Thanks for all the input, didn't expect it! As far as stopping, I guess the proper term I meant is skipping, I do the hop-skip stopping...I only do skids in the rain and that's when it feels great to do anyway.

As for the fit, I'm 5'11" and I ride a 53. I've been experimenting with seat post height, I've lowered a little bit starting. I'm trying to avoid maximum knee extension but yet be efficient with my pedaling. I'm going to look into upping the cog as well.