Author Topic: Mirrors  (Read 37950 times)

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Offline adventurepete

Mirrors
« on: October 27, 2006, 03:52:19 pm »
I am thinking of adding a mirror onto the handlebar of my bike.Does anyone have experience with mirrors attached to the handlebars? Do handlebar mirrors work well? Is a helmet or glasses mirror better? I appreciate any advice that you can give. Thanks.

Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell
Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell

Offline Sailariel

Mirrors
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2006, 08:57:23 pm »
I,personally like mirrors. The mirror I like is made by Blackburn and attaches to the hoods with Velcro. It`s a good mirror and seems aerodynamic. You`ll probably hear arguments against mirrors--I happen to like them. Rode motorcycles from 1958 to 1982 (got married and wife is terrified of them) and always had mirrors. On a bicycle a mirror on the left is sufficient. Works great for 18wheelers and class B Motorhomes.  Best regards, Alex


Offline BrianCM

Mirrors
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2006, 01:25:57 am »
I use bar-end mirrors.  They fold out of the way when I don't need them, and they don't take room on the handlebar.


FredHiltz

  • Guest
Mirrors
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2006, 08:45:16 am »
They all work OK. The choice is personal preference IMO. My choice is eyeglass mount for a couple of reasons: I can scan a wide swath behind me by moving my head. My handlebar mirror too easily bumped out of adjustment and finally broke when my bike fell over one day.

A few folks have worried about trauma to the eye in a crash. I have never seen a report of that, although it has probably happened somewhere, sometime.

My mirror is the Chuck Harris, which has quite a cult following. Google search

Fred


Offline adventurepete

Mirrors
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2006, 12:59:52 pm »
Great onformation! Thanks, this helps a lot. With the glasses mount I have had trouble getting mine to fit all of my glasses. Sometimes the stems are too thick and I can't attach the mirror.

Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell
Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell

Offline ptaylor

Mirrors
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2006, 09:19:01 pm »
I prefer a mirror that mounts to my helmet. It is always there, regardless of what glasses I am using. It also gives me an added incentive to wear my helmet, and doesn't break if my bike falls over.

Some people can't focus one eye on the helmet/eyeglass mirror. At least they tell me they can't. I guess it's kind of like learning to aim a rifle with both eyes open. In that case, a handlebar mount is the only option.

Paul
Paul

FredHiltz

  • Guest
Mirrors
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2006, 06:51:47 am »
Peter Campbell wrote: With the glasses mount I have had trouble getting mine to fit all of my glasses. Sometimes the stems are too thick and I can't attach the mirror.

Good point. If some of your temples are fat and some are wire-type, you would need two Chuck Harris type mirrors.

Fred


cyclesafe

  • Guest
Mirrors
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2006, 08:30:50 am »
Helmet  mirrors?  Tried them, don't like 'em.  I spend too much time squinting at the little mirror and fiddling with it.  I also tend to forget about what's in front of me.  Same with eyeglass mirrors.  Maybe I am so bad at using these mirrors because I wear glasses to correct a -12 diopter in both eyes (coke bottles).  No, laser surgery (not possible) and contacts (don't want something floating on my eye) are not options (for me).

I haven't tried road bar mounted mirrors because I have observed them falling off or being so subject to vibration as to be useless.  Also, my arms, when using the usual road bar hand positions, seem to block the mirror from any place I might reasonably mount it.  Finally, the view from tube-mounted mirrors (under-the-leg views) will be blocked by my rear panniers.

Before brifters there was a mirror that bolted on the brake levers.  This position would seem ideal, but I am agast at the idea of drilling holes into my STI Ultegras.  Besides, this mirror has been discontinued (Mirrcycle).

After searching the web, I found the 3rd Eye which has a glass convex lens that mounts in the bar end.  I assume that it could then be adjusted for road bars...  Anyone have experience with the 3rd Eye?

http://www.3rd-eye.com/(09).htm  


Offline BC

Mirrors
« Reply #8 on: November 07, 2006, 11:56:13 pm »
I used to use the Blackburn mirror which velcro-ed around the STI hood, but it vibrated horribly. I have switched to a StarCycle mirror, sold by Peter White Cycles in New Hampshire. They have a choice of mounting options, a surprisingly large field of view for a small mirror, and are practically vibration-free. I swear by mine and wouldn't leave home without it!


Offline giantrider

Mirrors
« Reply #9 on: November 08, 2006, 02:19:58 am »
several years ago, an old timer loaned me a mirror that actually hooked to your hand with a strap (elastic-I think)This mirror worked very well and could be "aimed" with some hand movement.Does anyone know if anyone still makes this? Would love to get one. Greg


Offline JayH

Mirrors
« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2006, 12:04:32 pm »
I use the "Take-a-Look" brand of mirrors that attaches to my sunglasses (Smith Sliders with multiple tint lenses). Right now since it's fall/winter here in the northeast I am using clear lenses, but usually in the summer, I'll use 15% transmission persimmon colored lenses.

You will have to see whether the mirror fits your sunglasses as it is probably picky in it's application but I love mine and feel naked without it. I commute with it as well as use it when touring.

Jay


Offline fleutz

Mirrors
« Reply #11 on: November 13, 2006, 10:51:33 pm »
I currently use a Chuck Harris design mirror it's a hell of lot better than a blackburn helmet mirror. I like because it doesn't move like that other mirror and works on all helmets. Besides where are you going to find one with your club's logo ?

And That's All There Is !
And That's All There Is !

Offline TGYoung

Mirrors
« Reply #12 on: November 17, 2006, 06:54:57 pm »
>After searching the web, I found the 3rd Eye which has
>a glass convex lens that mounts in the bar end.  I
>assume that it could then be adjusted for road bars...
>Anyone have experience with the 3rd Eye?

>http://www.3rd-eye.com/(09).htm  

I've used the 3rd Eye mirror for several years after trying, and giving up on, other styles.  It mounts fine in drop bars with the mirror below the bars themselves.  I usually adjust it so I can see a slight bit of my left leg as a point of reference.


tofubicycle

  • Guest
Mirrors
« Reply #13 on: November 17, 2006, 09:05:55 pm »
I personally do not prefer mirrors though I have ridden with both the barend and the helmet mount varieties. My suggestion to people who do find mirrors helpful is that they take care not to rely exclusively on the mirror when it comes to checking behind you. I my experiences and in talking with others I have come to feel that this is a bad habit which could lead to the occassional bad situation. Consider using the mirror to help determine whether or not you need to look directly behind you. If you see something approaching in your mirror, it's worth your while to check your front and then take a rela look behind you.

Just a thought.

--
......... __ o
.........-\<,
......(O) (O)...........
...........................
i'd rather be biking.

Offline Sailariel

Mirrors
« Reply #14 on: November 18, 2006, 05:44:56 pm »
The mirror I have on my road bike is really a mirror designed for hybrids. It fits into the bar end, has an arm about 4" long that orients 90 degrees down from the handlebar. and is then adjustable side to side. Yhe 4" arm moves forward and back for adjustment. I wish I could remember the brand- Delta comes to mind. After riding motorcycles from 1958 to 1982, I have gotten quite used to mirrors. Regards, Alex