Commuting - mirrors anyone?

anyone here use mirrors on their commuter bikes? i find it hard to look left and right while riding in a straight line. i got 2 cateye racing mirrors ($5 each at REI). was going to install them onto my rockhopper, but the handle bar is a standard one... thus i wasn't able to fit it in. now i'm thinking of putting them onto my sirrus instead.. but will have to cut a hole at the end of the grip. but i'm afraid that if i cut it.. i may just find out that it won't fit either and i'll be very pissed.

therefore, i'm wondering of other kind of mirrors that you guys use. are there any kind that is mounted on the handle bar???

I always feel more comfortable with a mirror..Cuts down on the turning of the head when changing lanes, etc. My bikes have drop handlebars so never considered mirrors on the handlebars.
I have had good luck with mirrors attached to my glasses. I find the mirrors attached to the helmets too shaky.
"Take a Look" mirrors attached to the temples of the sunglasses seem far more stable, plus I like the aspect that slight jarations of the head can drastically change your field of view.
To look out the glasses mounted mirror, it is just a slight movement of the left eye and I feel it hardly distracts one from looking ahead towards the road.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'd rather ride w/o my helmet than w/o my mirror*. Riding your bike: wonderful. Being able to see who's coming up behind you: priceless!!

* I usually ride w/ both!

I tried a mirror a few years back, and didn't find any benefit. I found the image I got was too distorted and I ended up looking over my shoulder regardless. About the only thing the mirror did was provide an annoyance when the sun was behind me. I ditched it and have ridden quite happily without it ever since.

I second the glasses mounted mirror. I just started using it a week ago and I love it. There aren't any vibrations, and when the traffic is bad and I can tell a car is going to try to get by me within inches I can just move out so he has to go around. It's very helpful when you live somewhere that half the population is college students and the other half is elderly Floridiots. I'd go with the glasses mirror. Peace.

Instead of looking over your shoulder, try ducking your head down and glancing under your arm-- I find it a bit quicker, and easier to maintain control of the bike.

I use a Third Eye helmet mirror. The image quality is good and its easy to adjust. They have several types (helmet vs. glasses). Check out their web site:

http://www.3rd-eye.com/welcome.html

anyone here use mirrors on their commuter bikes? i find it hard to look left and right while riding in a straight line. i got 2 cateye racing mirrors ($5 each at REI). was going to install them onto my rockhopper, but the handle bar is a standard one... thus i wasn't able to fit it in.

I got a Cateye racing mirror from REI a couple weeks ago and had no problem fitting it onto end of my MTB handlebars. Of course you'll have to cut the end of the grip off, but the mirror has an expansion plug that you push into the end of the handlebar, and then tighten with a screw.

Here's a photo of the mirror on my bike. Since this photo was taken I've moved the mirror to the end of the bar-end (extension) on the same side.

But still, I agree with Chris. Mirrors don't help me that much. The image is distorted and I find it more reassuring to actually look at the car instead of the mirror.

But still, I agree with Chris. Mirrors don't help me that much. The image is distorted and I find it more reassuring to actually look at the car instead of the mirror.

I disagree strongly with Brad and Chris. I've had a Third Eye Pro helmet mirror for 2 years, it's the best!! I had bar mount mirrors before and found that by the time I looked down, focussed and figured out what was going on behind me, I'd be going in a different direction. With the Third Eye, a quick glance and I can see whatever I want. I haven't had any vibration problems whatsoever.
Proper positioning of the mirror is important, sometimes I have to adjust it to see, but I swear by it. I've found it really great where an on ramp merges onto the street you're riding on. With the helmet mirror, I turn my head to the left, see behind me to what's approaching on the on ramp.
The only problem I've had is the 2 sided sticky tape that comes with it gets weak after a year or so. I just use Crazy Glue and glue it back on.

Instead of looking over your shoulder, try ducking your head down and glancing under your arm-- I find it a bit quicker, and easier to maintain control of the bike.
Really? Looking under your arm? If other poeple can do this, more power to them. I'm sure I can't.

Another thumbs up for the 'Third Eye'. This mirror is much better than others I've had, has the best quality mirror and hinge (doesn't move around, unless you move it).
A friend of mine has a Reevu helmet Reevu.com (http://www.reevu.com/) he ordered from Europe. He loves it in heavy traffic, but it is not perfect.

I got a Cateye racing mirror from REI a couple weeks ago and had no problem fitting it onto end of my MTB handlebars. Of course you'll have to cut the end of the grip off, but the mirror has an expansion plug that you push into the end of the handlebar, and then tighten with a screw.

Here's a photo of the mirror on my bike. Since this photo was taken I've moved the mirror to the end of the bar-end (extension) on the same side.

But still, I agree with Chris. Mirrors don't help me that much. The image is distorted and I find it more reassuring to actually look at the car instead of the mirror.

i have the older handle bar on my rockhopper... i couldn't even fit the cateye in. looks to me the diameter is too small.

I disagree strongly with Brad and Chris.

Well I disaqreee VIOLENTLY with you :D

I tried third-eye mirrors.

Weak glue. Wobbly positioning. If my helmet moved even a little bit, I had to to bob my head around to find the right spot.

Of course if it works for you I believe you. None of the mirrors I've tried have given me any confidence and have actually been more of a distraction. The Cateye mirror might work for me, but I'm not betting on it.

I used a mirror for years, the kind that fits over the brake hood with a wide velcro strap. Wouldn't go out without it. After I got a new bike, I realised it was marring the finish of my brand-new, shiny Shimano Flight Deck, and took it off. Tried one of the helmet-mounted mirrors, and could never rapidly refocus my eye whenever I wanted a look back.
So I tried going without a mirror, and realised that for all those years, I'd been constantly checking the mirror, like a terrible nervous habit, and suddenly felt totally liberated. I quickly grew accustomed to not having one, and I just briefly look back over my shoulder when I need to. I don't miss the mirror at all.

"Really? Looking under your arm? If other poeple can do this, more power to them. I'm sure I can't."

It's surprisingly easy, it just takes some getting used to and some change of habit. Easier on a road bike. Very quick and effective.

I'm squarely in Chris L's and Bradw's camp on the mirror issue, but I wouldn't discourage anyone from riding with one if they're sold on them-- whatever makes you comfortable. It's not like it's a cell phone in the hands of a cage driver or anything.

Anyone tried those mirrors that mount on the insided of safety glasses or sun glasses?
I'd like to try those because I prefer a clean look to the front of the bike (not a ton of accessories all over the handlebars)

I used to use a mirror and sometimes on narrow roads with a lot of occasional spurts of traffic, a mirror is nice since I can't always keep turning my head.
On the other hand, every other place I stopped using the mirror, I too found I was being too paranoid in checking the mirror all the time and found it more liberating.

Anyone tried those mirrors that mount on the insided of safety glasses or sun glasses?
I'd like to try those because I prefer a clean look to the front of the bike (not a ton of accessories all over the handlebars)
VR. With my new Rudy's due to the shape of the temples, the only mirror that works are those inside mounted ""View Point" mirrors..
They do give you a wide angled view due to their small size. They do work, but getting its' position right within the lenses is initially exasperating. They do provide you with extra sticky material, because you have to remount them so often.
I like the clean look they give your bike and glasses. ANother benefit..Use them at work..You can tell if your boss is stalking you or not.

I tried out the new mirror setup this morning on a 35 mile ride.

It's a Cateye racing mirror mounted on my Trek 520 tourer. I recently set the bike up with flat handlebars and barends.

Anyway, I found the new mirror setup to be more helpful and less annoying than the other mirrors I've tried, including helmet mounted, eyeglass mounted, and bar mounted versions. It gave me a reasonably large view of the road, and all I had to do was turn my head and maybe move my forearm a little. The mirror was fairly stable on bumpy roads, and was easy to tweak while riding.

Now I might put one on my commuter.

VR. With my new Rudy's due to the shape of the temples, the only mirror that works are those inside mounted ""View Point" mirrors..
They do give you a wide angled view due to their small size. They do work, but getting its' position right within the lenses is initially exasperating. They do provide you with extra sticky material, because you have to remount them so often.
I like the clean look they give your bike and glasses. ANother benefit..Use them at work..You can tell if your boss is stalking you or not.

Cy,
I just found this one from another thread. It looks like the whole visor is a rear view mirror (like on a school bus) Dang! And I just bought a helmet. Also I didn't see a safety rating on 'em

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22684&item=3675242520&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

VR. With my new Rudy's due to the shape of the temples, the only mirror that works are those inside mounted ""View Point" mirrors..

What model Rudy do you have and where do you position your dot-mirror? I have Kerosenes and the Third-Eye Micro Mirror but could never get it to work right.

I had bar mount mirrors before and found that by the time I looked down, focussed and figured out what was going on behind me, I'd be going in a different direction.

This is actually the main reason I dispensed with my mirror back in 2000 (apart from the fact that it broke off somewhere near Glen Innes). When you're worrying about what's happening behind you, you're distracted from what's in front of you, which is the most immediate thing you should be concerned about.

I tried out the new mirror setup this morning on a 35 mile ride.

It's a Cateye racing mirror mounted on my Trek 520 tourer. I recently set the bike up with flat handlebars and barends.

Anyway, I found the new mirror setup to be more helpful and less annoying than the other mirrors I've tried, including helmet mounted, eyeglass mounted, and bar mounted versions. It gave me a reasonably large view of the road, and all I had to do was turn my head and maybe move my forearm a little. The mirror was fairly stable on bumpy roads, and was easy to tweak while riding.

Now I might put one on my commuter.

brad thanks for the pic man! that was just want i needed. i didn't even think i could mount the cateye racing mirrors there. just before i was going to return it.. i saw your post.. and OH YEAH! it fits!! thanks brad!

now just just need to get my c2 aero bar for my sirrus and then i can put my other cateye racing mirror on there.. can't wait!

Khuon..Yes, the Viewpoint mirrors are difficult to aim properly.But after about 40 minutes of positioning the mirror, I finally found its' correct position.. Before you get them set you will need all of the extra adhesive pads they provide you with.
I found too far to the left you can't see the mirror and too far in, you can't see enough of the road. My mirror is about in the 10 oclock position about 3/16 inch inward from the left edge of the glasses .
No, it is impossible to position the mirror so far in that you view through the corrective lenses... It must be placed over the actual colored lenses..Luckily, my distance vision is good enough that I can see fairly well without my vision being filtered through the corrective lenses..
My new Rudy glasses are Rydon's...

I too use the 3rd eye mirror. I used to have the Helmet mount but switch to the glasses mount. The helmet mount always jiggled out of posistion but the glasses version stayed put. They are easy to put on, adjust and take off at the end of the ride.

anyone here use mirrors on their commuter bikes? i find it hard to look left and right while riding in a straight line. i got 2 cateye racing mirrors ($5 each at REI). was going to install them onto my rockhopper, but the handle bar is a standard one... thus i wasn't able to fit it in. now i'm thinking of putting them onto my sirrus instead.. but will have to cut a hole at the end of the grip. but i'm afraid that if i cut it.. i may just find out that it won't fit either and i'll be very pissed.

therefore, i'm wondering of other kind of mirrors that you guys use. are there any kind that is mounted on the handle bar???


You could always check out these (http://www.bicyclebuys.com/Items01.asp?NavID=search&M=0&T=0&P=2&D=NP) . Scrolldown halfway.

After a Third Eye fell apart on me I've been pretty happy with a Cycle Aware Reflex helmet mirror, which has a flexible gooseneck shaft. Easy to adjust, more durable than the 3d Eye, and has an oval mirror that gives you a nice wide field of view. The stickum gave out fast but I re-stuck the base on the helmet with better tape and have had no further problems.

I tried out the new mirror setup this morning on a 35 mile ride.

It's a Cateye racing mirror mounted on my Trek 520 tourer. I recently set the bike up with flat handlebars and barends.

Anyway, I found the new mirror setup to be more helpful and less annoying than the other mirrors I've tried, including helmet mounted, eyeglass mounted, and bar mounted versions. It gave me a reasonably large view of the road, and all I had to do was turn my head and maybe move my forearm a little. The mirror was fairly stable on bumpy roads, and was easy to tweak while riding.

Now I might put one on my commuter.

brad... after seeing the pic you posted and mounted my cateye racing mirrors there.. it was awesome! i went to work today and took a while to get use to it.. but oh yeah.. i see them cars coming now.. a 18 wheeler with another attachment cart almost nailed me while turning right... good thing i saw the rear attachment wheeler in my mirror and slammed the brakes...

brad... after seeing the pic you posted and mounted my cateye racing mirrors there.. it was awesome! i went to work today and took a while to get use to it.. but oh yeah.. i see them cars coming now.. a 18 wheeler with another attachment cart almost nailed me while turning right... good thing i saw the rear attachment wheeler in my mirror and slammed the brakes...

I'm glad I could be of service. I think what this thread shows is that there is not one type of mirror that works for everyone. I wish I had started with the $5 Cateye instead of working my way through the pricier options!

I'm glad I could be of service. I think what this thread shows is that there is not one type of mirror that works for everyone. I wish I had started with the $5 Cateye instead of working my way through the pricier options!

yup that's right brad.. before i was trying with all different type that you mount on the handle bars.. but they are either too bulky or too damn fugly. then when i saw the cateye.. for $5 u can't beat that with a bat.. now i'm going to check out the C2 aero bars and then mount it on there as well!

for me the cateye didn't look too distorted even though it's a wideview mirror.

will them glasses mounted mirrors work on wire frames? anyone have pics of the mirror mounted on some glasses?

You could always check out these (http://www.bicyclebuys.com/Items01.asp?NavID=search&M=0&T=0&P=2&D=NP) . Scrolldown halfway.

How's this for bike hype???? Just how are you supposed to see out of it if your hands are on the drops?

As seen on e-bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42319&item=3675888353&rd=1

Hahaha according to that auction, if I have a ferrari 550 THAT close behind me, I'd definitely want to slow it down to take a peek.

anyone here use mirrors on their commuter bikes?

I used to until my dentist special died. :eek:

I've got one ordered, just waiting. On our tandem, I've got a h-bar mounted, but glasses/helmet is better for commuting, IMHO.

it's nice to be able to check six at speed w/o having to do the racing tuck...

Tom

I just turn my head. Simple and cheap.

I just turn my head. Simple and cheap.

Even with a mirror, I would still turn my head before attempting a maneauver. Mirrors are for monitoring but always clear your turns with direct vision.

Weak glue. Wobbly positioning. If my helmet moved even a little bit, I had to to bob my head around to find the right spot.
Forgettabout the plastic mirrors. Handlebar or helmet. Every one I've had has eventually broken from accidently dropping the bike or the helmet, usually sooner rather than later. I use an older hardshell helmet or a hardshell hockey helmet and a mirror with a metal arm and a spring steel clip, no glue. These mirrors also will mount on regular or sun glass frames. And they're Flat not convex, so you see true distance.

A good overview of cycling mirrors I just googled on:
http://users.rcn.com/icebike/Equipment/cyclingmirrors.htm

Forgettabout the plastic mirrors. Handlebar or helmet. Every one I've had has eventually broken from accidently dropping the bike or the helmet, usually sooner rather than later. I use an older hardshell helmet or a hardshell hockey helmet and a mirror with a metal arm and a spring steel clip, no glue. These mirrors also will mount on regular or sun glass frames. And they're Flat not convex, so you see true distance.

A good overview of cycling mirrors I just googled on:
http://users.rcn.com/icebike/Equipment/cyclingmirrors.htm


will that work on wire frames?

Hahaha according to that auction, if I have a ferrari 550 THAT close behind me, I'd definitely want to slow it down to take a peek.

Good thing there aren't many Ferrari 550's around here otherwise I'd never get to work :D

will that work on wire frames?
Absolutely!