Bike Mirror

[golferdevo3]

I'm having trouble deciding on a bike mirror to get.  I leave on the ST in a little under a month and a mirror is basically all I have left to get.  The mirror that attaches to the top of the handlebar doesn't work with my bike because it has no gap for it.  The bar end mirror could work but doesn't seem like it would work that well but I've never used it so I'm not positive.  I looked at one that attaches to sunglasses but again not sure.  Please let me know if you have any ideas or experience!  Thanks!

[staehpj1]

I don't use a mirror, so I don't have specific knowledge, but it really seems like one of those things that is entirely preference driven,  So you really need to try them and see what works for you.

What do you use now?  What have you used before?  I personally would go with whatever that is, even if that is "nothing".  If you don't use a mirror now I have to wonder why you would feel the need to suddenly start using one on tour.  It doesn't seem like something that would be more useful on tour than around town, if anything it would seem the opposite might be more likely.

[golferdevo3]

I've never used one but I also only ride in a quiet town with very little traffic so I've never needed one.  I didn't really think about one until I read some posts about needing one on tour, mainly for the 2-lane highways and what not.  I would just as soon not get one but thought it might be a safety hazard to go without one?

[FredHiltz]

I'm having trouble deciding on a bike mirror to get ... Please let me know if you have any ideas or experience!  Thanks!

I moved this topic to Gear Talk because there is so much experience and so many opinions here. Go back to the Gear Talk page that lists all its topics and search for mirror. There may not be much left to write that is new. For me, the mirror is the second most important safety item, after the helmet.

Fred

[dkoloko]

Chuck Harris bicycle mirror; models to mount on sunglasses or helmet.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/201104_MirrorMan_Siple.pdf

[staehpj1]

I've never used one but I also only ride in a quiet town with very little traffic so I've never needed one.  I didn't really think about one until I read some posts about needing one on tour, mainly for the 2-lane highways and what not.  I would just as soon not get one but thought it might be a safety hazard to go without one?

I don't want to talk anyone into or out of using a mirror.  Some feel them essential; some not so much.  It just seems odd to me when someone is in the market for one because of a tour (I have seen that quite a few times).

My suggestion is, if you think it might be useful to you, try one out.  You may find it indispensable or may find you do not care to use it.  The latter was the case for me.

[tonythomson]

Hi there are several makes including Blackburn.  My preference is a straight mirror ie not curved as I found the perspective on these hard to gauge how close a vehicle was behind me.
For me the ones that work are held on the handle bars by velcro - very secure and don't seem to shake as much.  Also useful to detach and use for shaving etc. Plus if packing easy again to remove.

Having said all that I use drop bars and fasten it on the lower part so have no idea if they work on straight handle bars.

I would always recommend a mirror as IMHO they are the most important thing for keeping me safe.  Having just crossed Oz and ST I had to constantly gauge if two vehicles (especially the road trains)were to pass each other near me and enable me to get off the road.
Tony

[waynemyer]

In my experience with mirrors, both for myself and introducing other riders, you just have to try a few models until you find what you like. Models that go on glasses, models that attach to the helmet, large, small, ball joints, flexible wire... Every mirror out there has its detractors and proponents. I have my preference, but some people that use this mirror hate it and others think it is the best thing going (I am neither; it's just the least sucky mirror in my opinion).

That said, I will caution you: mirrors that attach to helmets with two-sided tape should actually be crazy-glued in place. The adhesive just doesn't have the oomph for a bicycle mirror, especially when the temperature gets warm.

[BigPapaK]

Interesting thing, mirrors. I tried a couple, three for road riding, no tours yet. What I found is they were more of a distraction because they would not maintain a consistent view of the road off to my left. I found myself moving the thing to get the view. It seemed, no matter what style, the thing would shift. I never used a helmet mounted mirror. But, I envision my helmet moving/shifting a bit during the ride giving cause to mess with adjusting the mirror. One thing I learned very quickly: Regardless of what the mirror reflected, I would and always will turn my head to see what is going on. For me: No more mirror. 

[hem]

Chuck Harris bicycle mirror; models to mount on sunglasses or helmet.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/201104_MirrorMan_Siple.pdf

+1 I have used a Chuck Harris mirror for several years that mounts on my glasses. It is very light and unobtrusive.
Used mainly when making lane changes and cross traffic turns and at a stoplights to check out the potential for a "right hook."
I like it better than bike mounted mirrors because I can easily scan with it.
Some eye glass mounted mirrors though are too heavy or block too much of my view. I have not tried a helmet mounted version and cannot comment on them.

[nthabiseng]

I won't ride without a mirror, especially on roads that are new to me.  On my drop bars I like the bar end mirror; it swivels to allow me to set it perfectly for seeing the road behind me.  Can't recall the brand.  But like everyone else said, it's personal...but I think an important accessory.

[pptouring]

Once you ride with a mirror you most likely will never ride without one.  Mirrycle makes a really nice mirror. Check them out.

[johnsondasw]

The bar end myrracle (sp?) is the one that works best for me--no shaking and easy to glance into.  I won't ride anywhere without one!

[driftlessregion]

1. I don't ever ride without a mirror even when I don't wear a helmet (let's not start that debate!).
2. Barend mirrors are great. But that is just my experience which is what you should take from this string. Use what you like.

[golferdevo3]

Thanks for the info everyone!  I'm leaning towards a bar end mirror so it's easy to get used to and not too distracting.  I appreciate the advice!