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Since 90% of my riding is on roads and highways, I have a handle bar mirror on my bike. I really like being able to see what's coming up behind me. DH has decided he wants one too. Since we are getting another one, I would love some input. Mirrors on the helmet vs. handle bars. I do have blind spots in the current mirror mostly caused by my elbow! Any opinions would be greatly appreicated. BikerHen
I thought it might be a good idea to have a mirror for my road rides, so I bought the kind that hook onto your glasses. I've only tried it twice, and maybe didn't give it enough time. I kept having to move my head around to different angles to see what I wanted to see behind me. I never felt secure enough in that tiny reflection that I could rely on it to make any moves. So, I put it aside and continue to rely on my ears and a glance over the shoulder.
I will be interested to hear others' reports of their experiences with mirrors. Maybe I chose the wrong kind, or didn't give it enough time.
I started using the glasses type mirrors a few months ago. It took some getting used to, but now that I've been riding with them a while, its second nature to use them. I even catch myself looking up and to the left before crossing the street when I'm walking my dog :D . I chose the eyeglass style mirror because I have a couple of bikes and a tandem that I ride on--I only need one this way.
You can also go over to bikejournal.com and type mirrors in the search box....there was just a Huge thread going over there recently about mirrors, different types, what ppl use or don't use and why or why not, etc.
(of course while you're There - if you're so inclined of course - you could join the TE club over there and start logging your miles! it's free although a minor $10 donation is appreciated but Not Required to help Slantz keep it up and running ;))
Corsair, you're shameless!! ;)
I've been using the handlebar mirror on my hybrid with straight-across bar and I am totally dependent on it (I'm not good at the quick swivel of the head back - my wheel follows my head direction!) Now that I have a road bike, I'm going to give the helmet mirror a go. It's got to be safer than turning my head!!!
i'm thinkin' corsair REALLY scored when she was a kid and selling girl scout cookies... or candy bars... or magazines...
or were you that girl at the fair sellin' kisses, hmmmm :D
actually I was the girl at the fair under the bleachers doing things my momma told me good girls didn't do! :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by spazzdog
guess I was just askin for that one....
eh-hmmm, and now back to "Mirrors":
I don't use on myself. I listen and occasionally glance over my shoulder.
spazz (promising to be a good dog for a few minutes)
Oh my gosh...had me laugh'n on that one...Quote:
Originally Posted by CorsairMac
reminded me of those times I wasn't a good girl like mama wanted.
I had other ideas of fun too! but not doing things under bleachers...I chose a umm ....ummm car :eek: Please don't tell my mama though....she is best to think that I was a lil angel. Besides I am now and that is what matters...right???? shhhhhh....please...don't.....shhhh...
On with the mirror discussion....
that is a tough one...do I want to have something impaling me if I were to land on my bike mirror during a fall? or will the mirror on the helmet be safe if I do land on my head in someway? fearful questions, I don't have one yet and will watch this thread to see if someone can ease me on either.
I always likes having a handlebar mirror on my mountian bike. A couple of weeks ago when I got my new Bianchi road bike with drop bars I couldn't figure out what to do about a mirror. I really missed not having one. I did a search on this TE forum on mirrors and found that a lot of people suggested the Take-a-Look mirror that can be mounted on glasses or on a helmet. I purchased one but the weather has taken a turn for the worse here in MI and I haven't had a chance to try it out. They can be ordered for under $20.00 right here on the TE website. I'll let you how I like it if it ever warms up again!
Nice job, SandyLS. Used the Search function AND gave a plug for TE! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by SandyLS
Now a word from our sponsor!
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=4043
http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/p...200TAL_xlg.jpg
Adventure Girl- HOW DID YOU KNOW? That's the very mirror I use! Brilliant, absolutely BRILLIANT! :D :D
This mirror can be used either on your glasses or on your helmet. I use it on my glasses and find it quite helpful. Yes, it does take time to adjust and I don't always catch that car behind me, but, overall I am glad I have one. I find it especially useful on heavily traveled windy (as in curvy) roads. :)
I find that often the wind noise drowns out motor noise so I can't count on my ears to tell me what's behind. :(
I may have to give my Take A Look mirror another chance. I only used it for a day, but kept getting dizzy (hush peanut gallery, I was no where near a Lemon Drop).
I'm told once you get used to them, you will love them. Hmmm, someone said that to me about men once........ :D
I've been using the mirror-on-my-helmet version since I started commuting about 10 years ago. The mirrors on the handlebars bounce around too much for me. The one I use is a version I get from Performance.com and it has a gimble that allows me to remove the mirror/arm whenever I need to pack my helmet. It's very adjustable so I can angle it out of my line of vision but I can easily see what is behind me at any point. It's very convenient and I just wouldn't be without one.
I use a handlebar mirror on my hybrid and I like it, but if I had anything other than a very slow ten-block commute through a residential area, I would need something else, because it does bounce around quite a lot. I like it when it is too windy for me to trust my ears, and when there is someone behind me who hasn't decided whether or not to pass me.
I should probably get a helmet mirror for using with my road bike. I don't ride in traffic very often but I am really nervous every time I do.