New to commuting and lots of questions

Gringle

Hi there
I am new to the forum and have lots of questions for you.
I used to do a little off road riding but now need to use my bike to commute - 9 miles each way on busy London roads, some hills.
My bike is a specialized rockhopper with Indyshox on the front.
I have taken off the knobbly tyres and now have some puncture resistant skinnyish tyres which have made the ride a lot easier, although it felt odd being on the harder thinner tyres. Does this make sense - is it legitimate to ride a MTB without its proper tyres?! Will there be problems with the gears when I get fitter? I can comfortably ride in top (or is it bottom) gear on the level.

One question is should I get rid of the suspension? Does it make a lot of difference to your efficiency on a bike (I am not very fit and need all the help I can get on the hills). On the other hand, I have seen people warn about damaged wrists if you don't have it.

I am also indecisive about mirrors. I have been practising in the park but struggle to look over my shoulder without swerving. The roads are so busy that there is a lot to see and a glance isnt enough, I need to look repeatedly to be sure. Is this something which just gets easier with practice?
I want to keep the bits on my bike to a minimum so only use a mirror if I have to.

And quite embarrassingly - I find it hard to let go with my right hand!! Will it get better with practice??? I couldnt signal right as a child and I think I am stuck with it.

Can anyone give me any reassurance that after a month or two I will be as confident and assured on the roads as everyone else I see - if I dont get mangled in the first week!!

Yours
Not very fit or atheletic, but willing to try,
Gringle

HeidelbergBarbi

Hello there Gringle. I hope there are bike lanes there in London as there are here in Heidelberg. I think you should keep your suspension as is. As for mirrors, you might want to get a small mirror you can mount on your bike helmet. This allows you to see behind you and also in several other areas as you move your head. You are also still free to take that last quick look over your shoulder.
As for having trouble with taking your right hand off to signal, I had similar troubles with taking my left off. It is a matter of shifting your weight as you release your hand. Shift your weight to the left as you release the right hand. This allows the center of balace to compensate. Yes, practice but not in the middle of traffic!
I hope you have a secure area in which to park and lock your bike, otherwise you might want to get yourself a used 'city bike' and use your MTB as you should... off road.
Have fun biking, even to work.

Squeaker

Hi Gringle,

I've been commuting in London for about a year now, and I'd say definitely practice signalling and looking over your shoulder in a safe place. You might find it easier to look over your shoulder if you stop pedalling for a moment. It does get easier with practice. I've thought about getting a mirror, but I think turning my head to look around sends a clearer signal to drivers that I'm aware of what's around me and might be thinking of making a maneouvre. My thinking (and experience) is that if you look as if you're trying to cooperate with the traffic then drivers are less likely to treat you as an obstacle which they must pass as quickly as possible and perhaps endanger you in the process. Best of luck with the commute!