Getting a 700x38c hybrid bike with a suspension fork has mostly to do with my purpose, dropped bars or not. I have some very rough pavement, many construction areas, curbs, and dirt roads to ride on. There are also some areas I have to get to that would qualify as single-track for MTB's. The bike will be for work, not recreation. When I have the funds, I will opt for a road bike for pleasure; when conditions are optimal and pleasant, with plenty of smooth riding surfaces.