Interesting discussion -- thanks. I have thought about a single speed for NYC. Especially in winter. Which reminds me -- thanks for mentioning shifting in heavy gloves. I hadn't even thought of that as something to consider.

Speaking of locks costing more than bikes, I was browsing at Paragon and eavesdropping on a kid (I suspect college student) who was explaining to his parents that yes, he was going to pay more for locks than he paid for the bike. It is kind of a shock.