I agree. I have a road bike with drops which are great for longer rides, but I have never really liked them for riding in heavy traffic and rough road conditions in NYC.

I disagree that a track bike is only meant for speed and drops. Granted, I have a Soma Rush which isn't really a track frame as I understand it, but it is noticeably quicker, lighter and more nimble than my geared road bike. Thus, I find it more fun and comfortable for the crazy task of dodging cab doors opening, bike swallowing potholes, oblivious jaywalkers with headphones, etc. that are the daily biz in NYC. I also like the fixed aspect as I'm never worried about missing a gear or preocuppied with shifting instead of being 100% focused on what's going on around me. The heads-up position and slightly greater steering control provide by risers is another plus in this environment. No they are not great into headwinds or on hills, but those are lesser problems where I ride than getting clobbered by a bus or car door.

A mountainbike with slicks also makes a good city bike (and that's what the majority of people ride in NYC), but so far I happen to prefer the lighter weight and quicker acceleration of a fixie with risers.