Thanks for all the responses, I guess I'm not alone. I'll start experimenting with different options.

I use end-of-bar mounted mirrors on my bikes. The biggest problem I have is in them breaking. Not the mirror itself but the mounting brackets.

I've used these for a long time.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

They work well, they don't look "dorky", and they are inexpensive.

Look up "Spintech" on Amazon - though I believe there are other manufacturers as well.

Several here have been recommending The Italian Road Bike Mirror. Actually contemplating getting one.

http://www.aspirevelotech.com/ebayimages/Rider_View.jpg http://www.aspirevelotech.com/ebayimages/Fleximount.jpg

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

http://www.google.com/search?q=the+i...w=1345&bih=765

Can you adjust the angle on this mirror?

Can you adjust the angle on this mirror?

It looks good - but also seems to be pretty expensive.

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

Thanks to a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle crash I have limited ROM in my neck. This is what I use on my road bike.

Would you ride a motorcycle or drive a car without a rear-view mirror?

If the answer is no, then you need a mirror for the bicycle.

A mirror is especially helpful riding in the city. Approaching an intersection, with lights, cars and pedestrians up ahead, using a mirror is simple quick when checking for traffic from behind and beside you.

I have not used this mirror. But when I started looking, my son (he and his wife are car-free, full time bike commuters), had this mirror on one of his bikes. He said the mirror has limited range and it's not easy to scan for traffic. He's had better visibility with helmet or eye glass mounted mirrors.

But why not have both. I could see having both a bar end mirror and an eye glass mounted mirror.

My son bought me a Take-a-Look mirror for my birthday. After using this mirror for almost a year now, I would never ride without one. As someone else mentioned, it feels naked not using a mirror.

I like the look of that and don't mind the expense. (This sport has already gotten way more expensive than I had imagined).:) But I ride a hybrid and my wife rides a comfort bike and this obviously won't work on them. I'll see what they carry tomorrow at the LBS. I might order something too if he doesn't have what I want. I do like to support local business. Probably because I was one for so many years.

I use the Italian Road Bike Mirror on both bar ends of my Masi road bike. Once set up it cannot be adjusted. But, I find the image pretty clear (it's glass not plastic) and I am happy with it. I don't think it's particularly expensive especially when compared to other bike gear.

I use the Safety Zone helmet-mounted mirror and like it a lot. It is large, provides a clear view, and is easy to adjust.

Okay - thanks.

The ones I use don't look quite as sleek, but they are adjustable, and they're half the price:

I have a Take-A-Look on my sunglasses, and it works very well. As long as I remember to apply the anti-fog stuff to it (as well as my sunglasses and glasses) when it's raining. I also have a convex type mirror on the right handlebar for vehicles in town coming up in the right turn lane.

I use the Mirricyle mirror on my road bike - the one that mounts to STI shifters. On my touring bike I have an old Blackburn mirror. You can't buy that design anymore, alas, so I'm trying to protect mine as long as possible.

I have tried all sorts of mirrors, including the Take-a-Look. I've tried one that mounts on my bar end, eyeglasses, brake hood, and the Mirricyle. I've never like the eyeglass type - I think my head is too big. (?) The bar end was too far down to be convenient and didn't show enough. No mirror I've tried has been perfect. The Mirricyle loosens up due to vibration. I have to carry an Allen wrench for it. One time I tightened it too much and broke it, so I have to be carry. The Blackburn vibrated too much, so I added a wooden dowel brace. It's clunkky but it works.

Went to the LBS this morning mirror shopping. Bought one for each bike that mount to the bar ends. They are called "Third Eye". They mount easily, are pretty large and real glass. He had some others that were cheaper but they seemed cheaper. I rode around the neighborhood and are good so far. We're going to ride some miles in the morning so I'll know more then.
Now, my first attempt at attaching a photo here:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=254938