Originally Posted by
Terex
In my experience, mirrors are dangerous. If you're going to make a left turn, and you're concerned that there is someone behind you that's going to mow you down, pull off to the right, and walk your bike across. If you're concerned that someone is going to come up behind you and mow you down - you're screwed anyway. I've ridden tens of thousands of miles, and totally don't understand what mirrors do for people other than distract them and give them a false sense of security.
I have used eyeglass mirrors for more than 30 years. They have saved me twice on mountain rides (Sierras and Big Bear) with drivers purposely targeting me. I bailed off the road and but for a few scratches did survive to finish the rides. I never used them in crits, RR or TT's but have received my share of insults from other competitive riders in the peloton. But I started my riding career with double centuries in fairly remote areas with drivers who were not used to bikes.
I used the "third Eye mirrors for years and found them hard to adjust and not staying in adjustment. I found as I got older my neck will no longer turn enough to look back so must rely on a mirror if I wish to ride/ drive. I found the TAKE A LOOK mirror from Bike Peddler in Greeley, CO a little over a year ago. It has both horizontal and vertical adjustment, is longer than the third Eye, is easily bent if need be and is EZ to adjust on the bike. Plus it has a wider field of vision. I consider it as important as the helmet!