Mirror
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Western Maryland
Bikes: Giant Boulder
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?
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Central Va.
Bikes: '11 Raleigh Revenio 3.0 '12 Trek 3700
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.
#4
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#6
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.
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.
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Western Maryland
Bikes: Giant Boulder
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?
#10
FrankTheCrank
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Alabama, sometime in the 1950's
Bikes: Surly LHT, Bilenky Tourlite Travel, Scattante 650
https://www.rei.com/product/752285/bi...-a-look-mirror
Fits on your glasses or sunglasses. Excellent optics. Will save your life!
Fits on your glasses or sunglasses. Excellent optics. Will save your life!
#11
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Washington
Bikes: 20 year old KHS Montana trail
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.
#12
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.

10 Wheels, ItsJustAHill, iluvpandas4... you guys are great!

10 Wheels, ItsJustAHill, iluvpandas4... you guys are great!
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,660
Likes: 177
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: PNW (PDX)
Bikes: 1999 Lightspeed Classic, Specialized Stumpjumper
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
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
#15
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 1
From: Gig Harbor, WA
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
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.
#16
I use a bike peddler compact take-a-look and it works great. https://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-1121582.html
#18
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Western Maryland
Bikes: Giant Boulder
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
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

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.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Corvallis, OR
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.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: US
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?
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: US
I'm going to get this
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...-mirror/20-177
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...-mirror/20-177
#23
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: US
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.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0





