Originally Posted by
Zrane
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).