Helmet mirror or handlebar mirror?

[witeowl]

I love the idea of these things -- MY problem with it is that I'd fixate on it, since it's right there...

I just put on my brand-new mirror for the first time today and loved it! Based on the recommendation of someone in the LBC (and seeing that everyone with a mirror in the group has it) I got the take-a-look mirror (available at teamestrogen here). Most people atach it to glasses, but it comes with an adaptor to attach it to a helmet if you want.

I was also afraid that I'd fixate and/or it would block out part of my line of sight. Surprisingly, I totally forgot it was there except when I was using it. (I forgot about it so much I even forgot to take advantage of it a couple of times!) It's frameless, too, so that probably helps.

I was warned that handlebar mirrors shake and wiggle a lot, but I can't speak from experience on that.

Oh, and I'm sure it goes without saying, but even with a mirror, be sure to still look over your shoulder before changing lanes or making a similar move... just like you do when driving your car.

[Blueberry]

I use a handlebar mirror which plugs into the drops. Before that, I tried one that mounted on the hood, but it caused problems with flightdeck operation.

Only problem with it: it vibrates on rough roads. It doesn't knock itself out of alignment, but it makes it hard to see. I still double check by turning my head, but I generally like to know what's coming behind me as a defensive biking measure

[SR500]

We use this one on a couple of our bikes:



http://cgi.ebay.com/Italian-ROAD-BIK...QQcmdZViewItem

Works great.

[Nanci]

I had the Take A Look mirror on my helmet, and I loved it, except it looked stupid in pictures- it would alwys be right over my eye, but a few weeks ago the helmet mounting plastic thing broke. (Less than 6 months old) So now it's on my glasses, but it makes the bow bend in and push really hard on my temple. I'm in the market for a new mirror now- maybe handle bar...

Nanci

[SouthernBelle]

I had a helmet mirror for a short while but lost it pretty quickly. But while I had it, it was aggravating. You get it adjusted, then change your hand position and it's wrong.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You guys are great! Now I feel like I have "some" knowledge when I go to get my bike tomorrow and pick up a mirror. More opinions and preferences are still welcome on this subject....

One type mirror I can rule out though--
I will have bar end shifters like this:
http://cyclofiend.com/cc/images/cc02...0009%20(2).jpg
so those little mirrors that fit into the bar ends won't work for me.

[Nokomis]

Nanci - does the Take a Look mirror stay in a fixed position?

I have a flexible mirror on my helmet now, but feel like I have to buy a new one frequently because the pivot joint becomes so loose that it'll be out of adjustment on a quick decent or a breezy day. I like it - on days I can get it positioned correctly. But I did have a LONG learning curve when I first bought it - some days I'd get it positioned correctly right away, the next I'd be fighting it the entire ride trying to get it adjusted.

[SnappyPix]

We use this one on a couple of our bikes:



http://cgi.ebay.com/Italian-ROAD-BIK...QQcmdZViewItem

Works great.

I just wanted to thank SR500 for making this post, as I went ahead and ordered one of these mirrors for my road bike.
The service was excellent - arrived from the US to NZ in just a matter of days.
It's a bit fiddly to fit, but it really is the dog's baubles.
I've been out a few times now since I fitted it, and the field of vision is excellent - very wide angle and clear.
I'd highly recommend these over the type that strap onto the STI hoods - it's unobtrusive, has less dorky factor and does exactly what it says on the box.