Mirrors
02-22-14 | 06:05 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,050
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From: Memphis, TN
I hope I'm not hijacking the thread, but I'm curious if anyone uses this mirror: https://www.amazon.com/D-Oberlauda-Ul...I3HMPYDRPOZNHV
I've got a new bike on order and would rather avoid cutting into it's lovely leather grips if I can avoid it. I do love my Mirrycle, though, so I won't be too upset if I have to do that.
I've got a new bike on order and would rather avoid cutting into it's lovely leather grips if I can avoid it. I do love my Mirrycle, though, so I won't be too upset if I have to do that.
02-23-14 | 10:38 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
I used this one that attaches to my helmet. It's a little $$ but the VIEW!
[h=1]Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror[/h]
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
[h=1]Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror[/h]
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you have even seen or heard of the mirrors Chuck Harris made before he passed away a company(Monkey Mirrors) now produces a much improved version that is much cheaper than the one linked on amazon and more adaptive plus they do custom artwork allowing for a little bit of custom flare. The mirror is automotive quality in both clarity and build. Ive found that with the mirror the field of view is large enough that a 5 degree head movement means I can see behind me and a 10 degree allows me to look in the other lane.
I hope I'm not hijacking the thread, but I'm curious if anyone uses this mirror: https://www.amazon.com/D-Oberlauda-Ul...I3HMPYDRPOZNHV
I've got a new bike on order and would rather avoid cutting into it's lovely leather grips if I can avoid it. I do love my Mirrycle, though, so I won't be too upset if I have to do that.
I've got a new bike on order and would rather avoid cutting into it's lovely leather grips if I can avoid it. I do love my Mirrycle, though, so I won't be too upset if I have to do that.
02-23-14 | 11:34 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 493
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From: Southern Colorado
Bikes: General 80's MTB "Icebreaker", Motobecane Grand Jubilee (vintage mint), Trek 1.1, 2014 Motobecane Mirage (steel) Trek 3500 MTB
I use mirrors in car, and on motorcycle often. Couldn't drive without them. On the bicycle: I took my mirror OFF. Why? Because it scared me. Cars drive as if they're going to hit me, then swerve in the last couple of meters. Normal driving habits in my city. Bicycle is too slow to do anything at that speed difference. Not enough time to even get off the road in time. So all mirror did was make me scared, uncomfortable. Not sure if I explained it right.
02-23-14 | 11:50 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
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From: West Georgia
Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter
I've been looking at this one that mounts on down tube.
I've heard no comments from anyone that I know to trust and don't want to pull the trigger until I do. If it works it looks like the only bike mirror that I've seen that I would use. I'm NOT going to put one on my sunglasses, I don't wear a helmet and don't really have anywhere on the bars on my commuter that one wouldn't be in the way.
I can't see having the time to do anything about a car hitting me from behind with a 40 mph+ closing speed and I've never wrecked glancing behind me to check traffic in a car, big truck, motorcycle at twice speed limit or a bike.
Even if I had a mirror I still believe that I would "check my blind spot".
I've heard no comments from anyone that I know to trust and don't want to pull the trigger until I do. If it works it looks like the only bike mirror that I've seen that I would use. I'm NOT going to put one on my sunglasses, I don't wear a helmet and don't really have anywhere on the bars on my commuter that one wouldn't be in the way.
I can't see having the time to do anything about a car hitting me from behind with a 40 mph+ closing speed and I've never wrecked glancing behind me to check traffic in a car, big truck, motorcycle at twice speed limit or a bike.
Even if I had a mirror I still believe that I would "check my blind spot".
02-23-14 | 01:21 PM
#30
Mostly harmless ™
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 243
From: Novi Sad
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Of course, but riding with a hood, for example, on a rainy day, I used to look at the situation in the mirror and when I saw it is clear, I had to do just one blind spot check. Without a mirror it is more complicated. However, in all the other situations, riding without a hood (99% of the time), having a mirror was too much of a scare for me - without much use. Plus it was one more gadget on the bike.
02-23-14 | 01:26 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: West Georgia
Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter
02-23-14 | 04:26 PM
#32
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
.......with a helmet- or glasses-mounted mirror, with just a slight swivel of the head, there is no blind spot.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
02-24-14 | 07:29 AM
#33
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,141
Likes: 6,366
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I also like the Take A Look mirror. I think it's the best of its type. It takes a lot of practice at first.
I don't use it on every ride, because some rides are so short, I just want to get out of the door fast. Then when I don't have it, I miss it.
I don't use it on every ride, because some rides are so short, I just want to get out of the door fast. Then when I don't have it, I miss it.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
02-24-14 | 07:31 AM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,850
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From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
1. Yes, a cheap big convex mirror I got at Dick's Sporting Goods. It's mounted to my handlebar. (https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=12749870)
2. I've never seen one mounted to an arm. It would take away the mirror while I was signaling left turns...so maybe not too practical.
2. I've never seen one mounted to an arm. It would take away the mirror while I was signaling left turns...so maybe not too practical.
02-24-14 | 07:51 AM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
… I'm NOT going to put one [mirror] on my sunglasses, I don't wear a helmet and don't really have anywhere on the bars on my commuter that one wouldn't be in the way.
I can't see having the time to do anything about a car hitting me from behind with a 40 mph+ closing speed and I've never wrecked glancing behind me to check traffic in a car, big truck, motorcycle at twice speed limit or a bike.
Even if I had a mirror I still believe that I would "check my blind spot".
I can't see having the time to do anything about a car hitting me from behind with a 40 mph+ closing speed and I've never wrecked glancing behind me to check traffic in a car, big truck, motorcycle at twice speed limit or a bike.
Even if I had a mirror I still believe that I would "check my blind spot".
I have driven vehicles ranging from motorcycles, sports cars, station wagons and several million miles worth of big trucks. Every last one of them has had a blind spot. It is a fool that make a maneuver trusting only his mirrors…
I don't use a mirror on a bike because I'm gonna turn and look anyway. There's no way that I would trust a mirror to move myself and bike into what at a minimum would be 10 to 15 times bigger than me and moving two to five time faster. I'll look.
Use a mirror if you care.
I don't use a mirror on a bike because I'm gonna turn and look anyway. There's no way that I would trust a mirror to move myself and bike into what at a minimum would be 10 to 15 times bigger than me and moving two to five time faster. I'll look.
Use a mirror if you care.
Any mirror is …better than none at all requiring a head and shoulder turn and complete loss of forward vision…
Besides just offensively monitoring the upcoming traffic, a mirror can save split seconds when you have to defensively avoid unexpected obstacles and evade approaching traffic, while still maintaining near-continuous forward vision.
Besides just offensively monitoring the upcoming traffic, a mirror can save split seconds when you have to defensively avoid unexpected obstacles and evade approaching traffic, while still maintaining near-continuous forward vision.
IMO, the use of a mirror is a matter of choice, but I dispute the categorical assertion that it is foolish to make a maneuver trusting only a mirror.
As I mentioned above, as a conscientious cyclist who wears right and left eyeglass mirrors I regularly though not excessively monitor the traffic behind me and I’m usually aware of the situation, including my usual blind spot with the mirror. I determine that blind spot to be about, say 8 feet wide and about 20 feet long, to my immediate left and behind.
Just this morning on a quiet road, I did a head and shoulder turn to assess this area. Even using my peripheral vision, which is less sensitive than direct vision, I had to turn significantly to completely visualize this area, taking my forward vision totally away for a brief period. Furthermore, it seems to me that perhaps the act of twisting my upper body may slightly deviate my forward direction of travel. In my mind to turn and look, with this brief loss of forward vision and control is risky, especially if I have preemptively been checking my surroundings. I may travel at least several feet at usual speed under these circumstances while perhaps simutaneously approaching a nearby obstacle.
I think these disputes that so often arise on BF may occur because the subscribers only relate to their own cycling circumstances. I can understand why someone riding rural, lightly-traveled and perhaps well-paved roads might not feel the need for a mirror, and rely on their hearing and rearward glances. On my urban commute where auto traffic may be heavy, bike lanes narrow, and hazards frequent and sudden, my mirror is the best bet.
Even on a quiet country road though, one rearward hazard I have encountered is that when a car passes, I can never be absolutely sure that another car is not immediately behind, and briefly the road noise sounds only like one car passing. Watching in the mirror as one or two cars approach and pass makes the situation perfectly clear.
Jim’s Law of the Road: “No matter how well-paved or lightly-traveled the Road, a vehicle is likely to pass on the left as you encounter an obstacle on the right.”
As I mentioned above, as a conscientious cyclist who wears right and left eyeglass mirrors I regularly though not excessively monitor the traffic behind me and I’m usually aware of the situation, including my usual blind spot with the mirror. I determine that blind spot to be about, say 8 feet wide and about 20 feet long, to my immediate left and behind.
Just this morning on a quiet road, I did a head and shoulder turn to assess this area. Even using my peripheral vision, which is less sensitive than direct vision, I had to turn significantly to completely visualize this area, taking my forward vision totally away for a brief period. Furthermore, it seems to me that perhaps the act of twisting my upper body may slightly deviate my forward direction of travel. In my mind to turn and look, with this brief loss of forward vision and control is risky, especially if I have preemptively been checking my surroundings. I may travel at least several feet at usual speed under these circumstances while perhaps simutaneously approaching a nearby obstacle.
I think these disputes that so often arise on BF may occur because the subscribers only relate to their own cycling circumstances. I can understand why someone riding rural, lightly-traveled and perhaps well-paved roads might not feel the need for a mirror, and rely on their hearing and rearward glances. On my urban commute where auto traffic may be heavy, bike lanes narrow, and hazards frequent and sudden, my mirror is the best bet.
Even on a quiet country road though, one rearward hazard I have encountered is that when a car passes, I can never be absolutely sure that another car is not immediately behind, and briefly the road noise sounds only like one car passing. Watching in the mirror as one or two cars approach and pass makes the situation perfectly clear.
Jim’s Law of the Road: “No matter how well-paved or lightly-traveled the Road, a vehicle is likely to pass on the left as you encounter an obstacle on the right.”
I have confidently resumed my commuting because, even as before the acccident, I am much more secure with my rearview mirrors.
02-24-14 | 09:34 AM
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 36
From: Hammonton, NJ
Bikes: Dawes Lightning sport, Trek 1220, Trek 7100
a rearview mirror is useful in a car and also useful while biking, in my opinion.
02-24-14 | 11:40 AM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,642
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Bikes: 1997 Rivendell Road Standard 650b conversion (tourer), 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10 (gravel/tour), 2013 Foundry Auger disc (CX/gravel), 2016 Cannondale Fat CAAD 2 (MTB/winter), 2011 Cannondale Flash 29er Lefty (trail MTB)
1. Yes. I use this https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/m5.htm. They call it the "german mirror"; it's made by D + D Oberlauda. Neither of my bikes can use a bar-end mirror; one has bar-end shifters and the other has rubber grips.
The "german mirror" can be mounted anywhere on a handlebar, on any handlebar, and even on the fork, rack, or frame. It has a huge mirror that shows a lot of what's behind you. It looks super dorky, like any mirror.
I don't like helmet mirrors because they're too small, get whacked out of alignment too easily, and I couldn't find one that doesn't vibrate itself out of alignment after a couple miles. I don't wear glasses and change out my sunglasses often, so glasses-mounted doesn't work for me either.
2. An arm-mounted mirror just sounds really sweaty to me. Gross. Plus it doesn't look like it's really in the field of view without turning your head.
The "german mirror" can be mounted anywhere on a handlebar, on any handlebar, and even on the fork, rack, or frame. It has a huge mirror that shows a lot of what's behind you. It looks super dorky, like any mirror.
I don't like helmet mirrors because they're too small, get whacked out of alignment too easily, and I couldn't find one that doesn't vibrate itself out of alignment after a couple miles. I don't wear glasses and change out my sunglasses often, so glasses-mounted doesn't work for me either.
2. An arm-mounted mirror just sounds really sweaty to me. Gross. Plus it doesn't look like it's really in the field of view without turning your head.
02-24-14 | 01:50 PM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
A mirror is one of the best additions I ever made to my riding kit. Feel naked or something if I don't have it. I actually just rigged up a telescopic engine inspection mirror I had in my toolbox to my helmet. It really works great being able to see what's coming up behind me so I can be proactive, or have more time to react or whatever. I can also monitor people riding behind me.
One of these days I'm going to get a TRUE helmet-mounted mirror, just haven't gotten around to it.
I also like the idea of that one that mounts to the frame by the head tube so that you basically look down to see between your leg and the frame behind you. But having a mirror on my helmet allows me to see a much wider area with very little head movement. I can even see the area to my right rear if I turn my head left just a bit more.
Looks like this without the red part. I just zip-tied it to one of the vent slots on the left side of my helmet.
One of these days I'm going to get a TRUE helmet-mounted mirror, just haven't gotten around to it.
I also like the idea of that one that mounts to the frame by the head tube so that you basically look down to see between your leg and the frame behind you. But having a mirror on my helmet allows me to see a much wider area with very little head movement. I can even see the area to my right rear if I turn my head left just a bit more.
Looks like this without the red part. I just zip-tied it to one of the vent slots on the left side of my helmet.
02-24-14 | 02:03 PM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
Once while in biking gear I was chatting with a radio talk show host doing an an outdoor remote broadcast. As I was facing him. he mentioned to his sidekick about a couple of cute girls standing behind me, and I just pointed to my rearview mirror.
02-24-14 | 07:00 PM
#41
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
02-24-14 | 08:30 PM
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 108
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From: Jefferson City, MO
Bikes: LHT, Giant Defy2, 83 Fuji Del Rey
I always ride with a helmet-mounted mirror. I like being able to check for the next wave of traffic; if it looks particularly bad on a busy stretch of road, I can pull over and wait. And since I have some neck issues, I don't like turning my head around just to see what's behind me. Like Jim from Boston, I feel like I drift slightly if I turn my neck too far, and I like the option of doing a quick mirror-check.
Seriously, until they develop an on-bike radar system, whatever works for you is fine. I like a mirror, but I also like lights, bike computers, a place to put my phone, etc. If you feel better riding with a mirror, figure out if you want a bike-mounted one or a helmet or glass-mounted version. See how you like it.
Seriously, until they develop an on-bike radar system, whatever works for you is fine. I like a mirror, but I also like lights, bike computers, a place to put my phone, etc. If you feel better riding with a mirror, figure out if you want a bike-mounted one or a helmet or glass-mounted version. See how you like it.
02-26-14 | 10:59 PM
#43
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: 2012 Jamis Basanova, 2005 Novara Fusion, 1993 Trek 1100
I once wore the Bell Metro helmet which had all kinds of great accessories, one of which was a mirror. I have to say that I loved that thing although it was a bit fragile. I had two, when the first one broke they replaced it no cost to me. When the second one broke I didn't even call, as they stopped making the helmet. Anyways, I just bought a new drop bar mount mirror and I think the helmet mount provided a much better view of what was behind you. It may be a case of just getting used to it, but my opinion now is go with the helmet mounted mirror.
02-27-14 | 12:02 AM
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,643
Likes: 68
From: Portland OR
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Take-A-Look mirror on the helmet. Invaluable.
02-27-14 | 08:16 AM
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,634
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Eyeglass and mirror on both bikes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12EyzRuPlZA
02-27-14 | 09:10 AM
#46
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,141
Likes: 6,366
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
02-27-14 | 12:34 PM
#47
Señior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I'm a fan of helmet mount. I used to use Take-A-Look until I kissed pavement one day and the rigid rod went into my face and the sharp edge on the mirror gouged my nose open about an inch. Now I wonder why I thought it was a good idea having a very rigid metal rod an inch from my eye.
I'm now using a Cycleaware Reflex. The mirror edges are protected and the holder is "gumby" wire.
I'm now using a Cycleaware Reflex. The mirror edges are protected and the holder is "gumby" wire.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
02-27-14 | 01:24 PM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 36
From: Hammonton, NJ
Bikes: Dawes Lightning sport, Trek 1220, Trek 7100
I heard a similar story, which is why I went with the third eye mirror... mirror has plastic edges, has plastic arm that can pop out of the joint so no real risk of it gouging your face.
02-27-14 | 02:08 PM
#49
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
I'm a fan of helmet mount. I used to use Take-A-Look until I kissed pavement one day and the rigid rod went into my face and the sharp edge on the mirror gouged my nose open about an inch. Now I wonder why I thought it was a good idea having a very rigid metal rod an inch from my eye.
I'm now using a Cycleaware Reflex. The mirror edges are protected and the holder is "gumby" wire.
I'm now using a Cycleaware Reflex. The mirror edges are protected and the holder is "gumby" wire.
I've gone down on about four serious falls without injuries from the mirror. I looked up Cyclewear Reflex and found they make a plastic eyeglass mounted mirror, so I'll "take a look" for one, or a similar alternative.
