My last two commuting bikes have been hardtails.

However the current one's front suspension died, and they were not able to be disassembled, so I replaced them with stiff forks, losing a pile of weight.

Unless you really need it, I would replace the front tyre and add at least front fenders. That stuff that flicks up off the front wheel and sits in the air waiting for your panting mouth and open eyes isnt nice pure water.

z