Commuting - Mirror mirror

Hi all:

I've been trying to use a helmet mirror (I don't remember the brand or model) for commuting for about the last year. I've come to the conclusion that it basically doesn't work. If I adjust the position inboard enough to easily see, my rear view is blocked by my shoulder when in the drops or on the hoods. If I wear a backpack, it is utterly useless. If I adjust the mirror outboard to provide a clear view, I can't really look directly at it without really straining my eyes, so I end up not using it. When I finally do get it into the sweet spot, I invariably bump it when donning, doffing, or carrying my helmet, necessitating another aggrivating round of adjusting.

So, what works? In my searches I've found some bar-end mirrors, but my bike has bar-end shifters. I also use grab-ons, and would rather not cut that to fit around a clamp. But, I realize I may have to compromise on that, or switch to bar tape. Also, how practical are bar-mounted mirrors as far as steering to aim the mirror? Is there some other option, like arm or hand mount?

Thanks in advance,
John.

http://www.mirrycle.com/

I use an STI-mounted Mirrycle, they also have models that mount to traditional brakes (brake line coming out of the top). Depends on your setup.

It's great. The initial adjustment is a bit finnicky, and the view can be partly blocked when I'm wearing a bulkier coat, but it's enough to provide the situational awareness that makes riding in the city much easier. My head will sometimes bob slightly to get the right angle, but I've never felt the need to steer to aim what I'm looking at.

I use a helmet mount but I ride upright (hybrid bike). For me a bar mounted mirror is useless because I'm so far from it, but when you're in the drops you'd be closer to a bar mirror. It's possible a bar mounted mirror is right for you, or perhaps both; the bar mount when you're in the drops, a head mounted mirror when you're not.

I feel your pain. I'd been using bar end shifters and a helmet mounted mirror until recently. I hated the helmet mirror. I tried a ton of different models, and none of them were very good. Horribly geek looking too.

I recently switched over to a Retroshift setup, thus moving my bar end shifters to the brake hoods. Awesome setup. Much better than traditional bar end mounting, if you spend most of your time on the hoods.

So I'm now able to start playing with drop bar end mirrors. I don't hate the Sprintech so far. It does get knocked out of position, but positioning is much more forgiving than my old helmet mirrors. The mirror practically disappears on the bike also.

http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy124/Almost_Green_Guy/Bikes/Salsa%20Vaya3/2012-06-24_19-28-49_672.png
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy124/Almost_Green_Guy/Bikes/Salsa%20Vaya3/mirror.png

Count me as another who gave up helmets mounted mirrors. I use a Blackburn Road Mirror on my road bike:
260864
Mounts on the brake hood.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1031138_-1___400246

I tried that Blackburn, but found it added too much bulk to the bars and I couldn't reach the brakes properly. Still looking for a solution that works.

Forgot to mention, I'm still using my 80's vintage brake levers, so no STI-specific parts are likely to work. Retroshift + Sprintech looks like a good solution, but I really like my bar ends, and that's another $130 I'd rather not spend. It's not clear from the website how the Blackburn mirror is attached. Is it just held on with Velcro? Thanks for the ideas, guys. Keep 'em coming.

I've tried many of the mirrors sold over the past 20 years.

Bar mirrors always seem to get in the way, and they don't transfer easily from one bike to another. Also, they usually provide an inferior rear view to helmet mirrors. I wish there was one that worked well.

I've used a Cycleaware Reflex helmet mirror for about eight years now. It's not perfect but it's the best I've found. I got my last one from Amazon for about $13.

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Reflex-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B00012343C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342010704&sr=8-1&keywords=cycleaware+reflex

I'm a huge fan of the efficient velo tools helmet mirror.
http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Zone-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B003LVHZ4O
It's significantly larger than most helmet mirrors, so its field of view is good. The big advantage of helmet mirrors is that with a small sweep of my head I can see everything behind me.

One advantage that bar end mirrors has is that they are much more durable than a helmet mirror, plus I just need to know basic info on what's going on behind me, and not in being able to read the U.S. Constitution at a 100 yards.

I'm a huge fan of the efficient velo tools helmet mirror...

Thanks, I had not seen the EVT mirror before, may try this next go round (when current one gets scratched up enough).

I'd actually considered making my own mirror before, shaped like the Reflex (vertical oval), but larger, using a cheap Walmart-sourced plastic mirror. Never got around to it.

I'm a huge fan of the efficient velo tools helmet mirror.

This might make me reconsider a helmet mirror. I've wondered if I might improve my situation by using a larger mirror farther away from my eyes. This lets me swivel my head slightly to get it farther out and around my bulk, but with similar field of view. If you look closely at the photos of the VT mirror on the Amazon site, the flexible arm is made of coolant delivery hose made by Loc-Line. If I need to lengthen the arm I can buy additional segments for $6/ft.

Is the VT mirror convex or flat?

Take a Look Mirror installed on the glasses. I tried the helmet too and for me I had the same issue as you but installed on my glasses, it was perfect.

I'm a huge fan of the efficient velo tools helmet mirror.
http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Zone-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B003LVHZ4O
It's significantly larger than most helmet mirrors, so its field of view is good. The big advantage of helmet mirrors is that with a small sweep of my head I can see everything behind me.

Does it snap off easily? I am looking for one I can use in the poring down rain. I install my take a look mirror on my glasses but when it rains I need to take the glasses off and then I lose my mirror. Looking for something that will easily snap onto my helmet on those occasions.

Forgot to mention, I'm still using my 80's vintage brake levers, so no STI-specific parts are likely to work. Retroshift + Sprintech looks like a good solution, but I really like my bar ends, and that's another $130 I'd rather not spend. It's not clear from the website how the Blackburn mirror is attached. Is it just held on with Velcro? Thanks for the ideas, guys. Keep 'em coming.

Depending on your current bar end shifters, they may work with Retroshift. The Retroshift basically takes your bar end shifters, and mounts them to a new set of brake hoods.

Depending on your current bar end shifters, they may work with Retroshift. The Retroshift basically takes your bar end shifters, and mounts them to a new set of brake hoods.

I figured that. Maybe my post you quoted was confusing? I combined replys to several different people at once.

On the Retroshift, they look like they are meant for downtube shifters, rather than bar ends. Correct? I do have the original downtube shifters that came with my Fuji.

On the Sprintech mirror, it looks like one would bang their knee on it when dismounting. Is this a problem?

On the Retroshift, they look like they are meant for downtube shifters, rather than bar ends. Correct? I do have the original downtube shifters that came with my Fuji.

The short answer is both. Check the chart for compatibility:
http://retroshift.com/support/


On the Sprintech mirror, it looks like one would bang their knee on it when dismounting. Is this a problem?

No more than bar end shifters. You just don't really notice as much.

Take a Look Mirror installed on the glasses. I tried the helmet too and for me I had the same issue as you but installed on my glasses, it was perfect.

I agree with this... the Take a Look Mirror claims that it can be attached to the helmet visor but that doesn't work. It's designed for glasses and VERY effective installed on glasses. It's easy to install if you need to switch glasses (takes maybe 10-20 seconds tops to put them on the glasses and adjust them). I've never tried a handlebar mirror but the fact that you can simply pivot your head slightly with the TAL glasses mirror to scan what's behind you makes it difficult for me to believe there's a handlebar mirror that can trump them.

I like the Zefal Spy mirror. Wraps around the lower end of the drop. Small and highly convex, good enough for seeing large objects that are coming up fairly close behind.
Nashbar shows a non-stock item but at least there's a good photo here. Lots of photos on Google but Nashbar was the best for having the recognizable site plus a good photo.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/ProductPopupView?catalogId=10052&storeId=10053&productId=535557&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=&top_category=

Anyone uses these drop bar end mirrors?

http://www.amazon.com/Sprintech-Drop-Mirror-White-Pair/dp/B0028YBQQI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2KOL5EPW15BQA&colid=1S5BY208ULLUO

I know others love them, but I just don't care for mirrors. I don't find them helpful...knowing there's a guy behind me isn't likely to stop him from hitting me. Am I supposed to pull over at the first sign of a car? I ride mostly in the city, there's ALWAYS a car behind me. It's a distraction and useless weight IMO.

Anyone uses these drop bar end mirrors?

http://www.amazon.com/Sprintech-Drop-Mirror-White-Pair/dp/B0028YBQQI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2KOL5EPW15BQA&colid=1S5BY208ULLUO

I use http://www.aawyeah.com/cycleaware-roadie-road-bike-bar-end-mirror/ which are the same as what you linked but a lot less with free shipping. Only in black though.
One thing I did was cut a small piece from a rubber band and placed that in the socket then installed the mirror to make a tighter fit.

I love my EVT Safe Zone helmet mirror. Rarely gets knocked out of position, nice BIG mirror, and the mount has enough flexibility for me to be able to position it to see over my shoulder. I do ride fairly upright though. They're a little pricey (circa $40) but really look built to last. I use mine nearly every day, and after more than six months it shows no signs of wear. Can't recommend it highly enough, totally worth the money. I'll never ride without a mirror again. Bar end mirror was too far away etc, and I was leery of smaller helmet mounted mirrors. The stem on the Safe Zone is pretty long too, which I think helps get it into the ideal position.

I know others love them, but I just don't care for mirrors. I don't find them helpful...knowing there's a guy behind me isn't likely to stop him from hitting me. Am I supposed to pull over at the first sign of a car? I ride mostly in the city, there's ALWAYS a car behind me. It's a distraction and useless weight IMO.

I ride mostly rural on my commute. Cars are frequent on 4-lane w/ bike lane, but infrequent on most of my ride. As more eco-weenies buy hybrids, I find it difficult to hear overtaking vehicles (got startled by a Prius just the other day). Also handy for moving left in advance of left turns, etc. (I don't ride VC - suicide here). I think if I rode urban a lot, I would agree with you.

I know others love them, but I just don't care for mirrors. I don't find them helpful...knowing there's a guy behind me isn't likely to stop him from hitting me. Am I supposed to pull over at the first sign of a car? I ride mostly in the city, there's ALWAYS a car behind me. It's a distraction and useless weight IMO.

I have to make a left turn across a busy 5 lane road just over a on/off ramp system with service roads. I bought a mirror because it enhances my situational awareness in a busy, chaotic intersection. I rode the same route without one, and just find it easier to manage with the mirror. I've found it to be nice to have, if not essential in other situations. I'm one of those riders that tends to lose the line when looking over my shoulder, though.

I know others love them, but I just don't care for mirrors. I don't find them helpful...knowing there's a guy behind me isn't likely to stop him from hitting me. Am I supposed to pull over at the first sign of a car? I ride mostly in the city, there's ALWAYS a car behind me. It's a distraction and useless weight IMO.

I find i want a mirror less and less to watch for cars behind me and more and more about watching out for cyclists behind me.. it also seems very valuable in awareness when making left turns or trying to merge left traffic.. i always look over the should and will always continue to do so, but its nice having a view that i can keep current on without losing the focus of where i'm trying to go.

the Take a Look Mirror claims that it can be attached to the helmet visor but that doesn't work. It's designed for glasses and VERY effective installed on glasses. It's easy to install if you need to switch glasses (takes maybe 10-20 seconds tops to put them on the glasses and adjust them). ...the fact that you can simply pivot your head slightly with the TAL glasses mirror to scan what's behind you makes it difficult for me to believe there's a handlebar mirror that can trump them.

I have a Take a Look attached to the side of my helmet visor and it works fine but I don't use drop bars and that may be a factor. Used to have it on my glasses but I got tired of having to put it on and take it off for each ride, not to mention occasionally losing one...

The only time I've found them useful is when riding in a cycling lane on a slower bike...I have a mirror on my Schwinn triplet. Usually I'm moving faster than bikes behind me and I try to avoid lanes. I guess I've never had an issue looking over my shoulder when making lefts/merging, but that's why they make different flavors. :thumb:

I want to get a mirror that mounts on my glasses. I think it will help a lot especially in traffic. I'm still debating on which one though.

I want to get a mirror that mounts on my glasses. I think it will help a lot especially in traffic. I'm still debating on which one though.

I use this one.

http://www.messengermirror.com/

I use this one.

http://www.messengermirror.com/

Here is a photo (thanks 10 Wheels)...

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

I have a Take a Look attached to the side of my helmet visor and it works fine but I don't use drop bars and that may be a factor. Used to have it on my glasses but I got tired of having to put it on and take it off for each ride, not to mention occasionally losing one...

I initially tried mounting it to the helmet visor because I thought having to put in on glasses before every ride would be a pain... I found it difficult to adjust to get a good rear view reflection. Maybe it has to do with the style of helmets/visors. But it takes me such a short amount of time to put them on glasses and adjust it, it's fairly insignificant in relation to all the other prep for getting out on the bike.

I use two mirrycle end mounts on my flat bar both turned down and in. Driven a car too many years to trust my other senses. I like to scan constantly who is coming up behind me and if I feel they may not give me much extra space. Will still shoulder check even if I'm certain no one is there, but I also stop at stop signs and red lights when other bikes fly throug so maybe I'm overly safe.

I'd get a helmet mirror but I'm sure I'd break it.

Here's the mirror I use. Better than anything else I've used. THat said, I got hot and cold on mirrors. Any of the bike mount ones I just don't trust enough to rely on them and prefer to use the Mark I eyeballs instead.

J.

Here's the mirror I use. Better than anything else I've used. THat said, I got hot and cold on mirrors. Any of the bike mount ones I just don't trust enough to rely on them and prefer to use the Mark I eyeballs instead.

J.

link please.

Can anyone recommend a helmet mirror that can be easily and quickly be attached to my helmet? I normally use a Take a Look mirror on my glasses but when it rains, I have to take my glasses off... hence no mirror which I would like to have.

link please.

Sorry.

http://hubbubcustom.com/store/proddetail.asp?prod=helmir

261649

Sorry.

http://hubbubcustom.com/store/proddetail.asp?prod=helmir

261649

Thanks for posting that. I love how simple and quick it is to put it on.

Sorry.

http://hubbubcustom.com/store/proddetail.asp?prod=helmir

261649

Let me ask, do you ride a mtn bike or a road bike?

I want to get a mirror that mounts on my glasses. I think it will help a lot especially in traffic. I'm still debating on which one though.

I think over the years I've tried most of them.
The one that seems to be the most durable and adjustible can be found here (http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-Cycling-Eyeglass-Original/dp/B000C17M26/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1342398548&sr=1-2&keywords=bicycle+mirror+glasses). Good surface area compared to many others.
These do take some getting used to finding the sweet spot. Sort of like getting bifocals for the first time - a bit of head bobbing until you hit it.

I think over the years I've tried most of them.
The one that seems to be the most durable and adjustible can be found here (http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-Cycling-Eyeglass-Original/dp/B000C17M26/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1342398548&sr=1-2&keywords=bicycle+mirror+glasses). Good surface area compared to many others.
These do take some getting used to finding the sweet spot. Sort of like getting bifocals for the first time - a bit of head bobbing until you hit it.


Do you keep it on the glasses or helmets? If on the glasses, what do you do when it rains? I take my glasses off which sucks because I like the mirror. I do wish the arm was longer though.

Can anyone recommend a helmet mirror that can be easily and quickly be attached to my helmet? I normally use a Take a Look mirror on my glasses but when it rains, I have to take my glasses off... hence no mirror which I would like to have.

I've had good luck with the CycleAware Reflex mirror - Amazon page is here (http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Reflex-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B00012343C)
It has a plastic ball and socket type mount which makes it easy to detach the stalk and mirror from the helmet. The adhesive that holds the ball piece to the helmet will eventually fail, at which point you whip out a tube of your favorite variety of super glue, which should keep it stuck on for good. This is a helmet-only proposition, won't go on glasses.

I've also used the Take a Look on my helmet visor and it works fine too, but I found that I have to zip tie it to keep it from falling off.

I've had good luck with the CycleAware Reflex mirror - Amazon page is here (http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Reflex-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B00012343C)
It has a plastic ball and socket type mount which makes it easy to detach the stalk and mirror from the helmet. The adhesive that holds the ball piece to the helmet will eventually fail, at which point you whip out a tube of your favorite variety of super glue, which should keep it stuck on for good. This is a helmet-only proposition, won't go on glasses.

I've also used the Take a Look on my helmet visor and it works fine too, but I found that I have to zip tie it to keep it from falling off.

interesting.................

I happened to have just lost it today, but I took an old badge/button (like an election button with a long pin across the back) and glued a small wide-angle mirror on it. Then I pin the button to my left glove and I can adjust my hand to see anywhere I need to see behind me. It actually works very well and I have thought about marketing it, but I'll leave that up to you guys!

I have to make a left turn across a busy 5 lane road just over a on/off ramp system with service roads. I bought a mirror because it enhances my situational awareness in a busy, chaotic intersection. I rode the same route without one, and just find it easier to manage with the mirror. I've found it to be nice to have, if not essential in other situations. I'm one of those riders that tends to lose the line when looking over my shoulder, though.

Exactly the same here. A mirror makes a huge difference to me when changing to the left lane.

I still have a Mountain Mirrycle on my hybrid. I like it while riding, but it gets in knocked all over the place, and is really in the way when going through any doors. I tried to not use a helmet mirror for a long time, but eventually did, and will probably continue to. Though I must say, I've been intrigued by drop bar end mirrors, and that Zefal Spy mirror.

My Bell (Citi or Metro, whichever is newer) has provisions for mounting their own mirror, which just snaps into place. It's small, but it's sufficient for me. I also have a Bottle Cap Bike Mirror (helmet mount), and another glasses mounted mirror (cycleaware, maybe?) that I haven't tried out much. I'm not even sure why I have both, or where one of them is. If I ride on the street, I usually use the Bell helmet and its mirror. Recently, though, I got a Specialized Echelon, which is a very comfortable helmet. I need to see how the other mirrors work with it.

After using them, I much prefer helmet mounted mirrors. Or the ones that mount to glasses (the one I can't currently find).

I don't know about y'all but this looks pretty ingenious to me. I want one!

http://www.bike-eye.com/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrjP2vPiwUE

Do you keep it on the glasses or helmets? If on the glasses, what do you do when it rains? I take my glasses off which sucks because I like the mirror. I do wish the arm was longer though.

My preference is on the glasses. I wear contacts so I have two pair of non-perscription glasses; dark and yellow for low-light/rain. Unless it's absolutely torrential, I've never found the rain to effect seeing the mirror. On a side note, $15 sport glasses work fine and keeps the wind off the contacts. (Not paying $$$ for Oakleys!)

I've tried several mirrors, but the end result always seems to be that I just can't see what's coming up on the left front because it's blocked by the mirror.

You could try this Zefal Spy mirror.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lK0WMm2rKs0/TbI2qFIVmKI/AAAAAAAAFCI/RwoC0X11D5I/s512/bottle%2520mount%2520on%2520fork%252004.JPG

I happened to have just lost it today, but I took an old badge/button (like an election button with a long pin across the back) and glued a small wide-angle mirror on it. Then I pin the button to my left glove and I can adjust my hand to see anywhere I need to see behind me. It actually works very well and I have thought about marketing it, but I'll leave that up to you guys!

Papa: You gonna make another one? If so can you post a picture? I am a visual kinda guy.