I now wear a mirror when riding

[PamNY]

Any tips for getting used to helmet or glasses mirrors? I've tried mirrors on the bike, and found that they moved too much to be useful. But - when I tried my DH's helmet mirror, I got very sea sick. It was odd - but I've been hesitant to try again. Is it just an adjustment thing?

Yes. It is an adjustment thing, and for me it was a big one. I used to say I had to grow new brain cells to use the mirror.

Just keep practicing. Adjusting it before you leave home helps. I figured out some "landmarks" in my house that meant it was perfectly adjusted -- for example, if I'm standing at Point A, I should be able to see Point B in the mirror.

[tangentgirl]

Yes. It is an adjustment thing, and for me it was a big one. I used to say I had to grow new brain cells to use the mirror.

That is how I feel. I find the mirror really distracting. My eyes are drawn to it, rather than the road, enough so that I had to take it off after a few ride.

Any suggestions on that?

[lph]

I've been back and forth on mirrors. Rode for years without one, but I'm really good at turning my head and checking the road often without veering, and I've passed many a rider who had mirrors but weren't paying attention anyway. Then I won a handlebar mirror, it lay around in my spare parts box for 6 months or so, I put in on on a whim, got really distracted, and kept turning around to check the road anyway from old habit. But after a while I got used to the split-focus thing and enjoyed the ease of being able to keep tabs on my back at all times. Especially useful when I got another cyclist on my wheel, actually.

Then I took a tumble, broke the mirror, and freaked out a little at feeling "blind". Planned to go get a new one, but within a week I'd got used to turning around again, and I still haven't replaced it.

I feel they're a great idea and a good supplement (and it spares your neck and back a bit) but looking behind you properly is a basic skill that needs to be there anyway.

[PamNY]

That is how I feel. I find the mirror really distracting. My eyes are drawn to it, rather than the road, enough so that I had to take it off after a few ride.

Any suggestions on that?

Just practice. I did work at it -- look ahead to be sure the road is clear, glance at the mirror, then look ahead again.

One day it just clicked in. I saw a screaming yellow biker coming up behind me and realized I was using the mirror without thinking about it.

My mirror was a gift, and I didn't want to disappoint the giver. I probably would have given up otherwise. I'm glad I persevered.

[tctrek]

Love my mirror and don't ride without it.,, I use the same one as OP. I did try bar end mirrors first, but just couldn't see anything with them except my knees!

[Melalvai]

I've been opposed to mirrors because I was told 1) they distract you from the more important traffic and terrain in front of you and 2) you get into the habit of relying on them when you should be scanning. I still believe what I was told but I will add 3) on rural roads they can save your (or your daughter's) life.

Based on this thread I'm getting the Take A Look mirror. I'll order an extra one for my daughter, but I will need to encourage her to get in the habit of wearing either sunglasses or goggles. She should wear eye protection anyway.

It'll be very easy to convince her of that. She's highly safety conscious right now. Last night she said to her dad, "The speed limit is 70 mph.' (He was driving 75 mph.) "The speed limit is there for our safety." He slowed down to 70.

[emily_in_nc]

Melalvai - SO glad to hear you're going to try the Take-a-Look and have your daughter try it too. I really believe in wearing a mirror, and I truly don't think it distracts me from what's in front. It's similar to a rear-view mirror in a car, where you just want to give it a quick scan, not stare into it for more than a moment. I definitely think my mirror keeps me safer than if I didn't have one and might forget to scan behind me often enough.

You'll have to let us know what you think of it, but give yourself a few rides to get used to it.

[tulip]

This is the one I have on both road bikes. It's essential to me as I cannot see out of my left eye.

http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-4.htm