Mirrors...
#76
Thread Starter
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 2,136
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Drove a late 80s manual acura legend, no stopping that car. Probably is still rolling on some more southern salt free road. I hear you on bearings, most cars have their specific issues and had to swap both front axle sets on the subaru (and they ear front inner axle boots fro breakfast) but an excellent car. They are all money pits losers, that is for sure.
I love the sport/Euro wagon concept- I don't understand the American aversion to them. But I see a million CRV and RAV4 type vehicles out there.
#77
Thread Starter
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 2,136
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Giving this a zombie bump- Someone had asked about the Selle Italia Eyelink mirror- and since using this on *this* bike with *these* levers- it's "OK." Of course, I'm comparing it to the stability of the original Mirrycle- which is the benchmark.
Again, depending on what levers you have the mirror/hood cover mounted to, the mirror might mount nicely, or not so well... On the IRD "Drillium" levers, the mirror mounts decently and it holds the mirror in a much better (as intended) spot than it did on the old DiaCompe levers.
M1000Cockpit by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr
Again, depending on what levers you have the mirror/hood cover mounted to, the mirror might mount nicely, or not so well... On the IRD "Drillium" levers, the mirror mounts decently and it holds the mirror in a much better (as intended) spot than it did on the old DiaCompe levers.
M1000Cockpit by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#78
Thread Starter
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 2,136
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Bumping this to see what other people are using.
I had ordered another Axiom mirror, hoping that I'd get one with the screws, but thinking 'how bad could the rivets actually be?' Useless. ******g useless. The mirror flops over in seconds.
The best mirror is still the old Mirrycle- if it works with your levers. Followed by the Axiom with the screws, followed by the Eyelink and then way down to the Blackburn- which is really bad.
I had ordered another Axiom mirror, hoping that I'd get one with the screws, but thinking 'how bad could the rivets actually be?' Useless. ******g useless. The mirror flops over in seconds.
The best mirror is still the old Mirrycle- if it works with your levers. Followed by the Axiom with the screws, followed by the Eyelink and then way down to the Blackburn- which is really bad.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#79
I had originally responded back in 2016, that I had given up on mirrors. I now have the Berthoud mirror on both bikes and like them quite a bit. It is just enough to see behind you but no so big that it ends up being in the way.

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I
Last edited by fender1; 04-30-23 at 02:18 PM.
#80
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,169
Likes: 1,797
From: Madison, WI USA
Mirrycle makes a version with a mount/clip that clips to the body of a Shimano road brifter and tucks under the hood. It extends the mirror arm forward of the lever, and from there, it's the usual Mirrycle hardware, so it's good optics and super stable. What's needed is a comparable clip to tuck under the hood of an aero brake lever. Sounds like a 3D-print opportunity.
#81
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 818
Likes: 829
Had or still have some of the following for drop bars. None perfect, could just as easily go without.
Italian made drop bar end. Quality glass / optics. Bulky and rather fussy to set up. The bar wrap holds it on. Once set, its done.
Sprint Tech bar end. Adjustable. Its average. Plastic ball, socket easily pop out. Like all the other bar end, still have to move the arm to use.
DIY- on my beater fixed gear. 12 gauge shot shell fits into the bar, adapted a swivel and mirror from a mechanics small telescopic mirror (free w/ coupon at Harbor Freight). Funky cool but not convex or magnified optics.
Stalk mount 3" round with clamp to bar. Works good. Generic. Always bumped. No elegance.
Forearm 'Velcro' mount convex mirror. Acceptable if you don't mind always having to reposition your arm or a long sleeve jersey / coat doesn't move around.
Other: Never tried but have seen someone having a small rear view camera mounted the seat post. He had an approx. 4" diagonal screen just setting in a clear map sleeve on his handlebar bag. Don't know of the specifications but the view looked excellent. Told me there's many brands available on where else, but Amazon. Cost near the same or less than some cycling mirrors. Not in the C&V following.
Italian made drop bar end. Quality glass / optics. Bulky and rather fussy to set up. The bar wrap holds it on. Once set, its done.
Sprint Tech bar end. Adjustable. Its average. Plastic ball, socket easily pop out. Like all the other bar end, still have to move the arm to use.
DIY- on my beater fixed gear. 12 gauge shot shell fits into the bar, adapted a swivel and mirror from a mechanics small telescopic mirror (free w/ coupon at Harbor Freight). Funky cool but not convex or magnified optics.
Stalk mount 3" round with clamp to bar. Works good. Generic. Always bumped. No elegance.
Forearm 'Velcro' mount convex mirror. Acceptable if you don't mind always having to reposition your arm or a long sleeve jersey / coat doesn't move around.
Other: Never tried but have seen someone having a small rear view camera mounted the seat post. He had an approx. 4" diagonal screen just setting in a clear map sleeve on his handlebar bag. Don't know of the specifications but the view looked excellent. Told me there's many brands available on where else, but Amazon. Cost near the same or less than some cycling mirrors. Not in the C&V following.
#82
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 1,062
From: Toledo Ohio
Bikes: 1964 Huffy Sportsman, 1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport (3), 1982 Trek 412, 1983 Trek 700, 1989 Miyata 1000LT, 1991 Bianchi Boardwalk, plus others
Like you, I love this mirror. I have successfully drilled and tapped an aero Gran Compe lever and fit one of these. Not quite as solid as the stock version with the nut on the back, but it works. I also did one with a Superbe lever. Point is, you might perhaps get a bit more intense on the application. On the Superbe, I bought an orphan lever on eBay in case it didn’t go well. I have read here that others have drilled and tapped other levers too. I love these mirrors.
#83
Phyllo-buster


Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,271
Likes: 2,694
From: Nova Scotia
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
I like the 3rd Eye mirrors so much that I use them on my 72 BMW R75. Ground glass with slight convex view. The rubber mount keeps the vibrations down.
Crappy film shots of the motorbike.

Crappy film shots of the motorbike.

#84
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 2,028
Bikes: '38 Schwinn New World, '72 Peugeot PX-10, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, ’80 Peugeot TH-8 tandem
#85
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 1,062
From: Toledo Ohio
Bikes: 1964 Huffy Sportsman, 1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport (3), 1982 Trek 412, 1983 Trek 700, 1989 Miyata 1000LT, 1991 Bianchi Boardwalk, plus others
I had a 77 R100 that I bought in 87 and rode for 28 years. Gone maybe 6 or7 years ago as I didn’t feel safe on it with low power, poor brakes and handling. It was pretty wore out. Replaced with a 2011 Suzuki 650 Vstrom. Yours is a nice bike, good memories.
Edit: fall 2014. Time flies.

77r100/7

2011 Vstrom 650
Edit: fall 2014. Time flies.

77r100/7

2011 Vstrom 650
Last edited by sd5782; 05-01-23 at 03:59 PM.
#86
I recently decided to pursue adding mirrors to my rides. A few too many close passes by large vehicles. It's nice to know what's coming.
The Take a Look mirror is a nice smaller eyeglasses mount mirror. But I'm also trying out bar attaching mirrors.
Zefal Spy - smaller size but uses a silicone strap so has versatile mounting. This works well on my bike with bar-end shifters.
Cateye and Hafny bar end mirrors yet to be tried out on the road bike. First impressions, the Cateye is small; the Hafny seems nice and large, I hope it works well.
I'll follow up with some pics.
The Take a Look mirror is a nice smaller eyeglasses mount mirror. But I'm also trying out bar attaching mirrors.
Zefal Spy - smaller size but uses a silicone strap so has versatile mounting. This works well on my bike with bar-end shifters.
Cateye and Hafny bar end mirrors yet to be tried out on the road bike. First impressions, the Cateye is small; the Hafny seems nice and large, I hope it works well.
I'll follow up with some pics.
#87
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,058
Likes: 2,138
From: NW Ohio
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-1977 Univega Grand Rally, S LTD, 1973 Sears Free Spirit 531, 197? FW Evans
I recently decided to pursue adding mirrors to my rides. A few too many close passes by large vehicles. It's nice to know what's coming.
The Take a Look mirror is a nice smaller eyeglasses mount mirror. But I'm also trying out bar attaching mirrors.
Zefal Spy - smaller size but uses a silicone strap so has versatile mounting. This works well on my bike with bar-end shifters.
Cateye and Hafny bar end mirrors yet to be tried out on the road bike. First impressions, the Cateye is small; the Hafny seems nice and large, I hope it works well.
I'll follow up with some pics.
The Take a Look mirror is a nice smaller eyeglasses mount mirror. But I'm also trying out bar attaching mirrors.
Zefal Spy - smaller size but uses a silicone strap so has versatile mounting. This works well on my bike with bar-end shifters.
Cateye and Hafny bar end mirrors yet to be tried out on the road bike. First impressions, the Cateye is small; the Hafny seems nice and large, I hope it works well.
I'll follow up with some pics.
https://www.amazon.com/Third-Eye-Bar...a-479225359084
Edit: The description says convex lens, but it is very slight, so distortion is minimal, not at all like a fisheye lens.
#88
Spritech bar end works well for me on drop bars. I like that it stays in place and does not need constant adjustments.
I have yet to find a mirror I like for upright bars. They all either stick out too far or need adjusting because the get in the way of hand positions.
I have yet to find a mirror I like for upright bars. They all either stick out too far or need adjusting because the get in the way of hand positions.
__________________
84 Bridgestone 400. 90's Basso Highway, 07 Rivendell AHH, 16 Clockwork All-Rounder , 22 Rivendell Roadini
84 Bridgestone 400. 90's Basso Highway, 07 Rivendell AHH, 16 Clockwork All-Rounder , 22 Rivendell Roadini
#89
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 864
From: SW Florida, USA
Bikes: Yes
Put me down as a big fan of bar-end mirrors. Used one for the first time 20+ years ago and have stayed with them ever since.
Haven't seen a huge amount of difference between the ones I've tried; they've all been about 2.5" in diameter and convex. None have been terribly fragile, and while they're a bit of a pain to adjust mine seem to stay in decent adjustment while riding. Some "fisheye" distortion to the view, but not so bad that it's not useful.
I didn't realize how dependent on them I was until I took a new bike (well, new to me;the bike's 40+ y/o) out for a check ride yesterday. It didn't have a mirror. I was forever glancing down, then mentally cussing because I couldn't check my left rear for traffic approaching from behind (where I ride mostly has bike lanes beside the rightmost lane of traffic).
I ordered one for it this morning.
Oh, and OP (AKA [MENTION=174646]The Golden Boy[/MENTION]): fella, you've been holding out on us. You didn't tell us you had your own line of bicycle tubes!

(Image from eBay listing https://www.ebay.com/itm/201641503107 ).
Haven't seen a huge amount of difference between the ones I've tried; they've all been about 2.5" in diameter and convex. None have been terribly fragile, and while they're a bit of a pain to adjust mine seem to stay in decent adjustment while riding. Some "fisheye" distortion to the view, but not so bad that it's not useful.
I didn't realize how dependent on them I was until I took a new bike (well, new to me;the bike's 40+ y/o) out for a check ride yesterday. It didn't have a mirror. I was forever glancing down, then mentally cussing because I couldn't check my left rear for traffic approaching from behind (where I ride mostly has bike lanes beside the rightmost lane of traffic).
I ordered one for it this morning.
Oh, and OP (AKA [MENTION=174646]The Golden Boy[/MENTION]): fella, you've been holding out on us. You didn't tell us you had your own line of bicycle tubes!


(Image from eBay listing https://www.ebay.com/itm/201641503107 ).
Last edited by Hondo6; 05-02-23 at 05:38 PM.
#90
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 1,062
From: Toledo Ohio
Bikes: 1964 Huffy Sportsman, 1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport (3), 1982 Trek 412, 1983 Trek 700, 1989 Miyata 1000LT, 1991 Bianchi Boardwalk, plus others
I got a newer Rhode Gear one recently that I was dissatisfied with. It mounts to the brake hoods with Velcro. The arm is plastic and it vibrates. The ball socket adjustment also doesn’t stay adjusted.
An older Rhode Gear brake hood mounted one came on another purchase but had a cracked lens. I was able to substitute a Mirrycle lens on it with a bit of file and drill work. It clamps fairly firmly with the older versions metal mounting arm. It is a bit fiddly to adjust, but it does stay put and doesn’t vibrate too much and can be moved from bike to bike. It is positioned a bit forward for an easy view and less hand interference accept the added thickness of the Velcro on the hoods.

Rhode Gear with metal mounting arm and Mirrycle lens

Velcro mounting

Screw down adjustments
Most of my bikes are non aero so accept the Mirrycle mirror so I don’t use this much. It also works on a Mafac Racer equipped non aero lever that is not suitable to the Mirrycle. Probably useable on anything with hoods,
An older Rhode Gear brake hood mounted one came on another purchase but had a cracked lens. I was able to substitute a Mirrycle lens on it with a bit of file and drill work. It clamps fairly firmly with the older versions metal mounting arm. It is a bit fiddly to adjust, but it does stay put and doesn’t vibrate too much and can be moved from bike to bike. It is positioned a bit forward for an easy view and less hand interference accept the added thickness of the Velcro on the hoods.

Rhode Gear with metal mounting arm and Mirrycle lens

Velcro mounting

Screw down adjustments
Most of my bikes are non aero so accept the Mirrycle mirror so I don’t use this much. It also works on a Mafac Racer equipped non aero lever that is not suitable to the Mirrycle. Probably useable on anything with hoods,
#91
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 966
Likes: 215
Bikes: 2015 Spec. AWOL Elite,2022 Spec. Diverge, 1984 Trek 620 1985 Trek 620, 1979 Trek 710
https://www.modernbike.com/ortlieb-u...nd-bike-mirror
I have this mirror on two bikes - good visibility and generally stays put because it is so light. The knuckle joint on the arm is very effective. The plastic band attachment to the bars is good - however, you can't crank the plastic band down - will just strip the plastic teeth - but because the mirror is so light it doesn't move (much) on rough roads - a little electrical tape will keep it rock solid.
Mounting it just below the brake lever allows me to ride the hoods and the lower/mid drops without interference. I can see the mirror clearly when riding the hoods, tops, and drops without having to move my head.
#92
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,721
Likes: 4,147
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
I’m not a mirror user. Never felt the need, nor wanted a bike with a lot of gadgets and accoutrements, but that’s a nice mirror. If looking over the shoulder becomes an issue, I could abide such a mirror. But I’m baffled by the “both bikes” comment.
#93
FWIW, I still turn my head. I t is a habit I can't stop. That said these mirrors are helpful in traffic as a quick shift of my eyes allows me to get an idea of what is coming up behind me. It has given me a better sense of "control" during longish descents on busy roads. The roads themselves are rough and potholed so I have to stay focused on what's coming in front of me and the mirror allows me to check behind me with minimal effort. YMMV.

Last edited by fender1; 05-03-23 at 08:02 AM.
#94
Full Member

Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 288
Likes: 174
#95
...

Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 3,488
From: Whitestone and Rensselaerville, New York
Bikes: '23 Canyon Endurace, '87 Bottecchia Equipe Professional
For installation on the end of a drop bar, this one from Hafny works well for me. It provides a view that I find useful, and it holds adjustment well.
#96
Thread Starter
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 2,136
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Ortlieb Ultralight Bike Mirror - convex -5" tall by 2" wide at top (narrower at bottom) - 58 grams - $25 to $30 depending upon vendor - available at the following vendor and elsewhere:
https://www.modernbike.com/ortlieb-u...nd-bike-mirror
I have this mirror on two bikes - good visibility and generally stays put because it is so light. The knuckle joint on the arm is very effective. The plastic band attachment to the bars is good - however, you can't crank the plastic band down - will just strip the plastic teeth - but because the mirror is so light it doesn't move (much) on rough roads - a little electrical tape will keep it rock solid.
Mounting it just below the brake lever allows me to ride the hoods and the lower/mid drops without interference. I can see the mirror clearly when riding the hoods, tops, and drops without having to move my head.

https://www.modernbike.com/ortlieb-u...nd-bike-mirror
I have this mirror on two bikes - good visibility and generally stays put because it is so light. The knuckle joint on the arm is very effective. The plastic band attachment to the bars is good - however, you can't crank the plastic band down - will just strip the plastic teeth - but because the mirror is so light it doesn't move (much) on rough roads - a little electrical tape will keep it rock solid.
Mounting it just below the brake lever allows me to ride the hoods and the lower/mid drops without interference. I can see the mirror clearly when riding the hoods, tops, and drops without having to move my head.

__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#98
#99
ambulatory senior

Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 6,451
Likes: 4,515
From: Peoria Il
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
#100
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 1,062
From: Toledo Ohio
Bikes: 1964 Huffy Sportsman, 1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport (3), 1982 Trek 412, 1983 Trek 700, 1989 Miyata 1000LT, 1991 Bianchi Boardwalk, plus others
If those two were sold at the recent Monroe Michigan bike swap, that was me who bought them.







