Advocacy & Safety - Mirror Mirror

Since getting back into cycling the past 5 years, this 50-year-old is appalled at the apparent lack of regard for mirror technology the industry has demonstrated, specifically for the drop handlebar road bike.

Possibly our choices are so limited because the drop bar market is driven primarily by younger image-conscious race-minded riders (the immortals) who refuse to compromise on matters of weight, aerodynamics, or appearance, but we of the drop bar touring class have been left twisting (our necks) in the wind.

Granted, there are a few good mirrors on the market - Mirrycle STI mirror, Aspire Velotech, Bike Eye come to mind - but for a drop bar touring bike with aero levers, bar end mounts, and rear panniers, non of the 3 mentioned are of any use.

After many purchases and extensive trials the most viable options I've found are Blackburn's wrap-on lever mount mirror, and/or various helmet or eyeglass frame mount mirrors. The Blackburn model approaches a satisfactory solution, but falls short (it vibrates out of adjustment at critical moments). Helmet or eyeglass mirrors are difficult to adjust and can be distracting, obstructive, and temperamental (not to mention geeky-looking) . Also, quite often the greatest need arises at awkward bends on busy roads while preparing for a lane shift... helmet and eyeglass frame mirrors tend to be difficult to get into the right position at these moments.

I ordered and am awaiting Rivendell's German bicycle mirror; maybe that one has some promise, but I won't know until I try it out.

Meanwhile I have been experimenting with a homemade solution that seems to work better than anything I've found on the market. I'll share specifics about this after more testing, I'm still tinkering.

If we are to ride carefully and responsibly we need to see what's around us. I routinely encounter situations that dictate the need for a good stable mirror, and I can't be alone, so I invite comments, suggestions, and perspective.

Thanks!

After several unsuccessful attempts with other mirror, I happily use an eyeglass mounted Take-A-Look. It's simple, light, easily adjusted and stable. Using it quickly became so natural that I'm almost tempted to wear it while walking.

I happily use an eyeglass mounted Take-A-Look.

Just ordered an original size Take A Look from Amazon. Now I'm off to test my homemade aero lever mount mirror. Send help if you don't hear back from me!

I find turning my head effective.

Here's a novel and different approach, one that actually involves mounting a mirror to a bicycle.

I cut and filed the box end off a... wait for it... Brooks saddle wrench to use as a mounting stem.

I bolted a Mirrycle mirror to the Brooks "stem" and slid it behind the rubber hood of the Tektro aero lever. The 2 small nuts used to attach the mirror seat snugly into the quick release cutout of the lever housing, helping keep it from moving up and down. A velcro strap adds stability.

I tried it first with no extension (as pictured on NYTimes), but found the extension is needed to get the proper viewing angle.

I went for a 10-mile test ride on average roads (not particularly smooth); no problem.

Solid, stable, well situated, a little funky, but basically works fine.

174044 174043 174045

I've tried several bike-mounted mirrors. and I can't stand any of them. I use a helmet mounted mirror. I can see much, much more with it than with any bike mounted mirror. Far wider field of view and no diminution effect of a convex mirror making trucks look the size of a pea.

I find turning my head effective.

I don't find it effective for keeping track of every car that's about to pass me. I'd be turning my head about every 4 seconds. Also I can't see as far behind me as I can with a mirror, my head doesn't turn that far. Also, I can't see very well out of the corner of my eye since then my glasses are not in my field of view so my eyesight is then quite poor.

I find turning my head effective.

Yea, it works on all of my bikes without adjusting it.

Pretty much agree with everything ItsJustMe said, except I use an eyeglass mirror, since I don't always wear a helmet (I think the difference is minimal, except depending on your frames, some glasses may be a pain to mount to).

I'd be open minded to try more, but every single bike-mounted mirror I've tried, I've disliked. I share the complaints of above, plus Ive always had vibration issues. Never had those issues with a glasses mirror. Once properly adjusted, I often don't have to readjust for weeks if I don't bump it while mounting. If I do, it takes seconds to change. Can never recommend them enough.

I'd never go back to mirror-less unless I can avoid it. I find it unquestionably safer and more effective for me, personally. Unless I really crank my head, I can't see all the way back outside of my glasses' field of view. Mirror checks are undoubtedly faster, and can be performed more often an more conveniently. There is a reason they are required on road vehicles.

I don't find it effective for keeping track of every car that's about to pass me. I'd be turning my head about every 4 seconds. Also I can't see as far behind me as I can with a mirror, my head doesn't turn that far. Also, I can't see very well out of the corner of my eye since then my glasses are not in my field of view so my eyesight is then quite poor.

I don't watch the cars as they come up on me. I just let them do the passing, that's my secret.

Every 4 seconds though, yea that's a crappy route.

Take a look is a superb mirror, it's been by far the best mirror, I've used so far. However, I do get tired having to wear sunglasses all the time (can't mount to my helmet) and I am not sure what to do now, when it gets darker earlier.

Therefore I am thinking about the Rivendell as a back-up. Please let us know how this works for you.

I use the CycleAware Reflex helmet-mounted mirror. Works very well. Some people complain the base falls off the helmet after it has been stuck on. I use Gorilla superglue around the edges after sticking it on and it's never coming off now.

For great "heads-up" rear view mirror, attach this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C17M26/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001600YZ4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1GQ41K3AMG3ZHYXEF1HH) to your eyeglasses or bill of a cap.

This is what I have been very happy with. It is the "Italian Racing Mirror". Catchy, huh?

This is a glass convex mirror that doesn't jiggle, shake, rattle or roll. And I think it looks pretty cool to boot.

Best regards,

Mike174071

Great posts.

I drive about 500 miles/week on I-95 between New York and Boston. My cars are fitted with those little convex mirrors for checking the blind spot, so I'm pretty good at judging distance of various pea-sized looking vehicles. As you might imagine, this area is riddled with crappy routes, for bikes and cars alike. The need to see what's happening is simply not optional, not for anyone with the will to survive.

I own and use the Cycle Aware Reflex... not bad, really not bad at all (I used it for a ride from Newcastle to Edinburgh earlier this year), but I've had difficulty at times getting it positioned correctly, and it is prone to getting knocked out of whack during a break. (Plus, the Europeans in my group considered it way too hi tech, but they'd never even seen such a thing... imagine.)

It's great to get this feedback. I think I'll keep trying more products and posting my thoughts here. I have the Take a Look and the Rivendell on order, I may as well get the Italian as well so I can round out the mix.

More later... Thanks all, safe riding.

Maybe when I get older (I'm only in my 50s) and lose more of my hearing I'll use a mirror, but I have found that I can usually tell where an overtaking car is by the sound it makes. Of course, there have been some periods of adjustment, like the first time I rode back east. The crappy road surfaces made the cars seem both larger and closer until I "recalibrated". Sound is also kind of out of play on fast descents, but not many cars overtake my on those. Of course, I also look back quite often. I don't see anything wrong with a bit of yoga in the saddle.

This is what I have been very happy with. It is the "Italian Racing Mirror". Catchy, huh?

This is a glass convex mirror that doesn't jiggle, shake, rattle or roll. And I think it looks pretty cool to boot.

Best regards,

Mike174071

And for the same functionality w/o having to mess with your bar tape: http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/sprintech-bar-end-mirrors

I have found that I can usually tell where an overtaking car is by the sound it makes.

Today while riding and testing my modded mirror, the wind was whipping, and I had the exact thought that if I were relying on sound I would be toast. I am a recording engineer and have ears like an elephant. Plus, as I said, the wind was whipping, and I was getting pushed around some, so it was helpful to keep my head pointed forward and watch for cars in the mirror.

Explaining how to ride safely without a mirror except when you can't in fact only reinforces my point that mirrors are useful.

Since getting back into cycling the past 5 years, this 50-year-old is appalled at the apparent lack of regard for mirror technology the industry has demonstrated, specifically for the drop handlebar road bike.

Possibly our choices are so limited because the drop bar market is driven primarily by younger image-conscious race-minded riders (the immortals) who refuse to compromise on matters of weight, aerodynamics, or appearance, but we of the drop bar touring class have been left twisting (our necks) in the wind.

Granted, there are a few good mirrors on the market - Mirrycle STI mirror, Aspire Velotech, Bike Eye come to mind - but for a drop bar touring bike with aero levers, bar end mounts, and rear panniers, non of the 3 mentioned are of any use.

After many purchases and extensive trials the most viable options I've found are Blackburn's wrap-on lever mount mirror, and/or various helmet or eyeglass frame mount mirrors. The Blackburn model approaches a satisfactory solution, but falls short (it vibrates out of adjustment at critical moments). Helmet or eyeglass mirrors are difficult to adjust and can be distracting, obstructive, and temperamental (not to mention geeky-looking) . Also, quite often the greatest need arises at awkward bends on busy roads while preparing for a lane shift... helmet and eyeglass frame mirrors tend to be difficult to get into the right position at these moments.

I ordered and am awaiting Rivendell's German bicycle mirror; maybe that one has some promise, but I won't know until I try it out.

Meanwhile I have been experimenting with a homemade solution that seems to work better than anything I've found on the market. I'll share specifics about this after more testing, I'm still tinkering.

If we are to ride carefully and responsibly we need to see what's around us. I routinely encounter situations that dictate the need for a good stable mirror, and I can't be alone, so I invite comments, suggestions, and perspective.

Thanks!

I have been using this style of mirror for about 10 years and I find it works PERFECTLY for me:-

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Viewpoint-Eyewear-Mirror-Round/dp/B00012345A/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1287310025&sr=8-40

Maybe when I get older (I'm only in my 50s) and lose more of my hearing I'll use a mirror, but I have found that I can usually tell where an overtaking car is by the sound it makes. Of course, there have been some periods of adjustment, like the first time I rode back east. The crappy road surfaces made the cars seem both larger and closer until I "recalibrated". Sound is also kind of out of play on fast descents, but not many cars overtake my on those. Of course, I also look back quite often. I don't see anything wrong with a bit of yoga in the saddle.

Mirror checks are much much shorter, and for those of us with glasses probably clearer, than a head check (unless you're really cranking your head, which takes longer). The small time difference and effort difference between a shoulder check and your eyes darting to the corner of your vision may seem minimal, but I've yet to see any no-mirror rider do rear-checks as often because of it. The sheer convenience inevitably leads to "scanning" like you do in a car, or airplane. And I think that extra awareness is a lifesaver, literally. And more awareness of your surroundings, as a cyclist, can't be a bad thing.

I used to think hearing was sufficient as well, but noticed since moving to a mirror I have fewer close calls. Providing I leave lots of room to my right to maneuver, if it looks like someone is getting ready to pass too close, I simply move right. I would note it also saved me from someone trying to intentionally door me with their passenger door not too long ago, mentioned in a thread here on BF. It also makes it far easier to simply ride in the lane as a primary position, and scanning the mirror for traffic and moving over as needed. It definitely seems as if this increases visibility, and is easier with a mirror.

Just my opinions, but they've rung very true for me and every person I've converted to them.

I have been using this style of mirror for about 10 years and I find it works PERFECTLY for me:-

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Viewpoint-Eyewear-Mirror-Round/dp/B00012345A/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1287310025&sr=8-40

Interesting.
I had never heard of these until I saw them recently in the cycling section of a local hardware store.
I might buy them next time I'm there.

I don't watch the cars as they come up on me. I just let them do the passing, that's my secret.

Every 4 seconds though, yea that's a crappy route.

It's the only route I've got. There are two other routes I could take, one is 9 miles of gravel road (instead of 4), the other has only about 80% as much traffic but the pavement is broken up and there's no shoulder (it's rougher than riding the gravel road)

I find that when I use a mirror I've got great situational awareness. I am subconsciously watching every car that is coming up behind me because it's in my field of view even if I don't specifically look at it; that's the great thing about helmet or glasses mounted mirrors; no head movement required, just an eyeflick to look straight at them, and no movement at all required to be aware of them in the peripheral vision.

I mainly just hold a line and let people deal with the passing, but I do want to keep an eye out. Trust but verify I guess. Once in a while I see someone coming up behind me that's very nearly on the fog line or even to the right of it; when I see that I tend to move left until I am sure they see me, indicated by them moving left. Then I move back to my preferred position.

I also find that all bike mounted mirrors that I've tried vibrate so badly that I can't see anything in them anyway. Perhaps it's OK for people riding on smooth pavement, but I have a number of miles each way that are fairly rough, making bike mounted mirrors utterly useless; I couldn't see an orange semi truck in the things.

I have been using this style of mirror for about 10 years and I find it works PERFECTLY for me:-

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Viewpoint-Eyewear-Mirror-Round/dp/B00012345A/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1287310025&sr=8-40

Thanks, I didn't know about this model. I'll get one and try it out.

I have been using this style of mirror for about 10 years and I find it works PERFECTLY for me:-

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Viewpoint-Eyewear-Mirror-Round/dp/B00012345A/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1287310025&sr=8-40

It seems like you'd have to turn your head significantly to see directly behind you with that. with a regular helmet mirror I can see behind me without turning my head; IMO very useful as the cars coming up behind me are in my situational awareness at all times.

Also I wouldn't want to leave it on my prescription glasses so I guess it's only intended for people who don't wear glasses, to put on sunglasses. Might be useful on my regular glasses when there are cute girls around though...

I like the eye glass mounted Take A Look mirror and use it with great success. The problem with bar mounted mirrors is that they only see where their pointed. with a eye glass or a helmet mounted mirror you can turn your head to see a far wider area and get a bigger picture. the one mirror that Rivendell sold seemed to bulky and not very aero, but would be great on a touring bike where aerodynamics are not important. The barend mirror looked like the best idea for a bar mounted mirror, but it you use bar end lights as I do there's no place to put the mirror. So the eyeglass or the helmet mirrors seem to be the best option.

Mirror checks are much much shorter, and for those of us with glasses probably clearer, than a head check (unless you're really cranking your head, which takes longer). The small time difference and effort difference between a shoulder check and your eyes darting to the corner of your vision may seem minimal, but I've yet to see any no-mirror rider do rear-checks as often because of it. The sheer convenience inevitably leads to "scanning" like you do in a car, or airplane. And I think that extra awareness is a lifesaver, literally. And more awareness of your surroundings, as a cyclist, can't be a bad thing.

I used to think hearing was sufficient as well, but noticed since moving to a mirror I have fewer close calls. Providing I leave lots of room to my right to maneuver, if it looks like someone is getting ready to pass too close, I simply move right. I would note it also saved me from someone trying to intentionally door me with their passenger door not too long ago, mentioned in a thread here on BF. It also makes it far easier to simply ride in the lane as a primary position, and scanning the mirror for traffic and moving over as needed. It definitely seems as if this increases visibility, and is easier with a mirror.

Just my opinions, but they've rung very true for me and every person I've converted to them.

I'm not really anti-mirror; my wife usually captains our tandem and won't ride without one. However, on that tandem I am usually aware of impending danger before her. Fortunately, if there is no time to communicate it is quite easy for me to "steer" the tandem wherever I want it to go. (I had better have a good explanation for my actions if I want dinner.) I also avoided an attempted passenger-dooring-while-passing threat this year. Admittedly, while I was aware of the car and the fact that it had altered its speed as it approached (alarm bells), my move from the left edge of the shoulder to the right edge (and out of reach) was not based on any solid suspicion that they would attempt to knock me off the road. Like I said, if I perceive that my ability to keep track of overtaking hazards by turning my head and paying attention to what I hear is becoming inadequate, I will start using a mirror.

I did have a friend who, just before she quit cycling back in the late '80s (she got tired of being harassed) used her mirror to good effect. She was on a rural road that has very little traffic and a fair number of bikes (local training route). As a car was about to pass she saw a hand come out of the passenger window that was preparing to spank her. She quickly got her pump and beat the guy's arm bloody. Fortunately, the driver thought his passenger got what was coming to him and drove off laughing.

I've used both bar mirrors and the kind that hook to my sunglasses.

They both work well. I prefer the one the glasses version, because I get a bigger view of what's back there and and I can turn my head a few degrees to scan around.

Currently using the Take-A-Look — the best I've used.

I'd like to try it mounted to my helmet but haven't yet worked that out.

As a regular commuter, I have found that a mirror is invaluable for negotiating traffic. I get much more information, and quicker, than the "look over my shoulder" method.

I'll raise the point I always do when mirrors comes up. Take-A-Look is indeed a very functional mirror, but from my experience it's dangerous. If you really take a look at it, it's a long, stiff piece of wire right up near your face. In an accident it could get shoved right in to your face. Also the mirror has pointed edges. Not actually sharp, but sharp enough. I lost control on a sandy patch (with no cars at all around luckily) a few years ago, and the edge of the take-a-look mirror was forced into my face and cut a gash over an inch long, taking 12 stitches to close.

I now use the Cycleaware Reflex, which IMO is the same level of functionality as the take-a-look, but it actually designed with safety in mind. Now that I look at the two in hindsight, the take-a-look really looks like someone prototyped a product and then said "good enough, sell it." The Reflex clearly had a lot of time spent thinking about safety when designing it.

I'll raise the point I always do when mirrors comes up. Take-A-Look is indeed a very functional mirror, but from my experience it's dangerous. If you really take a look at it, it's a long, stiff piece of wire right up near your face. In an accident it could get shoved right in to your face. Also the mirror has pointed edges. Not actually sharp, but sharp enough. I lost control on a sandy patch (with no cars at all around luckily) a few years ago, and the edge of the take-a-look mirror was forced into my face and cut a gash over an inch long, taking 12 stitches to close.

I now use the Cycleaware Reflex, which IMO is the same level of functionality as the take-a-look, but it actually designed with safety in mind. Now that I look at the two in hindsight, the take-a-look really looks like someone prototyped a product and then said "good enough, sell it." The Reflex clearly had a lot of time spent thinking about safety when designing it.

I don't see that helmet mirror being any safer. All kinds of odd things can happen so what would happen if you got hit just right and drove the mirror attachment through the helmet into your skull? Or hit it just right breaking it off sending it into your face? The bigger question is-what's the chances of something like what you experienced going to happen? About as much of a chance of you have being struck by lightening, in fact I bet less of a chance since no one has reported a situation like yours to the company that makes the mirrors and therefore no liability lawsuits have ever been generated.

Take a look is a superb mirror, it's been by far the best mirror, I've used so far. However, I do get tired having to wear sunglasses all the time (can't mount to my helmet) and I am not sure what to do now, when it gets darker earlier..

We squints don't have that problem. You might want to invest in some plain or light tinted glasses to hold the mirror and protect your eyes.

I've used the Third Eye glasses mount for maybe 20 years, I think even before the Take-a-Look was widely available. I've modified it to mount underhand (flipped the mirror around) on my Smith sunglasses to make a tighter profile. I find the position on the glasses is extremely critical to get my preferred view. The clips break after some years, but replacements are cheap from Third Eye. No sharp edges or wires.

I always want eye protection, and simply change the lenses from clear to dark as needed.

I don't see that helmet mirror being any safer. All kinds of odd things can happen so what would happen if you got hit just right and drove the mirror attachment through the helmet into your skull? Or hit it just right breaking it off sending it into your face? The bigger question is-what's the chances of something like what you experienced going to happen? About as much of a chance of you have being struck by lightening, in fact I bet less of a chance since no one has reported a situation like yours to the company that makes the mirrors and therefore no liability lawsuits have ever been generated.

You don't think that a rounded mirror with a rounded plastic cover over the mirror edge, attached with a ball socket that easily pops loose under pressure and flies away, attached to a thin, flexible wire that would easily bend away in an accident, encased in a 1/8 inch cover of gumby-style rubber is any safer than a very stiff stainless steel wire that could easily be pushed right through your skull, hard-attached to a bare, square edged plastic mirror that will not detach under typical accident stress, and which I know from experience is more than sufficient to gouge skin wide open?

OK, hard to argue that I guess.

As far as "how likely is it that when I'm in an accident, my face will hit the ground?" I'd say it's probably more likely than getting hit by lightning. I've been in about 4 accidents in my life, and my face has hit the ground twice. Never been hit by lightning so far. Never been hit by a car either, it was all me.

Still, IMO they're both functionally the same. Given that, regardless of the odds, why not use the Reflex? It's also easier to adjust than the Take-A-Look.

I find turning my head effective.


less than 35mph yes.
More than 35mph no.



Once you feel its power it's hard to go back.


Take a look on the visor.

In this day and age of space-age electronics and such, I think one could do much better than highly reflective pieces of glass and plastic. Such are the materials of the barbarians.

Imagine instead having a high-tech NASA-inspired (probably) backup camera--like those available on many cars these days--but on your bike! Well, stop imagining because it's as simple as 1-2-3:

1) Procure a pocket camcorder with a viewscreen (eg, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830251003)
2) Separate the viewscreen from the main body and extend the wiring by about 40 inches.
3) Mount viewscreen on handlebars and main body facing backwards on seatpost (or wherever else appropriate).

Yes I know. You're welcome.

In this day and age of space-age electronics and such, I think one could do much better than highly reflective pieces of glass and plastic. Such are the materials of the barbarians.

Imagine instead having a high-tech NASA-inspired (probably) backup camera--like those available on many cars these days--but on your bike! Well, stop imagining because it's as simple as 1-2-3:

1) Procure a pocket camcorder with a viewscreen (eg, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830251003)
2) Separate the viewscreen from the main body and extend the wiring by about 40 inches.
3) Mount viewscreen on handlebars and main body facing backwards on seatpost (or wherever else appropriate).

Yes I know. You're welcome.

http://gizmodo.com/334672/cerevellum-bike-computer-does-it-all-including-video-from-behind

(vaporware as far as I know)

In this day and age of space-age electronics and such, I think one could do much better than highly reflective pieces of glass and plastic. Such are the materials of the barbarians.

Imagine instead having a high-tech NASA-inspired (probably) backup camera--like those available on many cars these days--but on your bike! Well, stop imagining because it's as simple as 1-2-3:

1) Procure a pocket camcorder with a viewscreen (eg, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830251003)
2) Separate the viewscreen from the main body and extend the wiring by about 40 inches.
3) Mount viewscreen on handlebars and main body facing backwards on seatpost (or wherever else appropriate).

Yes I know. You're welcome.

Yawn: http://www.cerevellum.com/

Just what I need; Yet another expensive toy to fuss with and load batteries into, instead of using what is reliable and cheap.

(I see I was beaten to the draw.)

I roll with a Take-a-Look mounted on my helmet visor. I also have two mirrors (only because they came with my Winkku turn signals) mounted on my bars, I usually rely on the Take-a-Look as opposed to the bar mounted ones.
I wouldn't ride without a mirror, I would sooner ride without a helmet.

You don't think that a rounded mirror with a rounded plastic cover over the mirror edge, attached with a ball socket that easily pops loose under pressure and flies away, attached to a thin, flexible wire that would easily bend away in an accident, encased in a 1/8 inch cover of gumby-style rubber is any safer than a very stiff stainless steel wire that could easily be pushed right through your skull, hard-attached to a bare, square edged plastic mirror that will not detach under typical accident stress, and which I know from experience is more than sufficient to gouge skin wide open?

OK, hard to argue that I guess.

As far as "how likely is it that when I'm in an accident, my face will hit the ground?" I'd say it's probably more likely than getting hit by lightning. I've been in about 4 accidents in my life, and my face has hit the ground twice. Never been hit by lightning so far. Never been hit by a car either, it was all me.

Still, IMO they're both functionally the same. Given that, regardless of the odds, why not use the Reflex? It's also easier to adjust than the Take-A-Look.

So each of the 4 times you fell and hit your face the mirror broke and gashed you? Lets not be over dramatic, for god's sakes man. As far as whether or not an accident can cause or not cause something odd to happen is a variable that does occur. I heard of man who was killed when his bolted in speaker boxes in the back of his car broke loose during an accident and one of them flew and hit his head killing him. Or an accident where a set of eyeglasses being worn at the time of the accident flew off the drivers head bounced off the windshield right back at him and one of the frames arms went completely into his eye. And there are a slew of odd accidental weird stuff, but whats the chances of these things happening on a regular basis? My theory of your mirror doing what I said is as valid as what the other mirror did to you...a remote possibility. I'm not arguing about whether or not one or the other mirror is better, I'm saying the chances of either mirror gashing someone is remote, and the tall tale sign of that is the lack of lawsuits.

It's great to get this feedback. I think I'll keep trying more products and posting my thoughts here. I have the Take a Look and the Rivendell on order, I may as well get the Italian as well so I can round out the mix.

More later... Thanks all, safe riding.

I need a mirror to feel safe while riding in the presence of cars and opted for an eyeglass-mount version but didn't like the designs available. This is one I made.

http://www.messengermirror.com/mmfullview.jpg

So each of the 4 times you fell and hit your face the mirror broke and gashed you?

No, I said that I'd fallen 4 times and hit my face 2 of those times. I was only wearing a mirror the 2nd time, and that time it gashed my face. Please read.

Also, the mirror never broke. The edge of the mirror AS DESIGNED AND SOLD gashed my face. It is sold with an edge that can cut skin when pushed by the force of an impact.

A lack of lawsuits is not necessarily indicative of a better design. Not everyone sues every time they get a boo boo. I'd probably have to lose a limb or permanently lose some body function due to a clearly negligent design before I'd even think about suing a manufacturer. And I'm not claiming that the design of the mirror is negligent, just that there's another mirror on the market that I think even the most casual observation would reveal as far safer, and it's equally as functional, so why not go with that one if you're looking for a new mirror?

I think the problem is that a lot of LBSs stock Take-A-Look, and few stock the Reflex (around here, none). So everyone gets the TAL mirror.

No, I said that I'd fallen 4 times and hit my face 2 of those times. I was only wearing a mirror the 2nd time, and that time it gashed my face. Please read.

Also, the mirror never broke. The edge of the mirror AS DESIGNED AND SOLD gashed my face. It is sold with an edge that can cut skin when pushed by the force of an impact.

A lack of lawsuits is not necessarily indicative of a better design. Not everyone sues every time they get a boo boo. I'd probably have to lose a limb or permanently lose some body function due to a clearly negligent design before I'd even think about suing a manufacturer. And I'm not claiming that the design of the mirror is negligent, just that there's another mirror on the market that I think even the most casual observation would reveal as far safer, and it's equally as functional, so why not go with that one if you're looking for a new mirror?

I think the problem is that a lot of LBSs stock Take-A-Look, and few stock the Reflex (around here, none). So everyone gets the TAL mirror. Actually a lot of people sue if they get a boo boo if they can prove design failure. A boo boo is suable if that boo boo creates a permanent mark that one feels will make them less desirable, or the manner in which the boo boo was created by a unsafe product could lead to the possibility of someone in the future getting blinded by it. The mirror you like could snap off in an accident and with just the right set of, howbeit weird circumstances, jab the mirror into a riders eye; regardless if it's round or square, something smacking like that into your eye at 10mph is going to damage the eye. And what happened to you was just plain weird. That Take A Look mirror is the most widely used mirror around, when I see a rider with a mirror about 6 out of 10 times they have that mirror, the rest of the 4 times are various other mirrors. It would seem the popularity of the mirror itself shows that safety is not an issue with it.

Please note; I am in no way saying your injury is nothing or trying to belittle you and your take on all of this, weird things do happen, but the likely hood of something like this happening again are very slim, and I think if you were really honest with your self you would realize that as well. But if you feel safe with that design your currently using then that's good because it gives you peace of mind. Your mirror serves the same purpose you bought the other one for and that was to see behind you.

I agree that the odds are against the accident happening again. All I'm saying is, in hindsight it's very clear to me that the Reflex is far, far less likely to cause injury than the Take-A-Look. OK, the odds of the TAL causing damage in an accident (given that an accident DOES take place and the victim IS wearing the mirror) are perhaps 1 in 1000. The Reflex is possibly more like 1 in 50,000. Given that the two mirrors are similarly priced and are almost identical in use, and that the Reflex is actually easier to adjust, why go with the TAL? It's easier to get since it's actually stocked by LBSs.

I don't really care what others ride with, I just would like to point out the issue and let people make up their own mind. If you look back on the thread, I don't think that you will ever find that I said "don't use the take-a-look mirror!" I am simply informing people of a possible risk, and a viable, IMO safer alternative.

As for suing over boo boos, I think this is part of the circling the drain that this country is in the middle of. "Oh, I got a scar on my face. The women will reject me! I must blame someone else and get a pot of gold." I don't blame ANYONE for the design of the Take-A-Look. I've got eyes and a brain, if I didn't see the problem (and I didn't) that's MY fault. I think it's different for hidden design flaws, like maybe a car air bag that went off randomly due to improper programming - I'd be OK with suing over that. But suing over getting cut by a mirror that wasn't doing anything that someone who thought about it could consider unexpected is like running with scissors then suing the scissor maker for making them sharp.

the odds you quoted would be very difficult to prove we'll just leave it at that.

And I agree with the law suit issue. It's the number one reason our health insurance is so expensive because of malpractice lawsuits has effected the cost in a big way of every single thing in the medical field. What's crazy is that we see in the news a lawsuit for X amount of millions and say, gee that's huge; but the number we're not shown are all the pity lawsuits settled out of court for 10k to 500k that never get reported that occur every day by the thousands! These pity law suits easily exceed the million dollar plus settlements in any given year. And until tort reform is passed...which it will never be passed because most senators and congressmen are former attorneys...our insurance premiums will skyrocket. And if you think national health insurance will solve the problem, your kidding yourself because it will actually get worse because people will sue for inadequate care and then we the tax payers will be paying even more in taxes then the original health care taxes will charge. Taxes in the 60% range is not out the question after about 15 years maybe 20 years national health insurance has been in force. Where is that going to leave the youth of this nation when they start working? Basically the same as England where only the wealthy can pay for private care and only the wealthy will own homes, most people in England rent because there is no money left over after taxes to pay for a home to own.

Last week I tried out the D+D Oberlauda ultra light mirror (sold by Rivendell), the CycleAware Viewpoint, and the Take A Look from Bike Peddler.

The D+D is indeed very light, well made, versatile, and stable, with extended fields of vision on both the X and Y axes. Unfortunately it is not in my opinion suitable for mounting on a drop bar road bike with bar end shifters. Mine has thus found a home on my wife's lovely mixte, her "cocktail bike" as I call it.

The CycleAware Viewpoint gives me the same trouble as a multitude of others who have tried to make it work... there is simply no way to get the mirror into the right position on my Oakley M Frame with prescription Hybrid lens. I was however able to set the mirror properly onto another pair of glasses that I sometimes use for casual rides, and from what I could tell it should work very well. Clearly eyewear with minimal wrap is key to the Viewpoint's effectiveness.

Finally was the Take A Look eyewear mount mirror from Bike Peddler. As many have said here and elsewhere, this mirror works very well. It mounts quickly and easily, is stable (more so in my opinion than the CycleAware Reflex helmet mount), and provides a sharp image and a nice wide field of view (original size). As pointed out, the basic (decidedly 20th century) design puts some stiff wire very close to the face, which some may find unnerving, but as for serving its purpose, it does so, well and without much effort.

Last week I tried out the D+D Oberlauda ultra light mirror (sold by Rivendell), the CycleAware Viewpoint, and the Take A Look from Bike Peddler.

The D+D is indeed very light, well made, versatile, and stable, with extended fields of vision on both the X and Y axes. Unfortunately it is not in my opinion suitable for mounting on a drop bar road bike with bar end shifters. Mine has thus found a home on my wife's lovely mixte, her "cocktail bike" as I call it.

Thanks for the review of the D+D Oberlauda mirror. What's your wife saying, does it work for her? What kind of bars does she have?

Thanks for the review of the D+D Oberlauda mirror. What's your wife saying, does it work for her? What kind of bars does she have?
Sorry, just saw your question. My wife likes the mirror. It's mounted on a Rivendell Nitto Albatross bar.

While mirrors installed near the bar end are effective, one problem I find with them is that they are easy to hit cars when you are riding through a narrow gap between cars. Sometimes the height of your mirrors are just about the same height as the mirrors (or other parts) of a car next to you, not good.

Saw an interesting variant at the York cycle Rally this/last year. Don't have any reference, but it fits on the down tube. Thought my leg might get in the way, but ried it out on their stationary trainer and it provided a remarkably good view.

http://www.biketoolmaker.com/Site/Safe-Zone_Helmet_Mirror.html
This is the mirror that I currently use, I like it. It's a bit large, but the optics, field of view, and adjustability are excellent. I've used the TAL mirror and liked it, but it had a tendency to pull my wire framed glasses down. Also used the german mirror from Rivendell, but found that I didn't much like the optics.

I have been using this style of mirror for about 10 years and I find it works PERFECTLY for me:-

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Viewpoint-Eyewear-Mirror-Round/dp/B00012345A/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1287310025&sr=8-40

+1 I've used this type of mirror for years, wouldn't think of riding without it!