Mirrors, tools and other fun stuff

[Kano]

The trick is to look down and sort of under your arm-pit: ie not turn your actual head.

I know we hybrid/comfort bike folks are kind of in the minority here -- I'm trying to imagine how this could be accomplished without crashing on my bike! Then it occurred to me that margo49 is probably a roadie rather than an "uprightie" like me and maybe it can be done on one of those bikes...

If it weren't me crashing, it would be that guy in the car that's coming up behind me cuz he's laughing waaaay too hard to maintain control of the vehicle!!!!!

Karen in Boise

[Bike Goddess]

I use a mirror that is attached to the bottom part of my handlebars. I can see a long distance behind me without having to move. If I am going to turn left, I still look quickly over my shoulder.

I like this set up as it is easily adjusted and is larger than the glasses type mirrors.

Re adjusting your seat- yes, get a multipurpose tool. It will have allen wrenches, a screw driver and other handy tools you might need on the road. I've adjusted my seat many times using this tool.

[Craicgirl]

This evening I went out and did 11 miles out on the road with cars (trying to get myself comfortable) and practiced looking back without a mirror. So far so good, only had one near crash and that was due to a squirrel running out in front of me.

I had a handlebar mirror on my last bike (Walmart special) but I found it bounced around a lot and I was constantly having to adjust it. I may try going without one for a bit.

I am definately going to get the multi tool thing however. Is one brand any better then the other or am I safe with buying the $12.95 one from Walmart?

[Grog]

I am definately going to get the multi tool thing however. Is one brand any better then the other or am I safe with buying the $12.95 one from Walmart?

I would avoid the Walmart thing and get a Topeak. They are more expensive but reliable.

I found with cheap tools that often they are not precise. How useful is a hex key that's not quite the right size? Not very useful...

p.s. What you need on a multitool is hex keys, Philip screwdriver, flat screwdriver, ... that's pretty much it. And a few box wrenches if you have a hybrid or mountain bike.

[Craicgirl]

I am going to go to my LBS tomorrow and see if they carry the Topeak.

Also, does anyone know of any sunglasses you can slip over your regular glasses that are a wrap around style (meaning they have sun protection on the sides are well). Unfortunately I am blind as a bat and need to wear my regular glasses to see (can't do the contacts thing) and I have a pair of clip ons but I need something that shields the sun on the sides as well. This question is probably a long shot but I thought if anyone would know, the folks in here would.

[KnottedYet]

Sunglasses - I have a pair of Oakley Minutes that are probably close to 4 or 5 years old. I got them through the eye doc, so my prescription is "built in". I looooooove them. They give great peripheral vision and keep the boogies out of my eyes. It is so much better than the old clip-ons I had to go over my regular glasses. If you can do it, get a pair of biking sunglasses with your prescription. I've heard a lot of folks rave about how much they love their Rudy Projects, too.

Mirrors - I have a Zefal bar-end mirror. Had the same mirror on my last 2 bikes. Unfortunately with my aluminum frame and the wacky stuff I ride over in my commute, it keeps flopping no matter how I try to settle it. I'm starting to notice that it distracts me more than it helps me. I'm planning to get a glasses mounted mirror next.

Tool - Park Tools I-beam is nice, but I sort of wish I'd gotten the Topeak. The I-Beam is a little sloppy.

did you fix your seat?