Originally Posted by
kickstart
My apologies to anyone who may take exception, but most of the reasons given for not using one sound more like vanity then legitimate reasons.
A few have mentioned that they struggle with focus which sounds reasonable, on the other hand not "needing" one doesn't. I'm sure we can all do fine without one if we have to, but is that really a good justification to limit our awareness resources?
I'm not suggesting anyone is wrong for not using one, I just don't think its wise to suggest they're don't serve a function, or that one can maintain the same level of awareness without one.
Speaking just for myself I don't think that they fail to serve a function. They obviously do. But for me the benefits don't outweigh the negatives.
The consensus benefit set forth revolves around being able to see behind you as you ride. Some of the stated reasons for the need to look behind while riding are:
1. To be aware of approaching vehicular traffic and what that traffic is doing--you know is someone drifting into your path, etc.
2. Overall situational awareness.
Speaking just for myself one isn't a sell because first off you are unlikely to see someone about to run you down so to speak unless you are constantly looking in the mirror which distracts from you side and most importantly forward looking situational awareness and two even if you are "lucky" enough to be looking when that car starts to swerve in to you or toward you in most cases you don't have time or space to do much about it IMO. Situations are of course varied.
For number two I think the mirror overall on a minute to minute basis if you make active effective use of it tends as stated above to decrease your total prioritized situational awareness and road path focus.
Lastly, I'm 69 and so a helmet mirror would like be out of focus to me. It would be awkward to have to put on reading glasses to look in my mirror.
