Another N00B Question
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wylie, Texas
Posts: 198
Bikes: Specialized Expedition Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Another N00B Question
Today, to vary my route, I spent a little more time on surface streets than on my previous rides. This brought a question in my mind, how many of y'all have rear view mirrors on your bikes? I could tell folks were coming up behind me by the sound but my ears aren't what they once were. What are your general thoughts on the issue of mirrors?
#3
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
I have bar end mirrors on my road bikes.
#4
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
I've been using helmet mounted Cycle Aware Reflex mirrors for several years.
https://www.cycleaware.com/index.php?...&products_id=1
https://www.cycleaware.com/index.php?...&products_id=1
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,061
Bikes: 2012 Trek DS 8.5 all weather hybrid, 2008 LeMond Poprad cyclocross, 1992 Cannondale R500 roadbike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's on my list...
#6
Senior Member
I feel naked without my take-a-look mirror.
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-C.../dp/B001VTQNVO
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-C.../dp/B001VTQNVO
#7
Senior Member
Mirrors, yes.
The roadies who make fun of them are fools.
The roadies who make fun of them are fools.
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
#8
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
I don't make fun of them, and I've tried lots of different kinds and mirror mounting points and have yet to find one that works for me.
Hopefully someday I will, but for now, none of my bikes (nor my helmet, glasses, etc.) has a mirror mounted.
Rick / OCRR
Hopefully someday I will, but for now, none of my bikes (nor my helmet, glasses, etc.) has a mirror mounted.
Rick / OCRR
Last edited by Rick@OCRR; 01-05-13 at 09:27 PM.
#9
alleged person
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 465
Bikes: 1970s Royal Scot 3-Speed, 2005 Breezer Villager 7-Speed IGH
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
This is one of those topics that comes up periodically, and all kinds of opinions get expressed each time.
Mine is that I wouldn't want to ride my bike without a mirror any more than I'd want to drive a car without the rear-view. But I do most of my cycling on city streets where there's going to be traffic coming up behind me. If I was riding off road I might not care about mirrors so much.
If you have doubts about the sharpness of your hearing a mirror may well be worth a try. Again, people have their own opinions of the relative merits of various mirrors, but for me any mirror would be better than none.
Mine is that I wouldn't want to ride my bike without a mirror any more than I'd want to drive a car without the rear-view. But I do most of my cycling on city streets where there's going to be traffic coming up behind me. If I was riding off road I might not care about mirrors so much.
If you have doubts about the sharpness of your hearing a mirror may well be worth a try. Again, people have their own opinions of the relative merits of various mirrors, but for me any mirror would be better than none.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 206
Bikes: Kona Wheelhouse
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Ultralite Mirror. I have it attached to the upper part of the left drop. I find them very useful.
#12
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
I had one on one of my bikes and I had problems with it moving all the time. Never used it till I used the other bike and found myself looking for it.
Good unit to have on the bike providing it does not move and cause problems with you having to adjust all the time.
Good unit to have on the bike providing it does not move and cause problems with you having to adjust all the time.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#13
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,216
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 347 Times
in
226 Posts
I feel naked without my take-a-look mirror.
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-C.../dp/B001VTQNVO
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-C.../dp/B001VTQNVO
I've used helmet- or glasses-mounted mirrors for more than thirty years.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 307
Bikes: All mine are electric bikes now
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 57 Post(s)
Liked 59 Times
in
37 Posts
Both hybrids have the bar end mirrors. Love them! The road bike has a cheapee teardrop mirror (a Wal-Mart velcro-onto-the-grip twist mirror) that is strapped to the left drop at the curl, pointing downward rather than horizontally as would be normal on a flatbar bike. The mirror twists just enough to give a glimpse of the scenery behind me, is tight in profile to the bike, and completely out of the way of my hands on the bars. I didn't like the road bike end bars, or a helmet mirror, so this was the best alternative.
Last edited by momsonherbike; 01-06-13 at 12:40 AM.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sequim, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula
Posts: 438
Bikes: Co-Motion Mocha, Fuji touring, Trex hybrid, Bike Friday Tandem Traveler
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Helmet mounted for both my wife (stoker) and myself. Can't imagine not being able to see behind.
#18
Boomer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,214
Bikes: Diamondback Clarity II frame homebuilt.
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16098 Post(s)
Liked 1,457 Times
in
1,064 Posts
I like mirrors, even on some offroad rides. There are faster riders on some of my off road trails and I like to move over and let them by. On some surfaces I do not hear them coming.
__________________
#19
Grumpy Old Bugga
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 4,229
Bikes: Hillbrick, Malvern Star Oppy S2, Europa (R.I.P.)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 370 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
6 Posts
I've had bar end mirrors and they mostly worked though some were better positioned or had less blur than others. You may find yourself buying a few before you get one you like.
I've had a helmet mounted mirror that worked well but found I had to readjust it every time I put on my helmet because it had been bumped ... and putting the helmet down became a nightmare.
The MAIN reason I stopped using a mirror though was all they can do is tell you there IS a car there. If you can't see a car, you still have to do a head check. For that, your hearing is good enough because, only a fool changes line without a head check.
Should you fit one? Sure, give it a go. Which sort depends on your bike, you and your habits. Try some different sorts if you like. They do give a quick and easy way to check if someone is there and that can give confidence if there's traffic around which is a very real benefit in itself. Just be aware that they do not replace a look over your shoulder.
I understand the problem of an aging body not wanting to turn around to check traffic - there's nothing wrong with stopping to have a good look and, like most things in cycling, looking over your shoulder is a skill that gets easier as you do more of it.
Cycling is a process of working out which bits you want on your bike. It's part of the joy of cycling. Try everything you think might help. Your bike WILL get too fussy ( you'll fix that once you notice it) and you will build a collection of stuff you no longer use. So what? If cycling isn't fun, why do it? So what if the owner of your lbs funded his own upgrade on your experiments? Cripes, I've just built a complete bike and bought nothing, it all came out my boxes of bits, including the cables and brake blocks. Too many people imagine cycling must be done in a certain way and some weirdos imagine it's only about the riding. Nope, cycling is a life in itself and like all lives, you get to live it your way.
I've had a helmet mounted mirror that worked well but found I had to readjust it every time I put on my helmet because it had been bumped ... and putting the helmet down became a nightmare.
The MAIN reason I stopped using a mirror though was all they can do is tell you there IS a car there. If you can't see a car, you still have to do a head check. For that, your hearing is good enough because, only a fool changes line without a head check.
Should you fit one? Sure, give it a go. Which sort depends on your bike, you and your habits. Try some different sorts if you like. They do give a quick and easy way to check if someone is there and that can give confidence if there's traffic around which is a very real benefit in itself. Just be aware that they do not replace a look over your shoulder.
I understand the problem of an aging body not wanting to turn around to check traffic - there's nothing wrong with stopping to have a good look and, like most things in cycling, looking over your shoulder is a skill that gets easier as you do more of it.
Cycling is a process of working out which bits you want on your bike. It's part of the joy of cycling. Try everything you think might help. Your bike WILL get too fussy ( you'll fix that once you notice it) and you will build a collection of stuff you no longer use. So what? If cycling isn't fun, why do it? So what if the owner of your lbs funded his own upgrade on your experiments? Cripes, I've just built a complete bike and bought nothing, it all came out my boxes of bits, including the cables and brake blocks. Too many people imagine cycling must be done in a certain way and some weirdos imagine it's only about the riding. Nope, cycling is a life in itself and like all lives, you get to live it your way.
Last edited by europa; 01-06-13 at 06:19 AM.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wylie, Texas
Posts: 198
Bikes: Specialized Expedition Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I want to thank everyone for their advice. I admit I was a little surprised the majority who responded use mirrors....guess I have been spending too much time in A&S. Just placed an order with Amazon (after checking my LBS website and they didn't show any helmet mount mirrors in stock) for two different mirrors since they were cheaper than I expected.
Thanks again. This forum has been a huge help with advice.
Thanks again. This forum has been a huge help with advice.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wylie, Texas
Posts: 198
Bikes: Specialized Expedition Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Your message posted as I was typing my reply to previous messages and I just have to respond.
You voiced the exact things I feel. I did order two different mirrors to see what I like (they aren't that expensive). My head turns are not great any longer but I expect the riding will give me greater flexibility and I can see biking, not just riding, becoming a life style. For a grumpy old bogga you have a lot of wisdom.
The MAIN reason I stopped using a mirror though was all they can do is tell you there IS a car there. If you can't see a car, you still have to do a head check. For that, your hearing is good enough because, only a fool changes line without a head check.
Should you fit one? Sure, give it a go. Which sort depends on your bike, you and your habits. Try some different sorts if you like. They do give a quick and easy way to check if someone is there and that can give confidence if there's traffic around which is a very real benefit in itself. Just be aware that they do not replace a look over your shoulder.
I understand the problem of an aging body not wanting to turn around to check traffic - there's nothing wrong with stopping to have a good look and, like most things in cycling, looking over your shoulder is a skill that gets easier as you do more of it.
Cycling is a process of working out which bits you want on your bike. It's part of the joy of cycling. Try everything you think might help. Your bike WILL get too fussy ( you'll fix that once you notice it) and you will build a collection of stuff you no longer use. So what? If cycling isn't fun, why do it? So what if the owner of your lbs funded his own upgrade on your experiments? Cripes, I've just built a complete bike and bought nothing, it all came out my boxes of bits, including the cables and brake blocks. Too many people imagine cycling must be done in a certain way and some weirdos imagine it's only about the riding. Nope, cycling is a life in itself and like all lives, you get to live it your way.
Should you fit one? Sure, give it a go. Which sort depends on your bike, you and your habits. Try some different sorts if you like. They do give a quick and easy way to check if someone is there and that can give confidence if there's traffic around which is a very real benefit in itself. Just be aware that they do not replace a look over your shoulder.
I understand the problem of an aging body not wanting to turn around to check traffic - there's nothing wrong with stopping to have a good look and, like most things in cycling, looking over your shoulder is a skill that gets easier as you do more of it.
Cycling is a process of working out which bits you want on your bike. It's part of the joy of cycling. Try everything you think might help. Your bike WILL get too fussy ( you'll fix that once you notice it) and you will build a collection of stuff you no longer use. So what? If cycling isn't fun, why do it? So what if the owner of your lbs funded his own upgrade on your experiments? Cripes, I've just built a complete bike and bought nothing, it all came out my boxes of bits, including the cables and brake blocks. Too many people imagine cycling must be done in a certain way and some weirdos imagine it's only about the riding. Nope, cycling is a life in itself and like all lives, you get to live it your way.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Back in my diamond frame riding days I THOUGHT that I needed one.
Since I've started riding recumbents I REALLY need one. Since you lean back on a recumbent seat, you can't twist your torso as easily to look behind you.
Since I've started riding recumbents I REALLY need one. Since you lean back on a recumbent seat, you can't twist your torso as easily to look behind you.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 3,392
Bikes: Surly LHT, Specialized Rockhopper, Nashbar Touring (old), Specialized Stumpjumper (older), Nishiki Tourer (model unknown)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I put mirrors on all my bikes. I consider them an important part of my staying safe in what can be a dangerous hobby. I don't see any downside. My $.02.
#24
Climbers Apprentice
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,600
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Serious question here not trying to incite a quarrel. Why dont you guys just turn your head... it took me little while to get use to it, but once I got over veering off in the direction I was looking I like that method much more than trying to focus in a small mirror.
#25
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Serious answer. I do both. Just as you get used to turning and looking without veering, you get used to glancing at the mirror without focusing your attention on it. Just like the side mirror on your car, it provides another way to notice things behind you.