Flat Bar Road or Front suspension Hybrid

Glasbee

So I want to start commuting in Glasgow and I was wondering whether a flat bar road bike / rigid Hybrid (700c x 32 tyres) can take the punishment from all the potholes and the occasional pavement climb.

I have always been a suspension bike enthusiast but i am contemplating on sacrificing some comfort for the reduced weight that a rigid hybrid would offer.

My commute is about 4-5 miles long both ways. the main candidate is a Moda Chord.
http://www.moda-bikes.com/portfolioentry/chord/ i just don't know if the carbon fork is enough to make up for the lack of suspension. If it's not , are there front suspension hybrid alternatives that are extremely light and below £600???

Thank you

apreading

you will be better off on a rigid, despite the potholes. I would take a look at the boardmean Hybrid Team - stonking value and a great bike. Get disc brakes if you want to ride in the rain. Most importantly though - make sure you have room for at least 28mm tyres and run them at 80-90psi for comfort. If you want more comfort you can go up to 32mm or 35mm tyres, provided the frame has enough clearance.

Sleeper Service

Don't bother with a suspension fork. I commute into Edinburgh over some pretty mixed terrain and it just isn't necessary.

I use a Carrera Subway for short journeys (train station to work is 6.5 miles), as it has panniers and is pretty much indestructible, or the Boardman Hybrid Team for the full 19 miles from door to work. The Moda Chord looks nice, but give me the Team any day of the week, even with the new one having Tiagra rather than Apex components.

bendertherobot

For what little, if any, that suspension gives you in a pothole it takes away on climbs, the flats and general energy expenditure.

Flat bar.