If I was in NYC and needed a bike for around town I'd go as cheap as possible. Around here I can get mid-range 1990s full rigid MTBs for $50 or less and I love putting some 1.5" slicks and some BMX pedals on 'em for rollin' around town.
This kinda thing:
DSCN2024 by
Lester Of Puppets, on Flickr
DSCN1785 by
Lester Of Puppets, on Flickr
Scored this one for $7.50 + tax at Salvation Army. It's almost too pretty for NYC streets IMO, though.
1991 GT Outpost. by
Lester Of Puppets, on Flickr