Are road bikes durable for use on roads full of cracks and potholes? I live in Reading UK and commute between home and workplace 5-6 days a week (round trip about 6-7 miles). I know that hybrids are good enough for pretty much anything, but I find road bikes really light and good for the job, especially to go around curbs and very high slopes (about 45 degrees). However, most of the roads in Reading are quite broken and full of potholes and cracks. I wonder if it is a good idea for me to use road bikes in general for my daily commute? How badly will it affect me?

A specific example of cracks and potholes I am referring to can be found here or here.

I am really frustrated and want to know how badly will I damage a road bike if ridden on these kinds of roads.
I know the roads around Reading very well. I commute 10 miles into Reading every day. I also ride a lot at lunchtime. I probably ride 5,000 miles a year in Berkshire. I ride a Bianchi C2C road bike which has an aluminium frame and carbon fork. Any modern road bike of reasonable quality will be fine.

The roads around Reading aren't that bad. I've never had a problem with the roads damaging my bike. That said, I do take reasonable care, including:


Avoiding the really bad bits by looking ahead and steering around them. Be aware and cautious of traffic when you do this.
Hitting rough bits lightly. Bend at your elbows and knees, and absorb the shock. Don't let the shock transmit up to your body as the weight puts stress on the frame and wheels.
Not riding up and down raised kerbs. If you have to cross a kerb, get off and lift your bike.
Only riding asphalt surfaces (i.e. roads or good cycle tracks). Don't ride dirt or gravel routes, such as the one alongside the river.


If you want to check out some bikes, I'd suggest AW Cycles in Caversham (I have no affiliation with them other than as a customer). They have a good range and are knowledgable and friendly.