Originally Posted by
qcpmsame
I use a quick < 1 second scan to look in the mirror on my glasses, and check the road behind for vehicles. Same way the instructors told us to do a panel scan very quickly so you didn't lose your concentration on the aircraft attitude and situational awareness so no long distracting look. Vehicles coming up from behind quickly on the rural roads are my biggest concern, been run off once and that was enough. Mirror and blinkies went on most riki-tik.
Bill
Bill, I'm concerned you pirated my "situational awareness" line
I ride on some very narrow or non-existent shoulders with 55+ mph traffic. While I don't recommend trusting a mirror 100% if I'm approaching a left turn I'll use the mirror to assess approaching traffic and time my arrival at the turn. Based on the mirror I may move over a bit and will definitely turn my head prior to the turn.
I wear progressive lenses and have no problem with my helmet mounted mirror. As Biker395 discussed, the ability to look around my turning one's head (or adjust for a billowing wind vest) can prove to be valuable. My personal choice is the Hubbub helmet mounted mirror. Darn thing is expensive, but I haven't had to readjust in two years. I have used less expensive helmet mounted mirrors, but found these just didn't stay in adjustment. I really liked eyeglass mounted mirrors, but didn't like the "look" your left with when your helmet-less (as in Starbucks, etc.); I wear prescription cycling glasses (Rx inserts) so I don't have the option of removing the glasses.
I suppose if I were a true roadie with a) a really flexible neck and b)superb bicycle handling skills I could do without a mirror, but age and a lack of natural ability has deprived me in these areas. I do wonder how many folks can look behind (neck turned far enough to employ the central visual field) and maintain a track that is +-6"; I don't have those abilities.
r