Mirrors
#51
Senior Member
So on the Take A Look mirror....compact or original version?
__________________
[insert clever quote here]
[insert clever quote here]
#52
Full Member
I like the Take A Look better than the Third Eye because of the longer arm.
The shorter TAL would have the same mirror but since I don’t always use the same goggle or sunglasses the longer arm gives more “temple room” for mounting.
A shorter arm provides a closer larger image but I prefer the smaller image within my normal line if sight. (if that makes sense to anyone but me)
The shorter TAL would have the same mirror but since I don’t always use the same goggle or sunglasses the longer arm gives more “temple room” for mounting.
A shorter arm provides a closer larger image but I prefer the smaller image within my normal line if sight. (if that makes sense to anyone but me)
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,601
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Liked 700 Times
in
436 Posts
I use a bar end mirror on my road bike. It isn't small, but gives a good view of what is behind. As the first review on the link says, do have to remove the mirror from the mount when you first mount it, and it is a tight fit, but once mounted, works very well and doesn't seem that vibration really bothers it. Inexpensive to boot: https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Ce-2-.../dp/B00B13686K
#54
Senior Member
I just got an EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror. It is, beyond a doubt the dorkiest looking mirror I've ever used. It is also the best mirror I've ever used. It can be easily positioned to give a clear, wide angle view to the rear with just a quick glance. The mirror is large, gives a sharp image, and unlike every glass frame mounted mirror I've tried, it stays put with little or no vibration.
Likes For bmcer:
#55
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,800
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,329 Times
in
837 Posts
I started using a helmet-mounted CycleAware mirror about 15 years ago and don't know how I ever survived without it. The only deficiency is the adhesive system, but it is easy to replace that with a square of double-sided tape. I had to cut a small notch in my helmet visor to clear the mirror mount. I am very pleased with the whole setup.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
Likes For nomadmax:
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Since Take-a-Look is a favorite brand of many, I just posted to this aforementioned thread, Jim's Famous Trick for Rear-view Mirror Goggles
...
Note that I have lost a couple of black plastic sleeves on the prongs of one of my Take-a-Look mirrors. That’s about the only drawback of the brand. I have previously posted my remedy:
Note that I have lost a couple of black plastic sleeves on the prongs of one of my Take-a-Look mirrors. That’s about the only drawback of the brand. I have previously posted my remedy:
The Take-a-Look eyeglass metallic rearview mirror has three prongs covered with plastic tubing to secure it to the eyeglass earpiece. Those plastic sleeves slip off the prongs pretty easily and get lost; heat-shrink tubing replacement is much more secure.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 03-25-20 at 08:39 AM.
#58
Junior Member
Like the OP'er, I ride a drop-bar road bike and I wear glasses. I'm also hearing impaired - mostly in my left ear - so, generally I can hear a nearby car and know to be extra cautious. However, I don't have a sense for what direction car noise is coming from. I've tried five different mirrors in the past three years. Of those, my all-around favorite is a Third-Eye bar-end mirror. It's cheap and cheerful, but the mirror quality is pretty good and it has an appropriate amount of curvature. It helps me spot cars when they're pretty far away (behind me) at just a glance. With it, I can judge overtaking cars' speed and distance quicker and more confidently.
I tried to like an EVT helmet mounted mirror for a year... but I could never get information from it quickly enough. I had to wait for my eyes to focus, and then think about what I was seeing. I think I would have the same problem with any eyeglass or helmet mounted mirror. On my commuter, which has bar-end shifters, I use a Blackburn mirror that straps onto the left-side brake hood. It's okay, but vibrates more than the Third-Eye bar-end. I didn't like the way the D+D Oberlauda mirror mounted. It always seemed in the way of my hands, and it didn't play nice with my bar tape. Also, the Third-Eye is larger and thus more functional than the expensive German mirror.
I tried to like an EVT helmet mounted mirror for a year... but I could never get information from it quickly enough. I had to wait for my eyes to focus, and then think about what I was seeing. I think I would have the same problem with any eyeglass or helmet mounted mirror. On my commuter, which has bar-end shifters, I use a Blackburn mirror that straps onto the left-side brake hood. It's okay, but vibrates more than the Third-Eye bar-end. I didn't like the way the D+D Oberlauda mirror mounted. It always seemed in the way of my hands, and it didn't play nice with my bar tape. Also, the Third-Eye is larger and thus more functional than the expensive German mirror.
#59
Senior Member
I use Sprintech bar end mirrors. They do a decent job and installation is easy.
https://www.jensonusa.com/Sprintech-Dropbar-Mirror
https://www.jensonusa.com/Sprintech-Dropbar-Mirror
I haven't got a helmet-mounted mirror yet, but if I really want to see what's behind me better, it's probably going to have to be something like that.
#60
Newbie
The Hafny bar end mirror, 68mm, is way bigger and better than the Third Eye bar end mirror. But, I prefer the "Mirrycle Origional", which mounts to the old style brake levers. The Mirrycle is in a better position both for visibility, and not being in the way.
#61
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
Finally got around to securing mirror to helmet visor.
Have been using similar mirrors since about 1981.
Have been using similar mirrors since about 1981.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Likes For JanMM:
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Near Lancaster
Posts: 548
Bikes: Carrera Virtuoso and friend
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 47 Times
in
38 Posts
I just bought a cheap Bar End mirror and mount it on my bar extensions. Doesn't stick out, and tells me if there's a car behind, when I want to turn right (we drive on the left here) and it saves my ageing neck..
It's well adequate. Would be better mounted higher, or with a stalk, but that would vibrate; as it is, by the time I've finished checking it, I'm usually uncomfortably close to the kerb. . . .
It's well adequate. Would be better mounted higher, or with a stalk, but that would vibrate; as it is, by the time I've finished checking it, I'm usually uncomfortably close to the kerb. . . .
Likes For peterws:
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,585 Times
in
2,344 Posts
had a nice long road ride yesterday. since it was going to be bright & it's springtime I broke out the sunglasses. these have the "compact" Take-a-Look (I think). also, of course made good use of the cheap bar end mirror I got at a consignment shop for $5
took some pics of the setup in case it helps anyone
took some pics of the setup in case it helps anyone
#64
Senior Member
[QUOTE=bruce19;21357672]Depends on what you like but I use the Italian Road Bike mirror.
QUOTE]
Yep same here, absolutely superb bit of kit. Unobtrusive but really clear, doesn't scratch or distort/wobble. Best cycle accessory I've got, wouldn't ride without it.
QUOTE]
Yep same here, absolutely superb bit of kit. Unobtrusive but really clear, doesn't scratch or distort/wobble. Best cycle accessory I've got, wouldn't ride without it.
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pinehurst, NC, US
Posts: 1,716
Bikes: 2020 Trek Emonda SL6, 90's Vintage EL-OS Steel Bianchi with 2014 Campy Chorus Upgrade
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 452 Post(s)
Liked 162 Times
in
110 Posts
I used a couple kinds of 'mount to your glasses' type mirrors. They were OK. I ended up trying a dropbar mounted mirror and much prefer that. This is the one that I use (it clamps onto the very end of my drops and is (barely) not in the way).
dave
dave
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times
in
740 Posts
FWIW the Italian Road bike mirror is glass not plastic.
#67
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,539
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3891 Post(s)
Liked 1,940 Times
in
1,385 Posts
I've been using Blackburn Helmet Mirrors for many years. It's a perfect mirror. I set it so that I have to turn my head slightly to see directly behind me. The only hassle I've had is that it's possible for the sticky-back mounting pads to get weak over time, so I add superglue to the sticky-backs. It's very useful to be able to scan the road behind just by moving my head slightly.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,909
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4806 Post(s)
Liked 3,932 Times
in
2,557 Posts
I just got an EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror. It is, beyond a doubt the dorkiest looking mirror I've ever used. It is also the best mirror I've ever used. It can be easily positioned to give a clear, wide angle view to the rear with just a quick glance. The mirror is large, gives a sharp image, and unlike every glass frame mounted mirror I've tried, it stays put with little or no vibration.
I started this 15 years ago and I've made three. (Three models of helmet.) Why helmet manufacturers and the mirror people cannot talk to each other and come up with a system like mine (that requires a standard and two tiny holes) is completely beyond me.
Ben
#70
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
After four and a half decades of being grumpy about mirrors I got a Take A Look. It wasn't love at first sight (pun not intended), but it's useful and I've made peace with it. Especially good when I ride with my wife so I can keep from getting too far ahead. She doesn't mind it, but I do...
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manhattan & Woodstock NY
Posts: 2,749
Bikes: 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, early '70s Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Raleigh International, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mk1
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 939 Post(s)
Liked 2,946 Times
in
982 Posts
She encourages me to go on ahead. Sometimes I do, mostly I don’t.
__________________
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
#73
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Thailand
Posts: 282
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito CV disk, and rim brake
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Liked 98 Times
in
61 Posts
I use Sprintech bar end mirrors. They do a decent job and installation is easy.
https://www.jensonusa.com/Sprintech-Dropbar-Mirror
https://www.jensonusa.com/Sprintech-Dropbar-Mirror
#75
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,792
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3591 Post(s)
Liked 3,401 Times
in
1,935 Posts
I use a take-a-look mirror on my road bike. It attaches to your glasses and is very effective. I don't ride without it...or at least not on the road.
https://takealookactive.com/
https://takealookactive.com/