Professional Cycling For the Fans - Are Rearview Mirrors Not Permitted in Racing?

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MKahrl
07-09-08, 10:26 AM
I realize that all racers pride themselves in being able to look back without wavering or slackening their effort. None the less, as I watch racers towards the end of the race frequently looking back it seems they would be giving up something, maybe just the interruption of the air stream around them. And it also sends a signal to the people catching up to him.

I would think it would be advantageous in a hard sprint to be able to see what was going on behind you without having to move.

worker4youth
07-09-08, 10:32 AM
only if your name is not Fred...otherwise, UCI rules allow them.
veloGeezer
07-09-08, 10:34 AM
in a lead out you generally can look down through your legs to see whos wheel is there. I lead out the wrong guy once when somebody with the same color fork as Bob got behind me (whoops!)

you can also look under your arm to get a good look behind you

all in all its just a piece of glass that will cut you up in a crash is why I never bother with one

and it really isn't necessary in a race

its alot more handy when you are out on public roads or tooling around in traffic, but that isn't the same kind of riding situation

rustguard
07-09-08, 10:47 PM
wouldnt it be good to have some fenders on as well in case it rains, just so as to be comfortable all day you know
Suzie Green
07-09-08, 11:59 PM
wouldnt it be good to have some fenders on as well in case it rains, just so as to be comfortable all day you know

And a bell for when you want to pass someone. ;)
2manybikes
07-10-08, 12:07 AM
Turn signals too !
sykerocker
07-10-08, 12:06 PM
Aw, hell, just get a 50's Schwinn middleweight while you're at it. Might as well be comfortable.
ridethecliche
07-10-08, 12:26 PM
I would think that some of the mirrors that go into the drops would be beneficial. there are some really small ones that replace the endcap and will just help you see what's behind you.
deanp
07-10-08, 12:36 PM
Yes they are, on all the team cars and support vehicles.
bbgobie
07-10-08, 01:03 PM
I'll tell you how useful they are in a race if I ever get in front of somebody...
chevy42083
07-10-08, 01:19 PM
Not sure if they would run mirrors... I mean, I've pros are kinda weight weenies.
JPradun
07-10-08, 02:09 PM
If you can't race without a mirror, maybe you shouldn't be there in the first place...
Laggard
07-10-08, 03:55 PM
If you can't race without a mirror, maybe you shouldn't be there in the first place...

Agreed.
indygreg
07-10-08, 04:59 PM
This thread made me LOL. They should rock those awesome helmet mounted units. And as others said, bells and fenders.
indygreg
07-10-08, 05:01 PM
and to really answer it - in a hard sprint at the end of a stage you would have 0% chance of seeing what is going on in a mirror mounted on your bars or helmet. They can see tons more by looking back. Mirrors are effective when you riding straight and at an even pace. In a sprint you and your bike are moving at opposite directions