Wow, NYC sounds like a nightmare to ride in. I'm trying to visualize what kind of bike could handle potholes, smooth roads, sand, etc. and not weight 30 pounds....

But, back to shooze.

When you go clipless, you WILL fall over at least once because you'll forget to unclip. You WON'T get hurt if you remember to land on your shoulder & DO NOT stick your arm out to catch your fall. Sticking your arm out leads to broken collarbones.

WHEN you fall you WILL feel incredibly stupid. Does anybody remember Laugh In and the old man on the tricycle? There's your visual. Chances are excellent that NOBODY in cars will notice or remember because they're too busy talking on their cells phones, admonishing the kids and/or putting on makeup.

It's OK. It's a rite of passage. You'll be a NINJA CYCLIST once you pass the Falling-Over-In-Clips test.