Anyone use a rear view mirror?
#77
Senior Member




Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21,846
Likes: 5,819
From: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
I got one years ago when the folks running Seattle to Portland recommended it. I got a Take a Look and was used to it in an hour or less. So used to it that after the ride when I was walking and heard noise behind I'd glance left for a peek, even though it wasn't there.
I never wore one as a young rider. It's a concession to being 64 and recognizing my head isn't on the swivel it used to be that I embrace my mirror.
I never wore one as a young rider. It's a concession to being 64 and recognizing my head isn't on the swivel it used to be that I embrace my mirror.
#78
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,670
Likes: 2,416
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
#79
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles basin
Bikes: His & Hers 1966 Schwinn Collegiates (Mom and Dad), 3 1998 GT Palomars (The Twins and the Red Headed Step)
Just ordered me the Mirrcyle mirror. Got wide enough bars that I think I'm going to be able to mount it down and inboard, so it's less likely to get broken.
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
#81
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 300
Likes: 6
From: Prince Albert, SK - Canada
Bikes: 1993 Trek 520 Touring, 2009 Globe SF 2, 2011 Giant Dash 3, 2011 GT Traffic 3.0, 2011 GT Traffic 5.0, 2012 GT Aggressor 3.0, 2014 Surface 604 Element
I use bar end mirrors on my bikes.
Zefal make several models; the Cyclop is wide angle and somewhat distorted, although it doesn't require finicky placement. The Spin is quite small, but most versatile for mounting on both flat bars or drops. The Dooback is larger and I like it on my commuter bike. Mirrors - ZEFAL
In the past I have also used the Louis Garneau mirror ($11.99 Cdn), but it will eventually loosen up and cannot be totally tightened.
https://garneau.com/int/en/cycling/r...r/black-020-60
I have just ordered this "Motorcycle" mirror from eBay and am anxiously waiting to try it. Hopefully will be more robust than the above mentioned cycling mirrors, although it does not fold away.
Lastly I tried this palm mirror with Fat Bike, for winter riding - requires some hand movement but overall works quite well.
https://static.dudeiwantthat.com/img/...rror-20037.jpg
Zefal make several models; the Cyclop is wide angle and somewhat distorted, although it doesn't require finicky placement. The Spin is quite small, but most versatile for mounting on both flat bars or drops. The Dooback is larger and I like it on my commuter bike. Mirrors - ZEFAL
In the past I have also used the Louis Garneau mirror ($11.99 Cdn), but it will eventually loosen up and cannot be totally tightened.
https://garneau.com/int/en/cycling/r...r/black-020-60
I have just ordered this "Motorcycle" mirror from eBay and am anxiously waiting to try it. Hopefully will be more robust than the above mentioned cycling mirrors, although it does not fold away.
Lastly I tried this palm mirror with Fat Bike, for winter riding - requires some hand movement but overall works quite well.
https://static.dudeiwantthat.com/img/...rror-20037.jpg
Last edited by GTryder; 05-12-17 at 08:15 PM.
#82
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 779
Likes: 131
From: Back-of-beyond, Kootenays, BC
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Expert Road and Specialized Stump Jumper FS Mountain; De Vinci Caribou touring, Intense Tracer T275c, Cramerotti, Specialized Allez, Condor, Marinoni, Kona Rove DL
I use mirror-cycle on my touring bike. Great clear mirror but a bit awkward. I use a bar end on my road bike - a bit blurry, but gives you the general idea. Nothing on my mountain bike. If those bears are getting closer I'd rather not know!
#83
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
Just ordered me the Mirrcyle mirror. Got wide enough bars that I think I'm going to be able to mount it down and inboard, so it's less likely to get broken.
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
#84
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 169
From: Pinehurst, NC, US
Bikes: 2020 Trek Emonda SL6, 90's Vintage EL-OS Steel Bianchi with 2014 Campy Chorus Upgrade
I use a Zefal Spy mirror clamped to the end of my left drop bar. Slight preference for that over mirrors that clamp to my glasses.
Dave
Dave
#85
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee, Florida USA
Bikes: My main, forever Ride, is My 1973 Schwinn Varsity named Henry. He's a tough old number. But I usually have a herd of varying size onhand that I am working on. I fix delapidated bicycles back to working dependable condition and put them up for sale .
CATEYE BM-300G turned to the inside on the lefthand end of My andtique Schwinn 'city bars' turned 'H-bars'... indespensable!
#86
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles basin
Bikes: His & Hers 1966 Schwinn Collegiates (Mom and Dad), 3 1998 GT Palomars (The Twins and the Red Headed Step)
I got the Mirrcyle fitted, sticking out for the time being. Seems alright, but looks a little dorky. Is anybody running it without the sticky-out arm piece? I figured I'd get the same range of adjustment by mounting the mirror directly to the handlebar arm, making my up/down adjustments at the bar end and my side-to-side adjustments at the mirror. No?

Edit: Yeah...this:

Edit: Yeah...this:
Last edited by mwalsh5757; 05-19-17 at 03:19 PM.
#87
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Bikes: Motobecane Century Pro Ti Disc
I used to use handle bar mounted mirrors but gave up on them. They were constantly getting knocked around, they made leaning the bicycle up against something a bit more difficult (no kick stand). If possible get "a take a look" mirror that mounts to glasses or helmet, take sometime and learn how to adjust it and I think you will find it much better than a handle bar mounted mirror. Good luck with the mirror search, a good mirror is IMHO the best and most important safety device you can have.
#88
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,640
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 started using a Take-A-Look mirror a few years ago. I like it so much that I carry it with me when I don't ride, in case I grab a bike unexpectedly. Since I've been using it, my skill with it has increased. I can now sweep and take a look, and I feel that I can see around myself in almost 360º. I like being able to merge left more quickly and confidently.
If you're just starting with a mirror, don't be too confident. Look with the mirror and then turn your head to confirm. The first time I used one, I looked, didn't see a car, and then moved and discovered there was a car there. I didn't get hurt, but it was scary.
If you're just starting with a mirror, don't be too confident. Look with the mirror and then turn your head to confirm. The first time I used one, I looked, didn't see a car, and then moved and discovered there was a car there. I didn't get hurt, but it was scary.
__________________
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.
#89
#90
I think that's why so many are against mirrors, because they don't look cool, they all want to look cool like a real cyclist
https://youtu.be/j7jKtJLZ4O
https://youtu.be/j7jKtJLZ4OProbably it is cool because I don't wear full kit, and come across as a rugged individualist.
…there is IMO, a large segment of noble cyclists, e.g. tourists and commuters who are neither [Roadies] nor Fred’s, but certainly serious cyclists.
My Fred Manifesto is, "I am not a Fred, you are not a Fred, we ought not be treated this way". So I propose a new name, currently applied to frequent business travelers—ROAD WARRIORS. I AM A ROAD WARRIOR—think Mel Gibson…
… IMO, the society which exalts roadies and scorns road warriors will have roads only built for cars
My Fred Manifesto is, "I am not a Fred, you are not a Fred, we ought not be treated this way". So I propose a new name, currently applied to frequent business travelers—ROAD WARRIORS. I AM A ROAD WARRIOR—think Mel Gibson…
… IMO, the society which exalts roadies and scorns road warriors will have roads only built for cars
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-20-17 at 10:07 AM.
#92
Road Runner

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 46
From: Rochester Hills, MI
Bikes: 2017 Felt VR5, 2013 Specialized Crosstrail, 2020 Specialized Vado 4.0
I could never get used to a helmet or eyeglass mirror for several reasons so have always looked for bar mounts. This one is hands down the best I've ever used: rock steady, great field of view, lightweight, easy to adjust. There are a number of mounting possibilities, but where I positioned it is very useful without interfering with my hand positions.

There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(

There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(
#93
Senior Member


Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 152
From: midwest
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
FYA, I posted earlier on this thread about using left and right Take-a-Look:BTW the only irksome thing for me about Take-a-Look mirrors is that those rubber sleeves on the prongs of the attachment end to grip, to the eyeglasses, tend to slip off and are easily lost. I learned of a product sold at electric stores (don’t know brand name) that is hollow tubular insulating material that will shrink around those prongs when heated and becomes firmly attached.
ADDENDUM:
ADDENDUM:
#94
Repaired my take-a-look with shrink tube too a while back. A hair dryer will provide sufficient heat.
#95
Old Legs

Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 33
From: Mass.
Bikes: '80 Strayvaigin, '84 Ciocc Aelle-Shimano 105, '90 Concorde Astore /Campy Triple ,85 Bridgestone 500/Suntour, 2005 Jamis Quest, 2017 Raleigh Merit 1, Raleigh Carbon Clubman
Since turning 70 this year, I decide to get a little more safety cautious. Bought this from Nashbar
Zefal Spy Bike/Handlebar Mounted Mirror
Easily moves from bike to bike, and stays in place. Not too big, just perfect. KB
Zefal Spy Bike/Handlebar Mounted Mirror
Easily moves from bike to bike, and stays in place. Not too big, just perfect. KB
#96
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: West Michigan
Bikes: 2013 Sisu Estavant Ti road bike, 2011 Jamis Supernova, 1994 Giant Sedonna, 2 1987 Miyata 615 GT's, 1970's all chrome Fuji
I could never get used to a helmet or eyeglass mirror for several reasons so have always looked for bar mounts. This one is hands down the best I've ever used: rock steady, great field of view, lightweight, easy to adjust. There are a number of mounting possibilities, but where I positioned it is very useful without interfering with my hand positions.

There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(

There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(
https://www.amazon.com/UltraLite-acc...ZPVY70ZRN7V4J5
Above is a link to a different seller for your mirror. Note the shipping times though.
#97
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Northern Maine
https://www.amazon.com/UltraLite-acc...ZPVY70ZRN7V4J5
Above is a link to a different seller for your mirror. Note the shipping times though.
Above is a link to a different seller for your mirror. Note the shipping times though.
#98
Instead of making excuses for not using mirrors maybe it's best to take advantage of the tools that are available that help us riders be more aware of our surroundings... you can't argue that it's a safer way to ride.
#99
Full Member

Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 313
Likes: 19
From: Windham, NH
Bikes: Bianchi Campione, Specialized Diverge Comp E5
Like many others have posted, I never ride without my helmet mounted take a look mirror.
I started off with a bar mounted mirror but it fell off within a couple of rides (poor installation, I guess) But I soon got used to the helmet mounted mirror. It allows me to do a quick sweep of the area behind me by just a slight swing of my head.
Mirror + ears + occasional look back makes me more aware of my surroundings.
I started off with a bar mounted mirror but it fell off within a couple of rides (poor installation, I guess) But I soon got used to the helmet mounted mirror. It allows me to do a quick sweep of the area behind me by just a slight swing of my head.
Mirror + ears + occasional look back makes me more aware of my surroundings.




