damage on the paint. I think it was a great deal but I wanted to see what you guys thought?