Mirror
 

Now that I'm riding on the road, I'm wondering if I should use a mirror. I can hear cars coming up behind me, but a mirror might help me see how fast they're approaching. Have others found them helpful? What are the advantages of handlebar-mounted vs. helmet-mounted mirrors? Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive mirror?

I use a mirror that replaces the handlebar plug. It works well enough. No jitter and only moves if I hit it by accident.

I know many people don't use mirrors, but I don't like to ride with out one. I prefer a helmet mirror because my eyesight isn't that great, but I think mirror style is a personal preference. If your eyesight is good the mirror you mentioned should work, if not try a helmet mirror. I enjoy the peace of mind that being able to see the cars approaching with a mirror. Really just depends on what works for you.

I use this one.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...ses/FSNMNG.jpg

http://www.messengermirror.com/

Another vote for the Messenger Mirror. Simple, affordable, and it works.

I also do not leave the drive without a mirror or a headlight and tail light in working order. I am lucky. The last time a car hit me was in 1975. I am a bit nervous even now.

You will find we all have our preferences. Just pick one up that meets your budget. From there you will learn what you like and will upgrade as needed.

Be safe out there, and my you ride more miles than you think you want to.

Grampa bought a mirror that straps onto the handlebar with velcro. It works fine on smooth road, but bumps knock it out of alignment. I'll see if a little duct tape fixes that. Does the messenger mirror wobble on its wire if the road is bumpy?

I can't hear cars coming up behind me when I'm riding 18+ mph. Too much wind noise in my ears. I rely on a Take-a-look mirror mounted to my glasses to make it easy to keep track of traffic behind me.

I vote messenger mirror! Got mine today and rode around on bumpy and smooth roads and it didn't budge. I did get incriminating looks from the neighborhood kids as well as my sister; can't win 'em all *shrug*

http://www.rei.com/product/752285/bi...-a-look-mirror

Fits on your glasses or sunglasses. Excellent optics. Will save your life!

Here is what I use, I am very happy with it because if you want to see further behind you, you can kind of twist it with your hand because it attaches to you grip with a Velcro strap.

As long as the rubber temple piece is forward and taut, the vibration is minimal. The mirror is small, so the technique to use it is more of a sweeping motion to get a little panorama of the car behind you, as opposed to a prolonged view... I suggest a quick glance back during a brief section of smooth road.
http://www.messengermirror.com/mmfullview.jpg
10 Wheels, ItsJustAHill, iluvpandas4... you guys are great!

I use a Blackburn Helmet mirror. The advantage of a head-mounted mirror (helmet or glasses) is that you can turn your head and scan a wide area behind you.

The disadvantage is that now I always check my non-existant mirror while I'm walking down a crowded sidewalk and want to go around someone :lol:

I always use a mirror, as to which is better, handle bar or glass/helmet mounted, thats up to the individual. I prefer mine on my bar, I've used both.

I use a bike peddler compact take-a-look and it works great. http://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-1121582.html

I also use a take-a-look. It works great.

Just like I check the lower right corner of the world when I want to see what time it is. Don't tell me I spend too much time on the computer.

Seems like choice of mirror is very much a personal preference. I've ordered a Take-a-Look eyeglass mirror in hopes of guessing correctly which one will work for me. I'll find out tomorrow if I picked a winner.

I use a combination of Safe Zone helmet mirror and a Mirrycle mirror on bar ends. I liked neither until I realized using both lets me optimize one for upright, and the other while in a lower position. Regardless of what you choose it'd be better than relying solely on your ears, which can result in a lot of quieter cars surprising you as they zoom right past, or worse.

I need another mirror. I have the take-a-look mirror, but the arms on my glasses are too narrow and the mirror bends the arms which I don't like. Sometimes it moves a bit, because the arms are too narrow. I have Shimano STI shifters. I have small hands, so I put shim spacers in them if that matters?

I'm going to get this
http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...-mirror/20-177

I just got a Myrrycle mirror and it's really nice. Good size mirror, stable, doesn't vibrate, and it's adjustable. The mirror tilts, and the arm moves in and out.
Happy!

I also use the Mirrycle Mirror. works good for me. http://www.mirrycle.com/mirrycle_mirrors.php

I just got the Oberlauda Ultra Light mirror delivered today and went for test ride. I tried it on the fork so it wouldn't stick out, but I couldn't see as far back. Just right below the brake hoods on the handlebar had a good view and I can still use the drops or hoods. It also fit on the bake hoods. I have the ball joint tightened to a point where I can adjust it on the go without it going out a place. Overall I like it.

This mirror works pretty good, it attaches to your helmet.
Hubbub Custom


http://hubbubcustom.com/store/prodim...t_mirror_1.jpg


Jack

http://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-M...6178931&sr=1-1

is what we have on our bikes; two on the tandem. http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...t=IMG_0694.jpg

Got to try my new Take-A-Look yesterday, and I like it just fine. Just gotta remember to remove it from my glasses before going to work. I already have enough of a reputation for being strange;)

We returned the velcro strap ones and Grampa now has a Myrrcle MTB. It withstood a very bumpy and wet overnight trip with no complaints of bouncing out of position. Of course, he was so busy trying not to be miserable in the rain that he may not have thought about the mirror at all.

It's been a real pain to find a mirror (and bell) that will fit on the 31" "oversized" bars on my new Jamis Aurora Elite touring bike. But I just ordered this one:
http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...-mirror/20-177

I got a mirror about a year ago for my hybrid bike which I use for city riding. I find that it really helps me judge how much space a car is about to give when passing, and also to check for quick merges. Since I now have my touring bike I don't use the hybrid every day and don't take it on long rides, but still the mirror is useful.

Oddly, I also find that drivers yield to me much more often when I use the mirror (as opposed to turning my head), I guess because they don't think I'm looking.

Interesting tidbit of useful info, especially because I feel less secure on the bike while my head is turned to look behind me, and that seems to be the moment many motorists choose to pass--way too close to my bike.