Helmet mirrors

[Bianchi Babe]

Does anyone have experience with using mirrors on helmets? I am thinking of getting one but I would like to hear more about it from people who have used them before purchasing one. I know I read one person's comment that the square ones worked better than the round ones. Also, do they work if you wear glasses?

[hibiscus09]

I don't have one. When I went to buy one, the guy at the bike shop talked me out of getting one. He said just to turn around & look because the mirror gets annoying in your peripheral vision all the time. I did see someone with one once & he didn't seem bothered by his! LOL Anyway, I'll also be interested to see if anyone here has one and how they like it.

[emily_in_nc]

I have the "Take-a-look" mirror that hooks to my sunglasses. This is the square one that most cyclists who use mirrors recommend. I previously used an oval one that stuck to my helmet, but that stickum, which is supposed to last forever, DIDN'T. Not recommended. The Take-a-Look, once in place, doesn't move around and is very secure.

I totally, completely love my mirror! It does not bother me one bit in my peripheral vision (I strongly disagree with the bike shop person who said that); after all, that's what it is there for - to look through. And although the "geek factor" may be a bit high, I feel much more aware of what is going on behind me on rides than before I started wearing it. I am usually one of the very first to call "car back" on group rides because I can see cars before the non-mirror-wearing riders can hear them. From a safety perspective, I wouldn't ride without one anymore - I'd feel naked!

The nicest thing about the mirror is that it keeps me from having to peer over my shoulder constantly and possibly risk my bike veering out into the road further to the left than it should be. I know that very experienced cyclists can hold their line well when looking back, but I admit to not being quite that talented! Because of this, I wouldn't look back nearly often enough, so sometimes cars would sneak up on me. Depending on wind direction and how quiet they are, sometimes you truly don't hear them til they are right on top of you.

So, I can't say it enough: I highly recommend the Take-a-look mirror. I ordered mine through the Terry Bicycles web site and believe it is also available here on Team Estrogen.

Emily

[annie]

What Emily said! I agree totally! I got one of the Take-a-Look mirrors years and years ago because a mirror was a requirement on a ride I was going on. I thought I would hate it, having once tried the round third eye mirror and getting literally dizzy on the bike trying to use it. Anyway, I got the larger of the two sizes of take-a-look rectangular mirrors and I couldn't care less about the "geek" factor because I love this mirror. I ALWAYS can see what's behind me. Maybe that's why busy roads are not too scary. I don't like them, but I can handle them. There have been times I've moved over onto the shoulder when I could tell a truck wasn't going to give me as much room as I'd like. I really feel the mirror saved me from getting hit at least twice in the past 5 years. For that alone, it's worth it.

I don't wear the mirror when racing (not that I race all that much) because I don't think it's legal. Don't know for sure, but I've never seen anyone else with one on, so figured I better not. I also don't wear it while riding off-road. Too many branches to hook on. I miss it when I don't have it on! For all training rides and all fun rides, that mirror is always on my sunglasses. The mirror also has an adapter for helmet use, if you prefer to do it that way. Make sure you get the bigger of the two models if you want to put it on a helmet. The small one doesn't have the adapter. And be careful how you position it. It's a little tricky to do. Maybe even have the shop where you get it put it on for you and try it out to make sure you can see behind you well.

I know there are some people who try mirrors and just don't like them. I'd be curious to hear reasons why, if there's anyone reading this who feels that way. Always good to hear both sides.

[annie]

What Emily said! I agree totally! I got one of the Take-a-Look mirrors years and years ago because a mirror was a requirement on a ride I was going on. I thought I would hate it, having once tried the round third eye mirror and getting literally dizzy on the bike trying to use it. Anyway, I got the larger of the two sizes of take-a-look rectangular mirrors and I couldn't care less about the "geek" factor because I love this mirror. I ALWAYS can see what's behind me. Maybe that's why busy roads are not too scary. I don't like them, but I can handle them. There have been times I've moved over onto the shoulder when I could tell a truck wasn't going to give me as much room as I'd like. I really feel the mirror saved me from getting hit at least twice in the past 5 years. For that alone, it's worth it.

I don't wear the mirror when racing (not that I race all that much) because I don't think it's legal. Don't know for sure, but I've never seen anyone else with one on, so figured I better not. I also don't wear it while riding off-road. Too many branches to hook on. I miss it when I don't have it on! For all training rides and all fun rides, that mirror is always on my sunglasses. The mirror also has an adapter for helmet use, if you prefer to do it that way. Make sure you get the bigger of the two models if you want to put it on a helmet. The small one doesn't have the adapter. And be careful how you position it. It's a little tricky to do. Maybe even have the shop where you get it put it on for you and try it out to make sure you can see behind you well.

I know there are some people who try mirrors and just don't like them. I'd be curious to hear reasons why, if there's anyone reading this who feels that way. Always good to hear both sides.

[imdawn]

I have a mirror that is stuck on my helmet. I like it a lot. I was having a rough time seeing behind me without turning my head so much that I started turning my bike. A slight look back lets me see clearly behind me. And when I wear my sunglasses, I can easily position it so that they don't get in the way. The safety factor outweighs the geek factor for me. It makes me feel much safer to be able to easily and frequently check behind me.

[adkoch]

Originally posted by annie
I don't wear the mirror when racing (not that I race all that much) because I don't think it's legal. Don't know for sure, but I've never seen anyone else with one on, so figured I better not. I also don't wear it while riding off-road. Too many branches to hook on.

So, when you take it off for racing/off-road riding, does the whole thing just clip off, or is there some sort of adapter that remains on your sunglasses? I ask because I use my sunglasses for other sports. Thanks!

Angie

[Bianchi Babe]

Hibiscus09, Annie, imdawn, emily_in_nc:

Thank you so much for all the very useful and helpful information on the mirrors. I have noticed that when I look back I do veer my bike to far into the left of the lane. I also noticed that I can't always hear the cars so I keep looking back to see if there are cars coming. Again that makes my riding a little less safe which is why I want to get a mirror. So I am so glad to have all your gal's input on them. I do have another question about them now though. If you wear regular glasses as I do, and then fitover sunglasses, which are a large pair of sunglasses that fit over your regular eyeglasses, will the mirror be able to attach to those fitovers? Thank you for telling me the name of the mirror to that helps a lot. One bike shop tried to sell me a mirror that I didn't feel comfortable about so I didn't buy it but the guy was really pushing it on me. Funny thing is, when I was testing out bikes to see which bike I liked the best before getting one, the same shop's manager tried to sell me a bike that I could tell from looking would have fit a much larger person than one of my frame. Needless to say I only purchase minor accessories from this place and don't put much trust into anything they might advise me to buy or do. I still can't believe that guy tried to get me to buy a size 27 frame when the one I use is a 15 or 16! There is quite a bit of difference there.

[annie]

Originally posted by adkoch
So, when you take it off for racing/off-road riding, does the whole thing just clip off, or is there some sort of adapter that remains on your sunglasses? I ask because I use my sunglasses for other sports. Thanks!

Angie

Angie,

It comes on and off very easily. Nothing remain on the sunglasses. I take mine on and off quite a bit. Like when I misplace my "real life" sunglasses and have to use my bike ones for driving. :rolleyes:

Bianchi Babe,

I don't think the mirror would fit over the type of sunglasses you are talking about........ you'd have to try it to see for sure. If not, you could do the helmet adapter. Or sometime think about getting prescription fit-ins for the sunglasses you wear while biking.

[hibiscus09]

Thanks everyone! I didn't start this thread ( :) ) but it's been helpful reading -- I think I'll go get one of those mirrors. I don't swerve when I look back, but it would be nice to see what's coming up behind me since I'm not very good at hearing what's coming up behind me.

[adkoch]

Yes, I agree that this thread has been very helpful - I will be resuming my commuting this week and have looked at different mirrors (and even bought a few, just to be taken back!) and not been impressed. Now, I will know what to ask for! Thanks!

Angie

[DoubleLori]

The Take-A-Look mirrors are THE best! I've had numerous mirrors of various types over the past 25 years and the Take-A-Look is the most stable and has the best field-of-view. They do clip right on and off almost any glasses.

I also have a Mountain Mirrycle mounted on my recumbent (mirrors are pretty mandatory on recumbents because you can't look back easily) just in case I forget my Take-A-Look, but the Take-A-Look has a wider view, is much lighter, and is easier to look into (don't have to turn the eyes so far to see back). I think the person who said it was annoying in your peripheral vision is just a style-conscious poser! (Are your CAR mirrors annoying in your peripheral vision?)

I personally would not ride without a mirror.

[MightyMitre]

I think the person who said it was annoying in your peripheral vision is just a style-conscious poser!

I suppose the usefulness of mirrors would depend on the type of riding you do. It's true that sometimes you can't even hear cars approaching from behind but shouldn't the emphasis be on the car avoiding you?

I personally thinks I'd find them annoying for my vision - however, got a feeling this has more to do with me being a style-conscious poser!;)

[hibiscus09]

LOL -- :). Lori, the car mirrors are not -- but they are a little further from my head than a helmet mount would be.

MightyMitre -- I'm very style-conscious -- but sure never feel that way in those kotex shorts & that helmet. Maybe you're looking much cuter than me in those? ;) God -- I always think I look like an alien in that getup. :D LOL

[MightyMitre]

Kotex shorts LOL!!. :D Yes - very good point.... and I'm quite sure you don't look like an alien. I bet you look just like a pro.

As for helmets, well, I might like to look stylish and would love to ride with just a head scalf or bandana, but a helmet is one thing I never, ever ride without . Afterall, looking stylish is good but being alive is even better...:)

[hibiscus09]

I keep telling my sister that -- she likes to ride helmet free. There's no way I'd go without one -- I need to keep what little gray matter that's there safe from harm. :D

[MightyMitre]

Yeh - there's no excuse these days, especially as all the pro's have to wear them during competitions now.

There's also some cool helmets out there now - they don't all look like bomb-heads any more, and if you get one with a colour that goes with your bike or team kit they can look really good.

A quote I read in a magazine a few month ago about the helmet debate : 'I'd rather feed my children then have them feed me.' but I'm sure I'm preaching to the converted here...:)

[Bianchi Babe]

Dear Annie:

Thats a good suggestion. I guess I'll try and use the helmet adapter until I can get prescription sunglasses though. Can't wait to get a mirror. Before my husband and I set off on our longest ride yet this past weekend, I told him that I wanted to get a mirror. He said he didn't think people wore them any more because they weren't in style. I replied that I looked pretty geeky anyway with my large fit over sunglasses and that I didn't particularly care how geeky I looked as long as I felt safe. Shortly after we went on our long ride and he rode up along side of me to say he saw me do something really scary. Look over my shoulder and veering into the middle of the left lane! I said, well now you know why I think a mirror would be helpful. So he agreed that in my case it probably wouldn't hurt! Kind of funny isn't it?

[annie]

Hey BianchiBabe,

Funny or not, whatever keeps you safer and makes you feel more confident on the bike is a good thing! You go, girl! Get that mirror and stay on your bike and you'll just get better and better.

Hey Mighty,

Awesome quote about children being fed or doing the feeding........... I am going to remember that one and pass it on when needed.

I cracked three helmets in under one year a couple years ago. Not a good year, needless to say............ But my head survived. The helmets did their job and one is now being used to show kids in schools WHY they need to wear a helmet and wear it right. I wouldn't ride around the block without a helmet.

[Bianchi Babe]

Dear Annie:

I'm sorry you broke three helmets but I think its wonderful that your using them to teach kids why they should wear helmets. I used to teach young children and nothing is as explanatory as a visual example. Did you notify the helmet manufacturer after you broke the helmet?
Several years ago, before I knew him, my husband was riding in some bike event and an inexperienced rider crashed into him bringing the two of them down. If it hadn't been for his helmet he wouldn't have survived the head injuries. The helmet completely cracked in half! So he wrote the helmet manufacturer in gratitude and they were so happy to get an appreciative letter that they sent him a new helmet! I've heard sometimes they will send you a new helmet at a cheaper price if you let them know you crashed and wrecked the helmet.

[annie]

BB,

Nope, didn't notify the helmet manufacturer. Not a bad idea, tho', to let them know their product works! Quite a few brands of helmet have some type of replacement policy, that lets you get a replacement helmet for a cheaper price. I work part-time, summers, in a bike shop, so I get good prices on things anyway. And no broken helmets this season! At least not so far ...... keeping fingers crossed........

[Irulan]

when I've cracked and broken helmets, the LBS usually sends them back to the manufacturer. Evidently they want to xray and perform other tests on them to study how they repsond to stress and impact. I've gotten a coupon good for like a $40 credit to a new helmet.

Re someone not wearing a helmet. Yes, this is an age old discussion but really now... stupid, stupid, stupid. Have her talk to a neurosurgeon some time about all the people they have to try and peice together. Or, someone that has survived a had injury with partial memory loss or other impairment. Anyone remember that public service add with the watermelon hitting the pavement?

Irulan