I bought a Helmet Mirror (Blackburn brand) this morning. I am going to try to return it because I found this mirror to be totally useless. To see a vehicle coming you have to try to get your head in just the right position, you can’t be off even the slightest bit. While you are getting your head in the right position you are being distracted from what is in front of you (like a pot hole). Once you get your head in just the right position, then you have to be on a perfectly smooth road or the mirror will vibrate so bad you still can’t seen anything. Is my experience with a Helmet Mirror unique or do others experience the same thing?

What type of mirror do you use or recommend?

Tried them all. This one works for me.

https://www.messengermirror.com/

None are perfect.

Adjust it to be just off from your left ear.

I like these I have both the bar end type and the STI type and both work very well.

I have mine set to just look at that place for a car coming up on me when riding straight. I can move my head a little right to left if needed. But to see other traffic I still look around over my shoulder. At night this type mirror shows the lights coming up really nice giving me time to move over on the shoulder.

https://www.mirrycle.com/mirrycle_mirrors.php

I love my eyeglass mounted Chuck Harris Ultra-light mirror. I have tried helmet mounts (my helmet bounces too much on a rough surface) and bar end mounts (often knocked out by my knee) and found eyeglass mounted mirrors to work the best. Of course if you don't wear glasses it could be a problem.

I've used the mountain bike Mirrycle for years on my drop bar road bike. Have been pretty satisfied with it, but since it jiggles a lot, I've tried several other types lately. The eyeglass mounted mirror I tried was awful. Never could figure out how to adjust it so all I had to do is look at it. I guess my biggest issue is that I had to drastically change my focal point from distant down the road to looking at something just a couple inches from my eyeball. I recently purchased Sprintech bar end mirrors and am quite happy with them. I only wish they were not convex, but they don't vibrate, are easy to install and adjust, and don't look half bad. Kind of expensive, but I like them well enough that I'm getting a second pair for my other bike.

Amazon link to the Sprintech Drop Bar Mirror.

Mirrors are sort of a personal thing. What works for one does not work for another. For example, I tried one of those mirrors that mount to the helmet but having that thing hanging out there drove me crazy. But I have friends who love them. I also tried a mirrycle, but it vibrated so much on rough roads (and chipseal) that I could not really see anything in the mirror. You may have to experiment a little to see what works for you.

After much trial-n-error, I ride with one of these stuck into the end of my drop bar. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/Third-Eye-Bar-...cmu_pg__header

I use this:





Go to AMAZON and enter "Sprintech" - though I'm sure there are other brands as well. I've used these for quite a while, and a few club members have started using them as well.

And ... you they don't look 'dorky'

I've been using CycleAware mirrors for about 8-10 years.

This by far the best bar end mirror I have used on a bike. I have the same problems as the OP with helmet and glasses mounted mirrors.
https://tinyurl.com/82e3jv9


DSCF0722 by BluesDawg, on Flickr

I tried helmet and eyeglass mirrors, none worked for me. This does


https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Mercha...ry_Code=MIRROR

Looks a lot like what BD uses, I have had these on all my bikes for the past 5 or 6 years.

Mirrcyle on my MTB, works great. Tried the helmet mirror, didn't give the same field of view and always knocking it out of alignment.

My favorite as well.

Give it a try for a few rides and you'll find you like it.

Within a few hours you'll find you can see what you need to see instantly, and with much less distraction than turning your head to look.

Tried everything..... this one works best for me, by far.....
https://www.amazon.com/Third-Eye-Eyeg.../dp/B000BDJP66
..... if you don't wear prescription glasses, wear a pair of sunglasses for that "cool-dorky" look. After getting used to it, I now feel naked & vulnerable without it. While most bike mirrors have their particular compromising deficiencies, the positive aspects of this type of mirror work best for me.

Take a Look mirror works for me mounted on the visor of my helmet. Mirrors like this take a little getting used to - I've used mirrors similar to this for 30+ years and am used to them.



https://www.pacelineproducts.com/Cate...k_Mirrors.aspx

that or if you prefer a glasses mounted mirror nothing beats the Take-A-Look. I disagree that none are perfect. Both of these are, it's all about knowing how to place them.

One more thing, a head mounted mirror is much, much more efficient than a stationary mirror. With a moveable mirror, you don't even have blind spots. The slightest turn of the head gives you a huge picture.

I am using this mirror and I find that I don't see cars until they are very close, because of the convex mirror. Irritating. Plus, I keep hitting the thing with my knee.

Looks like it because it is it. Same link.

Are these mirrors flat or convex?

Both my bikes have flat (mountain bike-style) bars. I've tried a few mirrors but the one that really works is a CRG motorcycle mirror. I had one sitting in my parts bin, and one day I realized that bike bars and moto bars are the same diameter at the ends. I tried it, and it works better than any bicycle mirror -- no vibration, great field of view, stays where I put it but folds in when I take the bike on the train, and is nearly indestructible. Granted, it weighs a little more than a typical bicycle mirror, but it's beautifully machined solid aluminum instead of flimsy plastic.

Have a look at this frame-mounted mirror https://www.bike-eye.com/about.html https://www.bike-eye.com/endorsements.html

I like the Take A Look too, didn't have much trouble getting used to it, and especially appreciate the vast range of vision available with very slight head movements. It just takes a bit of practice. People need to remember what these mirrors are for: checking to see if there's a vehicle approaching from the rear. Sharp focus on fine details doesn't really matter.

This wouldn't work on my 5700 series 105 shifters. Shimano changed where they attach. I had a barend version on my Hybrid and it did work well.

You can't go wrong with either a Chuck Harris or a Take-a-Look, either on your glasses or on your helmet.

I also use the Miricycle bar-end mirrors on my 'jump on and ride, no special stuff required' bikes.

Especially since a mirror is only an enhancement for situational awareness...and not a substitute for a head check when you are changing positions.