Mirrors

[newfsmith]

On my flat bar bikes I use bar-ends and mount a Mirrycycle in the left one. By putting it in front of my hands I find that it is easier to adjust to give me the view I want, and easier to see than if they are mounted in the handlebar itself. Also I can put a stick-on spot reflector on the non-mirror surface, putting my front reflector further left. So far that has worked well. In the winter I also use the Cycle-aware helmet mirror because my neck mobility is further reduced by layers. I do use a Bell commuter helmet most of the time, and I'm not too impressed with their mirror system compared to other helmet mirrors, but it is functional although hard to adjust. Almost all helmet mirrors have pivots and breakaway features in event of a crash, but I try to wear safety googles when riding. (I use $10 AO Safety x-factors from Home Depot, they come with clear, yellow or blue lenses to cover all conditions for $30.) I haven't decided what to do on my new drop bar bike, but will probably just use a helmet mirror. I personally feel that some type of rear view mirror is as essential as bike lighting and ought to be required. If I can see a car in my mirror, I don't have to look back then and risk a swerve or hitting an unnoticed road hazard, I can wait until the mirror is clear to do my shoulder check. You still have to look back before you do a lane change or turn, but only having to check once or twice reduces fatique and "traffic stress" for me. Sorry to be so wordy.

[SandyLS]

I've been out a couple of times now with my new "Take-a-Look"mirror which is mounted on my sun glasses. There is a learning curve for this thing, but I think it is going to be just fine. I found I kind of needed to do a drop left shoulder, raise and turn head slightly to get the best view from it. The hard part was figuring out how to adjust it right on the glasses. It also has a mount for ny helmet that has to be glued on. I hate to try it on the helmet then not like it there and be left with sticky stuff on my new helmet. Certainly it is better than no mirror for me and my self confidence on the road.
Sandy

[emily_in_nc]

Another VERY satisfied Take-a-Look mirror user here! Before buying a mirror, I polled a lot of folks in my bike club, and this one was the winner, hands' down. I absolutely love it and won't ride without it - no way, no how. I don't care if it is a bit on the geek-chic side, I truly feel that it keeps me safer on the road. One adjusted, it doesn't vibrate and provides a great view behind.

Emily

[shewhobikes]

OK, help me understand. I see lots of folks on my group rides with mirrors on the bars or the helmet (or perhaps their glasses). My question is...if you are riding with a helmet, as I hope and expect we all are, then why would you fasten to your glasses instead of helmet?

Obviously, I just don't know how this works via sticking the thing on, etc.

I do hear folks saying that attaching to the bars results in too much "jumping around," which make sense, if you are on the road bike.

[emily_in_nc]

OK, help me understand. I see lots of folks on my group rides with mirrors on the bars or the helmet (or perhaps their glasses). My question is...if you are riding with a helmet, as I hope and expect we all are, then why would you fasten to your glasses instead of helmet?

I tried a helmet-mounted mirror, but it attached with sticky tape, and it just didn't stay on. It also vibrated a lot more because I guess my helmet vibrates more on my head than my glasses do. The Take-a-Look mirror mounted on my sunglasses just doesn't move. And no sticky tape to get de-stickied over time. The mounting mechanism is wire and couldn't be simpler. It can be removed and moved to a different pair of glasses if you wear more than one. And, it came highly recommended, that's why I tried it, and I love it, as stated above.

Emily

[Surlygirl]

I like the Rhode Gear Multi Mirror. It attaches to the bar end instead of using a plug. It can be used either on a road bike or mountain bike. Its big, but I like that so I can see pretty well behind me. It also bends back out of the way when not in use. I've seen them at Adventure Cycling for about 18.00 under safety equipment.

[JasCali]

Handlebar mirror for myself, I didn't even know that they made ones that could clip onto your glasses. I guess I could see how you might have some blindspots with the handlebar models, but I typically ride in almost barren areas, so I don't use the mirror that often anyway.