I gotta say, I've almost never done the straddling top tube/two feet down stop and I don't think I'd miss it if I couldn't. I most typically just put one foot down. I have enough bend in my knee at the bottom of my pedal stroke that I can reach the ground with my toe, at least.

I don't stop for water or a gel or bar. I figure I'm inflicting gels on myself so I don't have to!

My last ride had an elapsed time of 1:59:51 and a moving time of 1:54:57. In other words, I spent less than 5% of the ride not engaged in the act of riding, and that's actually high for me - I was riding a trail that's new to me, and I stopped to look at some of the map kiosks, try to find an open Ranger station to buy a map, etc. So if it gets me a better experience during the 95%+ of the ride I spend riding to give up the ability to stand over my top tube, I'll live with having to get all the way off my bike during a break.

I realize some of this is about attitude too, though.

 

My last ride had an elapsed time of 1:59:51 and a moving time of 1:54:57. In other words, I spent less than 5% of the ride not engaged in the act of riding

Well remember this is a beginners forumn, where beginners are looking for advice. I would guess that most beginners take much more breaks than you do! And kudos to you for being in such great shape! I have worked long and hard over the past two years to get to where I am at fitness wise and still take a couple of stops on most week day rides (7-10 miles) and at least a dozen on my weekend rides (20-30 miles). Although, I must admit it is nice to stop and "smell the flowers" every once in awhile. We get so caught up in our Strava numbers and being the fastest rider, bla, bla, bla and often forget to just stop and look around and realize what an amazing planet we are on and how amazing our surroundings we have. Most people do not get to experience what we do out on the trails and we should take a little more time to enjoy it.

I realize some of this is about attitude too, though.

I would agree with that 100% :drumroll:

Anyway, I am done with this... The OP got a sweet ride that fits him well, that's all that is really important here. Enjoy your big ride and your big stats :thumbsup: I will enjoy my undersized ride and my frequent breaks to "smell the flowers"

 

OP,
I hope you like the bike ... Ride it for a while, and then decide about tires.
Based on your intended primary use, ride it until you need tires.