I'm thinking I should get a mirror, but want to see what everybody uses.

I tried using a mirror on my bike but I found that I either didn't look into it very often and cars would sneak up on me or I was trying to look into it all the time and not watching where I was going. For me it became too distracting. I just ride and if I need to look back, I look back.

Would feel naked without it. Mirricle mirror... very adjustable and slightly convex.

I don't use a mirror, I use my ears and look over my shoulder before I move.

Never in 30 years.........

You forgot the mirror clipped ON THE GLASSES. I use that very effectively, it's not distracting and very effective.

Corsaire

Always in 30 years...

I used a "take a look" mirror for a while, but gave up on it. I worked well and stayed in place unless I smacked the helmet against something after taking it off. I only used it in one spot of my commute though, and am doing fine without it.

What I like about the bar mounted mirror is I have attached a blinky light past the end of the mrror. I noticed cars move over even further now.

I couldn't vote. I use two (and soon to be three) different bikes to commute depending on my mood. My main commuter (a 2003 Fuji Shangri-la beach-cruiser) doesn't have mirrors because none look good on it, so I look over my left shoulder alot. My Giant stiletto chopper (the one I rode today) has two maltese-cross mirrors and the new one I am buying Friday (a 9' long 3-speed Firebike stretch-cruiser) will likely not have mirrors either because they'll screw up the looks of the bike as well. Sorry, aesthetics count on these bikes.

I use a bar end mirror on my mustache bars, but that doesn't mean I don't use my ears or look over my shoulder. A find a mirror invaluable for spotting traffic from a distance (while expending a minimum of attention and energy) so that you know when to keep your ears open and do a head check.

DanO

i don't use one on my bike for the same reason i don't use them in my car - just too easy to miss things - like the guy in the left lane signaling to get right behind you.
That said, if they work for you, great !! i just trust the "blindspot check" more.
Enjoy your ride - be safe.

I had a bar end mirror, but it stuck out too much and made getting through tight spaces difficult. I also found it a bit distracting and not so useful. I suppose one would get used to it, but I took it off. However, I use all my mirrors when I'm driving.

i guess what i meant to say is that i do not completely rely on my mirrors in my car. i do use my rearview, but do not rely on my sideviews at all. Sorry i didn't express myself more accurately.

Tried several different kinds and couldn't get used to any of them. Most made me naucous. I'd find myself looking back anyway because I wouldn't trust the mirror.

Ears and a glance work best for me.

Frankly I find them very distracting......my wife and kid got one for me for last christmas.....I have just gotten good at listening for the traffic and looking over my shoulder

I use the take a look mirror on my glasses. I find it a great help to plan my lane changes ahead of time. Forgot it on my last double century and that made for a hard day. I much prefer a mirror. I also like checking out the line rear approaching cars are taking in regards to me.

I didn't use a mirror for 30 years, then got a Take-a-look glasses-mount mirror a few months ago. Took a few days to learn to use effectively. Now I use it constantly. However, I always do a real look over the shoulder before I ever move laterally. But it's nice to be able to take a quick glance and see there is one car coming and a gap behind it. When that car passes, you look over your shoulder and merge.

I also use it when I'm taking the lane because there is no other same-direction traffic at the time. This allows me to ride in a more visible position. I keep looking to see if anyone is coming from behind. I wait until I know they see me (they slow down and/or move left in preparation to pass me) before I merge to the right side to accomodate their passing of me (which they appreciate). I find this to be much better than simply riding along the right side, enabling motorists to pass me as if I'm not even there without even slowing down or adjusting their lane position.

And on group rides it is great to watch for that guy who tries to take a jump on you - you can see him coming and start accelerating before he blows by you-- you can be ready to jump on his wheel!

Depends on the bike. For most commuting I would use a mirror. For flat or riser bars the Mirrycle MTB mirror works well also works good on recumbents. For drop bars, the CatEye that fits into the bar end works well. There is also the helmet mount, eyeglass mount and the tiny ones that mount inside your glasses.

MTB: no mirror
Recumbent: mirror, I can't really turn around.
Road Bike: no mirror
Fixie/SS: no mirror

I commute on a recumbent, but will commute on other bikes for variety. I never ride my MTB on the road.

I use a mirrors. On my tamdem I use a Helmet type and on my commuter I use my bar end. I can't ride without one.
On the Tamdem I like to keep to the right of the path when faster cyclist come up from behind or when I pass other cyclist. On the commuter I use it to work my around slow cars and to keep right for faster cyclist as well. Some of the cyclist I come up on that do not have a mirror must have their reason, but most do not move at first when I call out or ring my bike bell. Mybe I just like to be courteous.

And on group rides it is great to watch for that guy who tries to take a jump on you - you can see him coming and start accelerating before he blows by you-- you can be ready to jump on his wheel!

Excellent idea (embarrassed that i hadn't though of it before) - thanks!

Are they forbidden in official races? The leaders in close finishes seem to lose their rythm when they are looking back to check their competition.

I would feel naked on my commute without one. I get passed by less than 20 cars in my 13mile one way commute... I hate being surprised by the sound of a vehicle.

The stoker gets the mirror on my tandem. I look out in front, they keep an eye behind.

I need to get one for my road bike, after falling in love with the mirror on my commuter.

My commute is on a main road with continuous +45mph traffic. I ride dropbars and it's difficult to get a good look behind you while also maneuvering through road debris and watching for cars racing out of driveways between breaks in the traffic. Then there are the intersections where a cyclist going straight has to cross the right turning lane.

I got the 'take a look' eyeglass mounted mirror two years ago and it's added to my safety. With a quick tilt of the head I see everything to my left and behind me.

Hell, I don't even have brakes, why would I use a mirror?