Daves_Not_Here

Question for the moderators -- is there any way to turn this thread into a poll? It would be interesting to see what percentage of respondants use mirrors, and what kinds they use.

As an aside, it's surprising to me that more club riders don't use mirrors, given their nearly universal adoption of helmets. I use both, but if I could only have one, I'd pick a device that might help me avoid a crash instead of one intended to protect against a specific injury in the event of a crash. When it comes to crashing, I'm into abstinance.

I know I look like a Fred when I show up to a group ride with a mirror, but then I think these shaved-leg, track-standing, Rules cyclists look like total dorks when they get startled by a close pass. "Yeah, I don't need a mirror because my hearing is so keen, I turn my head all the time, I know everything that's going on around me, I've got a sixth sense, I'm so experienced, blah, blah, blah ... OH CRAP that car almost hit me !!"

Bikepacker67

Why would one NOT want a mirror?

I mean, I understand the weight/wind conscious racer's argument, but for the rest of us mirrors allow for an indisputably safer ride for your average roadie/commuter/utility cyclist type.

Rx Rider

sorry, just don't want one, and for none of the reasons you or anyone can think up for me. I understand why you and others might want/like/need one, if I toured, or commuted or squatted when I rode I would need/like/want one also. fortunately at this time that's not a concern, so I'll continue to rely on my big ears, and my big eyes and of course the force, you have to use the force, duh.

paulkal

I never felt the need for a mirror in my 30+ years of cycling. Maybe on my recumbent a mirror will be useful.

daredevil

I bet Ludwig van used a mirror.

flipped4bikes

Yesterday I forgot my take a look mirror for my commute. Of course it didn't ruin my ride, and I did have to crank my head back more to check traffic that was less than 100 yards behind. But I do know that having the mirror does make it easier seeing what traffic is approaching further back.

HBxRider

For the commuters and urban riders, the choice to use a mirror is an easy one.

But there's no denying that road cycling involves an element of fashion and image, whether you like it or not. I know there are cyclists out there who will scoff at the smallest things, like the angle someone has their helmet at, to how much extra slack is on the tip of their headset. These types would be mortified to attach a mirror to their handlebar.

Ive checked out mirrors but the ones i've seen at local stores either seemed way too small, or very poor quality.

delcrossv

You bet. You can't (easily) swivel from the waist like on a road bike. Left side bike mounted mirror for me on the 'bents except on the lowracer- then it's hand mirrors (snowmobile mirrors)


Well, I don't have to worry much about that.

Chris516

I know how to use them. But when I am in traffic, and speed of the essence, a mirror even with its' small size creates added wind resistance, I get enough wind resistance from the bag I have velcroved to the down tube and the top bar.

Also, I don't like depending on something I can use my eyes n' ears for.

I feel naked with one. Because I would feel too dependent on one to the point that, if I couldn't replace the mirror, I would be afraid to go out on my bike.

Chris516

+1

Notso_fastLane

I have had a mirror on all my commuters pretty much since they were available. Now that my primary commuter is a recumbent, it's even more of a necessity, since it's a bit harder to do a shoulder check on the bent than the upright. (In every other way, though, the view from the bent is superior.)

dimachka

I guess this is not a popular opinion... I tried one of the helmet mounted mirrors and hated it. It took much more effort/time to ascertain what was going on with the mirror than normal for me by looking and carefully listening to whats behind me. Perhaps not even more time, it just added a whole dimension to what I need to think about while riding in the city that I did not think was safe. Since it made me feel unsafe, I got rid of it. I'm back to trusting the good old turn and look as well as always listening...

Leebo

Wow, wind resistance from a mirror. Nice. I use mine to see the riders behind me and know when to power up. Roadies hate it when they can't pass me. Sandals, safety vest (think of the wind drag) ,and pannier. Oh, mt bike shorts too, gasp, flapping. Think I'll use a rear mounted camera with a small screen mounted on the bars, so I can look forward and see behind me at the same time. YRMV.

Rx Rider

"Think I'll use a rear mounted camera with a small screen mounted on the bars, so I can look forward and see behind me at the same time."

that's what I'm waiting for, you could even use it in a full tuck via the camera being forward and the screen between your knees. that would be so cool.

Camilo

I suggest you read this thread before posting a comment, it's only good manners. This exact question has been discussed ad-nauseum.

Camilo

Once again, someone trivializing someone else's rational choice as vanity. Good one.

I-Like-To-Bike

"Speed is of the essence" and mirror's "wind resistance" when cycling in traffic; depending on ears to determine rear traffic conditions?

May be that passes for rational thinking in your bicycling circles.

forresterace

I refuse to make any statement on one side or the other of the issue. Personally, I don't give a rats azz what anyone else does regarding mirrors, I will continue doing what I've always done.

So there.

daredevil

I know you're joking but actually with a mirror, you can see forward and behind at the same time and it's amazing that some can't see the value in that.

btw, wind resistance? Wow.

Gallo

I tried a mirror and did not like it. Nothing to do with looks more to do with function. Now this was twenty some years ago and the damm thing would rattle out of place and not show what I wanted to see.

Been riding without one and have not had any issues that would make me want to take another run at it at this time. I reserve the right to change my mind.

I could care less who rides with one and who rides without one. I do not consider it essential saftey gear like I do gloves and a helmet.

The only safety device that bothers me is a blinky on the front which I find silly and annoying. I like the ones mounted on the back

I am more concerned with rude riders riding three and four abreast or the critical mass crowd which reflects a bad light on all cyclists.

Ride as you choose within the rules of the road and just ride and enjoy. If a mirror gives you comfort by all means use one.

daredevil

If you're a vehicle in traffic, 360 degree awareness as efficiently as possible is essential. Without it, you're rolling the dice.

Six jours

Hey look. Hyperbole.

chasm54

I'm really amazed by this thread. It seems to be based on the premise that key to cycling safely is the ability to dodge vehicles approaching from behind.

This must be a peculiarly American perspective. When doing one of my typical rides through an urban area, say 12 miles long, I am likely to be passed at speeds varying from 10mph to 50mph by several hundred vehicles - one every few seconds. The idea that with or without a mirror I am poised to take evasive action every time is nonsensical.

Being hit from behind is very rare. You're far more at risk from vehicles ahead and to the side of you. Even if a mirror doesn't distract you from what's ahead (and judging by the apparent nervousness of many here, I'm pretty sure it will be distracting them) it will make limited difference to your safety. If it does distract you, it is compromising your safety.

As for the comparison with car mirrors, it's right in one respect. The point of mirrors in a car is not to dodge traffic approaching from the rear, but to ensure that it is safe to manoeuvre. That is what mirrors might be useful for on a bike, too. The difference is that it's more difficult to look behind you without a mirror when you're in a car.

Really, really extraordinary thread. It makes the discussion in the helmet thread look positively rational.

I-Like-To-Bike

Please enlighten about your "typical ride". Are you riding on a highway with very wide traffic lanes (or a multiple lane highway), with plenty of room for easy passing of a cyclist cycling in the traffic lane? Or perhaps you are cycling on the shoulder or some other non motorist traveled section of the road? Do you never ride at night? That might explain your nonchalance about motorists approaching from the rear at high speed.

I find it hard to believe you are blissfully cycling on a highway in a traffic lane being passed at high speed by several hundred vehicles in an hour without any concern about traffic approaching directly behind you from the rear, unless there is umpteen feet of clear visibility and passing room surrounding your presence for the entire 12 miles.

daredevil

Recommending situational awareness when sharing the road offends you?