Originally Posted by konatablackstar

Thanks to all for your advice.

I have more specifics if that will help.

I attend a college where the bike park is in the front of the building and is monitored by security and surveillance. I intend to buy a U-lock and a seperate lock for the bike to be attached to the bike parking. To ensure security I spoke to one of the security guards and he told me they caught a few perpetrators that go after the bikes that are loosely attached to the metal frame with flimsy locks that can be cut. The bike theifs often go around with a cutter in they're backpack posing as a student, and then making a quick cut to run off with the bike. My plan is to get ample protection in order to dissuade the theif, as well as put it in a direct spot in front of cameras and security. Also i will register my bike and take pictures for additional security. I also plan on mounting my bike in my garage and having it under lock and key.

woooh that was tough.

Back to the main issue of the commute.

The commute i make is from queens to long island city, which according to google maps is an hour by bike.
Knowing NY, the roads are rigged with cracks, working zones, and lots of traffic. Also weather can be unpredictable at times. I want to take as much precaution as i can. I dont want to end up as a statistic.

I saw this bike as a beginner and affordable bike for me, any thoughts ?
Amazon.com : Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano : Road Bicycles : Sports & Outdoors

If you think i should go with something better, please, i need any help i can get.

Another think im worried about is my height. As i stated in my original post, i am 5'6", so would a 50 cm be good for me, or a 54?

Thanks alot for all the great people who were quick to help out !