I don't use gloves, but if you're worried about taking a spill, they would be good to have. Then again, I'm also not riding in cold weather, so that's something to think about in NYC.

The Jamis Coda is consistently called the best flat bar road bike out there in the different price points they have. It's a steel frame, so that's great. Many gears, so good for flat roads and climbing. Eyelets for fenders and racks. Pretty much what someone wanting an ideal commuter would come up with. I didn't get a new bike since I found a steal on Craigslist, but the Coda was top on my list.

The aluminum Jamis your local shop had may have been a Jamis Commuter, which is similar to the Coda, but with a alu frame. The Commuter models also already have racks and fenders on them, and two have an internal gear hub.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...eet/index.html