[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by qmsdc15

54 is too big for you.

I'm 5'10" and ride a 56cm.

[Poolie]

I'm 5'9" and my Specialized Roubaix (a similar frame to what your looking at) is a 56cm.

[interlago_m3]

I'm 5'8" and ride Specialized Tarmac 54cm

[qmsdc15]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

I'm 5'10" and ride a 56cm.

Flat bar cross bike?

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by qmsdc15

Flat bar cross bike?

My Windsor had a flat bar, my cross bike had drops, my Wabi Classic has drops, my Ciocc had drops, my Basso had a tri-bar, my Trek 1200 had drops, my Cannondale had drops, and my Felt F60 had drops. Every one of them was 56cm.

[qmsdc15]

How about your BMX?

[salvage_bikes]

I think the bike you are looking at should be fine. A cyclocross bike should take quite a beating or "urban assault" riding and commuting just fine. If the frame ends up too big, you can find a "donor" frame used or internet sale, and swap the components over to remedy the problem.

I generally avoid riding bicycles on sidewalks, despite all the cagers over the years yelling "get on the sidewalk where you belong" etc.

It is generally not illegal unless prohibited by local ordinances, but if you go blazing down a sidewalk, there are 2 major dangers: cars pulling out, and pedestrians getting incensed and wrecking your bike.

http://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/files/2011/10/road-rights-sidewalks.jpg
http://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/2011/11/02/moving-targets-cyclists-and-pedestrians/

Originally Posted by Noel

In most states riding on sidewalks is illegal and in all states it is a danger to pedestrians and not conducive to a good ride. And yes the frame is too big for you, but no the age of it would not make it more fragile. I am sure that you can find plenty of used bikes that are ready to go and that you will be able to try out before you buy. Have fun.

[qmsdc15]

Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in the central business district of Washington DC.

[photosbymark]

May not be against state law, but most cities have restrictions. The more crowded the sidewalk, the more likely you are to have a law against it.

[Noel]

Cycling + sidewalk = less fun