Tandem Cycling - Mirrors

What are the better of mirrors, ones that clip on to a helmet or bar end mirrors.
currently we have bar end mirrors and was thinking of going to the helmet style, any suggestions would help?

While I admit to never having tried a handlebar mounted mirror, everybody who I've talked with who has tried both uses a helmet or eyeglass mounted mirror.

I use a Take-a-Look eyeglass mount mirror. I like the fact that I can adjust what the mirror shows by moving my head and I like the relative lack of vibration so I get a clearer view.

I have used a couple of Third Eye mirrors in the past but I like the take-a-Look better. The Third Eye mirrors were fine when they were new, but they seemed to loosen up and not hold their adjustment after a while.

I'm legally blind in my left eye and a helmet mounted mirror on the right is not very effective, so I use a bar end mirror. We kind of like a wide angle bar end mirror for the stoker too.

Doc

Here is a link to my dissertation on rear view mirrors: http://www.thetandemlink.com/articles/takealook.html

My stoker and I each use a "Take-a-Look" mounted on our eyeglasses. Solid, vibration-free and a large viewing area. Helmet mounted mirrors tend to get knocked about more and the bonding adhesive eventually wears out and the thing gets wiggly in a strong breeze and then falls off. Since we are always wearing eyeglasses for protection more than to enhance vision, adjusting to the mirror was quick and easy.

I'd recommend the ones that attach to your sunglasses if you wear them since you don't have to attach and reattach them if you have multiple bikes.

If you want a cheap solution, get the Stihl chain saw glasses for $12.00. They are a perfect fit with the Take-a-Look mirror.

Take a look here too, I dig that little mirror a lot. Helps you know when to head for the gravel! I also had a little more trouble with a couple of other brands (can't remember the names now...sorry :(

I like my bar mounted mirrors - I don't always wear glasses and have lost countless glasses-mounted mirrors, I don't always wear a helmet and was less than satisified with helmet mounted mirrors. The bar mount is always there.

Thanks to all for the replies, Happy tandeming!!

I always ride with the Bike-Eye frame mounted mirror wouldn't use anything else now, because it's fixed solidly to the frame you dont have to crane your neck to line the rear view up and theres not much chance of it being broken because of the mirrors fixing position.

I've always preferred a large round bar end mirror.
I want to know what's way behind me, with the crappy side roads around here, I like to know if I can swerve onto better pavement or need to jump off onto the dirt shoulder.

I never liked the kind that mount on your glasses, because they make one side heavier than the other.. I used to use a helmet mirror.. but am considering using one of these Vu Bars that slide into the end of the handlebar when not in use etc.. Has anybody tried one of these? .. do they work well at all?... I don't need much of a mirror, but I'm not sure how well this one holds its position and all.. here is a description: http://www.kijkom.nl/docs/vubar-e.htm

I've tried only the helmut mounted mirror and found it ok, but not great. I gave up on it, and just began doing it again the old fashion way. . . :)