Mirror question

[Catrin]

In a mirror, you're focusing on the thing reflected, not the mirror surface. If something's so close to your rear-view mirror that you can't focus on it, you've got worse problems than presbyopia.

Seriously, try it in your bathroom mirror. Wear whatever correction allows you to focus 10 feet or so away. Get close enough to your bathroom mirror that you can't focus on your own face. Now look at the wall behind you. Perfectly clear.

Same thing with a bicycle mirror. Same thing with your windshield-mounted car mirror, for that matter.

Interesting, and it makes sense when you think about it. I may try a helmet mirror someday. This is an interesting discussion, and I did find a lot in the archives. I really wanted this for the Tour de Cure tomorrow, and it sounded like there is a learning curve for a helmet mirror - no time for that, this time

[withm]

I have had helmet mirror but found it hard to keep aligned, and fast descents would make the mirror shift. I have switched to eyeglass mirror. I wear progressives both regular and sunglasses. Works great. If you can use your drivers side mirror in your car, you can use eyeglass mirror.

Another point to consider - you lay your bike down on the left side (non-drive side) - thus a handlebar mounted mirror is more susceptible to damage. Also any crash will likely destroy a handlebar mounted mirror.

[Catrin]

I have had helmet mirror but found it hard to keep aligned, and fast descents would make the mirror shift. I have switched to eyeglass mirror. I wear progressives both regular and sunglasses. Works great. If you can use your drivers side mirror in your car, you can use eyeglass mirror.

Another point to consider - you lay your bike down on the left side (non-drive side) - thus a handlebar mounted mirror is more susceptible to damage. Also any crash will likely destroy a handlebar mounted mirror.

Thankfully my bar-end mirror on my Trek has survived several tip-overs - somehow I already have the same mirror on my new bike now, but will keep all of this information in mind for the future. Thanks everyone!

[Miranda]

I own a set of these and have been happy with them...

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/psprb...mirrors/pp.htm

[marni]

although if you have drop style handlebars an or aero bars, a bar end mirror will not work. I have astigmatism so I bike in a pair of semi srap dark glasses which allow me to see from 10- 100 feet clearly but fuzzy otherwise and use a glasses mirror. I tried a helmet mirror but could never find a good adjustment, but the eyeglasses mirro I hardly ever notice and glancing up at it has become so instinctula I often find myself trying to do the same thing in the cr insted or remembering Ihave to use my side mirror for traffic coming up behind. Just don't forget that you also have to turn your head and check visually as well.

marni

[OakLeaf]

Lots of people I ride with have bar end mirrors on their drop bars.

They do seem to need frequent adjustment, but that's not a big deal.

[chicagogal]

I've quickly become a roadie purist, so I don't recommend riding with a mirror

Learn to look over your shoulder or under your arm to check for traffic/cyclists behind you. If you are riding with someone, learn to put your arm on his/her shoulder as you look back since this will keep you steady and help you hold your line.

It's kinda crazy, but there are so many little faux-pas that roadies use to identify other "real" roadies. As in, real roadies don't wear camelbacks, don't have reflectors, don't have mirrors, don't wear cotton, don't have tri bars, etc, etc. Show up on a group ride with any of these things and don't expect to feel very welcome. I know, it doesn't really seem fair That being said, the "discrimination" is partly because group riding requires so much trust of the riders around you, that often times, these faux-pas are red flags that a rider is new to the road . . .