Handlebar mount mirror suggestions
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 176
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From: Jersey Shore
Bikes: 1992 Bridgestone XO-2
Handlebar mount mirror suggestions
Hi all. I ride an old bike with north road bars and I’m looking for a handlebar mounted mirror.
I know everyone has opinions, and I don’t wanna turn this into a “mirrors are stupid/no, you’re wrong” thread. I also know lots and lots of people love their helmet or glasses mounted mirrors and that’s awesome. I don’t want one.
ive been looking for an attractive silver colored mirror, but most of the most functional looking mirrors seem to be black, which is okay, I guess. I’m also not positive a bar end type would work with my bar setup, but if anyone has north roads and a bar end mirror, I’d be interested in hearing your experience.
my neck isn’t as bendy as it used to be and I’m putting in a lot more miles than I use to as well. Just tryin to not die out there.
All help appreciated.
I know everyone has opinions, and I don’t wanna turn this into a “mirrors are stupid/no, you’re wrong” thread. I also know lots and lots of people love their helmet or glasses mounted mirrors and that’s awesome. I don’t want one.
ive been looking for an attractive silver colored mirror, but most of the most functional looking mirrors seem to be black, which is okay, I guess. I’m also not positive a bar end type would work with my bar setup, but if anyone has north roads and a bar end mirror, I’d be interested in hearing your experience.
my neck isn’t as bendy as it used to be and I’m putting in a lot more miles than I use to as well. Just tryin to not die out there.
All help appreciated.
Last edited by eyemkeith; 04-25-21 at 03:59 PM.
#2
Senior Member



Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 18,822
Likes: 11,674
For a bar-end mirror, I learned about the Sprintech model when borrowing one of [MENTION=111144]Andy_K[/MENTION]’s bikes, which had one mounted. Now all of the bikes I ride regularly have one though those are all drop-bar bikes.
https://www.amazon.com/Sprintech-Roa.../dp/B084RN1L85
Not sure about using one with North Roads bars, however.
https://www.amazon.com/Sprintech-Roa.../dp/B084RN1L85
Not sure about using one with North Roads bars, however.
#3
Happy With My Bikes


Joined: Sep 2020
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From: Oklahoma
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
I'm following this as my neck is not as able to let me know what is behind me as well. I have a bar end mirror like the one above on my newer bike, but I don't think it would look right on my older bikes.
This one is cheap enough that if I didn't like it I wouldn't hate throwing it in a drawer or box in the garage.
https://www.amazon.com/UNIVERSAL-VIN.../dp/B075SDCY3L
This one is cheap enough that if I didn't like it I wouldn't hate throwing it in a drawer or box in the garage.
https://www.amazon.com/UNIVERSAL-VIN.../dp/B075SDCY3L
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#4
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: San Francisco
Bikes: 87 Raleigh 531C Team Replica, 99 Mongoose RX10.9, 03 Lemond Wayzata, 00 Litespeed Appalachian, 99 Bianchi XL Boron, 98 Litespeed Tuscany, 80 Carlton SC, 86 Pro Miyata, 04 Lemond Victoire
I use a Zefal Spy. It's a strap on style mirror, which works for me because I have multiple bikes and I'm able to move the mirror to whichever bike that I'm riding that day.
https://www.amazon.com/Zefal-95293-S...g-goods&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Zefal-95293-S...g-goods&sr=1-1
#6
Crawlin' up, flyin' down


Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
This one from Rivendell isn't bad. I use it on my commuter/town bike and it does the job.
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#7
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
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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
Here's a thread with some suggestions:
Mirrors...
I want to be able to just glance over to the mirror, I want to know where the mirror will be and where it will be pointed.
I don't like the helmet or glasses mounted mirrors- too much work/thought to figure out where it's pointing and where you want it pointed.
I don't want to turn or rotate my head way down to a bar end mirror.
Out of the ones I've tried- I think the Axiom clamp on might work for you- otherwise browngw posted a silver clamp on mirror that seems about right in post #41.
Mirrors...
I want to be able to just glance over to the mirror, I want to know where the mirror will be and where it will be pointed.
I don't like the helmet or glasses mounted mirrors- too much work/thought to figure out where it's pointing and where you want it pointed.
I don't want to turn or rotate my head way down to a bar end mirror.
Out of the ones I've tried- I think the Axiom clamp on might work for you- otherwise browngw posted a silver clamp on mirror that seems about right in post #41.
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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.
#8
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Old neck injuries limit my neck mobility so I've used mirrors since I resumed riding in 2015. I don't race anymore so it's no big deal.
I've noticed several cycling acquaintances who used to race and ride without mirrors have added mirrors as they got older. No particular reason given but I suspect it's the same old thing -- with age everything gets a bit stiffer, mobility suffers and our reflexes and hearing suffer a bit. I don't like to rely on listening for approaching vehicles, although my hearing is still pretty good. But some vehicles now are incredibly quiet, especially with smoother tires on smooth asphalt.
Even one of the fastest guys I know locally, who holds many KOMs, uses a pricey Italian made glass bar-end mirror on his road bike. Another friend used to razz him a bit about it. Now that guy has the same mirror on his road bikes.
I use the similarly design but much more affordable Sprintech mirrors linked above on two of my drop bar road bikes. However my hybrid with swept bars (Nitto Albatross) have bar-end shifters so that space isn't available for the Sprintech and similar bar-end mounted mirrors. I mostly got those so I'd have a mirror on occasions when I wear my aero helmet, with no way to mount a helmet mirror as I do on my main helmets.
I also use Take-A-Look mirrors on my two main helmets.
I considered an adapter for my Mirrycle handlebar mirrors, but discovered I could get by with just the helmet mirror, so that bike still has no mirror on the handlebar after two years. I keep thinking about trying a clamp mount and adding a mirror, but I guess I'm satisfied with it as-is.
I've seen a few folks add clamps to the Mirrycle and similar design mirrors, that put the mirror below the handlebar, rather than above. That seems to suit folks who prefer lower bars, or flipped North Road bars (path racer style).
I've noticed several cycling acquaintances who used to race and ride without mirrors have added mirrors as they got older. No particular reason given but I suspect it's the same old thing -- with age everything gets a bit stiffer, mobility suffers and our reflexes and hearing suffer a bit. I don't like to rely on listening for approaching vehicles, although my hearing is still pretty good. But some vehicles now are incredibly quiet, especially with smoother tires on smooth asphalt.
Even one of the fastest guys I know locally, who holds many KOMs, uses a pricey Italian made glass bar-end mirror on his road bike. Another friend used to razz him a bit about it. Now that guy has the same mirror on his road bikes.
I use the similarly design but much more affordable Sprintech mirrors linked above on two of my drop bar road bikes. However my hybrid with swept bars (Nitto Albatross) have bar-end shifters so that space isn't available for the Sprintech and similar bar-end mounted mirrors. I mostly got those so I'd have a mirror on occasions when I wear my aero helmet, with no way to mount a helmet mirror as I do on my main helmets.
I also use Take-A-Look mirrors on my two main helmets.
I considered an adapter for my Mirrycle handlebar mirrors, but discovered I could get by with just the helmet mirror, so that bike still has no mirror on the handlebar after two years. I keep thinking about trying a clamp mount and adding a mirror, but I guess I'm satisfied with it as-is.
I've seen a few folks add clamps to the Mirrycle and similar design mirrors, that put the mirror below the handlebar, rather than above. That seems to suit folks who prefer lower bars, or flipped North Road bars (path racer style).
#10
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21,861
Likes: 3,748
This one from Rivendell isn't bad. I use it on my commuter/town bike and it does the job.
what’s behind me is not my concern
as the Italian race car driver rips off the center rear view mirror on a Daytona no less.
( of course does not work so well on a bike, but sounds good)
#11
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From: So Cal, for now
Bikes: 1974 Bob Jackson - Nuovo Record, Brooks Pro, Clips & Straps
#12
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
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From: WI
Bikes: Marin Palisades Trail, Raleigh Twenty, Takara Advantage, Schwinn Stingray... others
Sunlite mirrors are decent. Check out a site like Modernbike and search up that name. I own the heavy duty and the rectangular mirrors. I have them mounted on north road and wide cruiser bars respectively. They are solid. And they are chrome.
#13
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Snohomish, WA.
I've seen the Berthoud mirror advertised online recently. If style was the first priority, it wins(imo)
As far a being functional, we'll it is a fair bit smaller than anything else mentioned here.
As far a being functional, we'll it is a fair bit smaller than anything else mentioned here.
#14
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Likes: 11,674
Last edited by nlerner; 04-27-21 at 07:44 AM.
#16
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1,991
From: Michigan USA
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes.
I use a Zefal Spy. It's a strap on style mirror, which works for me because I have multiple bikes and I'm able to move the mirror to whichever bike that I'm riding that day.
https://www.amazon.com/Zefal-95293-S...g-goods&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Zefal-95293-S...g-goods&sr=1-1
On drops I use a bar end mirror.
#17
I have been tempted to try these cheapo $5 ones from China. Has anybody tried these? They look a lot like the Zefal.
Handlebar mirror
Handlebar mirror
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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
#18
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 26L, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Hi all. I ride an old bike with north road bars and I’m looking for a handlebar mounted mirror.
I know everyone has opinions, and I don’t wanna turn this into a “mirrors are stupid/no, you’re wrong” thread. I also know lots and lots of people love their helmet or glasses mounted mirrors and that’s awesome. I don’t want one.
ive been looking for an attractive silver colored mirror, but most of the most functional looking mirrors seem to be black, which is okay, I guess. I’m also not positive a bar end type would work with my bar setup, but if anyone has north roads and a bar end mirror, I’d be interested in hearing your experience.
my neck isn’t as bendy as it used to be and I’m putting in a lot more miles than I use to as well. Just tryin to not die out there.
All help appreciated.
I know everyone has opinions, and I don’t wanna turn this into a “mirrors are stupid/no, you’re wrong” thread. I also know lots and lots of people love their helmet or glasses mounted mirrors and that’s awesome. I don’t want one.
ive been looking for an attractive silver colored mirror, but most of the most functional looking mirrors seem to be black, which is okay, I guess. I’m also not positive a bar end type would work with my bar setup, but if anyone has north roads and a bar end mirror, I’d be interested in hearing your experience.
my neck isn’t as bendy as it used to be and I’m putting in a lot more miles than I use to as well. Just tryin to not die out there.
All help appreciated.





