I would recommend a 250 four stroke. I just started riding again after about a 10 year layoff. I rode from age 9 to about 25. The technology, especially on the 4 strokes is much different than it used to be. The XR500 that I rode when I was younger would get eaten up by my YZ400F that I have today. The reason I am telling you all of this is that I was surprised in the amount of power the 400 has. Granted, I havent ridden in a while, but I consider myself somewhat of an experienced rider. Trust me, go with the 250, it will plenty of power for you. When your skills progress, you can always sell it and upgrade. As for the wife, I would recommend the 150 for the same reasons. Just my 2 cents.