sam83

I think that the majority of those who have tried and had problems either have not tried the right mirror or failed to have it adjusted correctly. Others won't seriously consider it because they think it makes them look dorky or somehow not like a "real cyclist".

I do think there may be a 3rd potential issue that may be related to glasses frame style, body position, eye dominance or some other combination of physiological variations. I say this as someone I ride with was not able to use one style of glasses mounted mirror, but could use another. I can use both, but cannot see as well with the one they could not use.

My glasses mounted mirror does not jiggle and all it takes to look behind me is to quickly glance - moving only my eyes - slightly up and to the left. The view is undistorted.

BarracksSi

That's true for me when it comes to glasses-mounted mirrors. I tried one in my LBS, and I just couldn't focus on the image at all -- it was simply too close. That's when I tried a helmet mirror (actually, my first experience was with a Bell Metropolis and its flip-down visor mirror, but I was thinking of buying one for my Giro Xen), and it's worked out well.

I now have a couple handlebar-mounted mirrors that aren't being used; I might as well put them up on Craigslist.

Nachoman

Mirrors are so Fredish that I'm getting rid of my rear-view, and side-view, mirrors in my vehicle.

patentcad

It's a Fred, Fred, Fred, Fred, Fred World.

zonatandem

Have been using eyeglass mounted mirrors since 1970s (first one was made from one of those small dental mirrors). Have used many types but find the Take-A-Look to be superior and extremely long lasting (5 years on the current one).
Don't need to look over my shoulder, quick eyeball aovement lets me scan to see what's behind me.

elgalad

I didn't think this many Freds could congregate in one virtual space without causing some sort of rift in the space-time continuum.

TONY M

I use the BikeEye mirror that locks onto the frame it's brilliant, no other will do for me, you can get them at Harris cyclery https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/mirrors.html

redirekib

I used a mirror for years, I didn't think I could live without it. I took it off, I don't miss it.

grwoolf

+1 on the italian road bike mirror.

I tried a helmet/glasses mirror for a couple weeks and just struggled getting a good field of view.

Daytrip

I have a drop bar end mirror, but I've found that the more experienced I become as a rider, the less I use it. It still comes in handy for quick reference, but I've gotten into the habit of glancing over my shoulder as I hear cars approach from behind to get a good idea whether it's time to start to think about bailing out. In short, I don't really trust it.

I think the highest and best use for drop bar end mirrors is to put one on each side, then you can adjust them so that you can look down and admire your massive guads when you drope the hamer on some other Fred.

fast

Useless.

Ames

On a 62 mile ride at the Sarasota Bradenton cycle fest I noticed a lot of cyclist wearing the glasses or helment mount mirrors. I do not nor do I plan to use one in the near future but can see an advantage once you get used to it especially if you have hearing loss.

Vinci

I was at that same event. I noticed an awful lot of mirrors in general. Several people that I regularly ride with wear them as well. I have never felt like I am missing out by not using one, but I could understand it being handy if you can't look over your shoulder while keeping pace.

giantdefy

I almost bought this Zefal mirror at my LBS for $25. Saw the exact same mirror at walmart for $5.95. I have not tested it yet, but hopefully it works coz its rather small. I thought long and hard before deciding to put a geeky mirror on the bike. There just way too many cars that zoom by me and I cant hear them coz the wind is just blowing in my ear. I think looks can take a back seat in favor of staying alive and being able to ride another day. Its small enough to be almost stealthy and does fold away.

Fox Farm

I have used eye class mounted ones since 1977 when they first started to show up. Back then, Ed's were the best. The Take A Look ones today are very adjustable and work well. I have not used bar mounted ones but would think that they are not as good because of road vibration, and the fact that you have to look down.

Fox Farm

BikeWise1

Mirror= instrument of situational awareness. Just as you don't stare into your car mirrors, you don't stare into a bike mirror. I am simply aware of changes in the image, some of which require action by me.

helmut

Eclectus

I see mostly older riders wearing helmet and glasses mounted mirrors. There's nothing wrong with riding without until your neck joints get creaky, and then getting a mirror. I mostly use mine when I change lanes, especially to make left turns. There are some places on my favorite routes where I have to decide to either impede traffic coming up behind, because I can't do 40 mph, or let it pass. I'm not going to stop on the side of the road to let cars pass, I know I have a right to take the left hand lane at any time it's safe to set up my turn, but I also feel I don't want to block people if I don't have to.

People who say, "I don't need a mirror," are right. They don't. People who say, "I need a mirror," are also right. People who say, "Nobody needs a mirror," are wrong. People who say, "Everybody needs a mirror," are wrong.

Young people who call AARP-member or AARP-eligible riders "Freds", you're going to learn some lessons when you get to that age, such as you can't do things you used to be able to do, and some hardware that you didn't used to need is now really nice to have.

I hate being an oldster. But it happens. Or else you die young. Pick your poison.

mechBgon

Helmet mirror FTW. Correct depth perception, steerable field of view. YMMV since they don't work for everyone, but I like mine a lot. Raced in the state RR masters C championship race with it, too Came in handy, as I ended up in a 3-man break that we kept clear for the final 25 miles.

Awesome for use in daily-driver riding too.

giantdefy

Update on the Zefal bar mirror (see my previous post w/ pics). The mirror is a pain to look at coz its small and ends up vibrating and moving requiring frequent adjustments. I have not tried tightening the screw to keep it from moving. on a smooth road its fine, but still requires you to look back for safety reasons.