How important is standover height?

[venacava]

Thanks everyone for your input and for sharing your experiences.

After receiving the stem in the mail and spending some time at my neighborhood's bike co-op (quick plug for Arlington VA's wonderful Phoenix Bike Shop; www.phoenixbikes.org) installing it (as well as switching out the down tube shifters for bar-ends), I took it on a five mile test ride today. I can confidently say that the new stem makes a world of difference; I felt no neck or shoulder pain after five miles (whereas with the old stem my neck and shoulders were feeling it after just one).

I had initially tested the standover height in my bare feet, but with my MTB shoes on there's a good inch of clearance between the top tube and my pubic bone. (Hope Grant Petersen doesn't see this thread and find out that I plan to wear Cycling Shoes when riding one of his bikes; oh the sacrilege!)

I don't think the top tube pad is a bad idea at all, and might consider getting one as a just-in-case bulwark.

It'll take a little getting used to, but I think it's going to work out ultimately!

As promised, I'm posting a photo of the beaut. Thanks again for your advice and opinions.