A .26 four stroke in a 71 inch Cub? I can't get behind that. I have a Saito .72 4 stroke in my H9 .40 size Cub that's about the same size. I did cover it in fabric which added some weight, but I love how the plane performs with that engine. I tried a Magnum .52 4 stroke first and it was underpowered. It would fly, but I was at full throttle for the whole flight and didn't have any reserve power to get through windy days or abort a bad landing attempt.

It sounds like the OP has his head together about these planes. I think it's always good advice to get with an instructor for your first day of flying at least, but that's up to you. Remember that planes need a lot more space than it looks like they should.