Ok, I just had a Michael Jackson moment when trying to come up with a clever opener for this post. I did a review of 3 bicycle mirrors on Epicurean Cyclist that a lot of readers might be interested in. As a bike commuter, it’s important that we’re always aware of our surroundings and mirrors are a great way to do that.
Check out the full comparison here.
Popularity: 11% [?]
I like the looks of the big mirror. However, the hassle of mounting one, either with a semi-permanent mount or zipties, is enough to discourage lots of people. I can imagine having a big, obtrusive mirror on a bike tour, but as a commuter/utility cyclist it screams “DORK”.
I wear a Bell Metro helmet. Bell sells a mirror that attaches to the visor but folds away when not needed. That keeps me from bumping it when I set the helmet down, and I fold it away when I go into a store. Is it the best possible mirror? No. It’s pretty small and has a it’s shaped weirdly. Instead of being round or square, it’s shaped kind of like a baby carrot. But it gives me rearward visibility–and that’s all one can ask of a mirror.
Has anyone ever used the tiny mirrors that stick to the inside of one’s sunglasses?
I have to say that after using the EVT mirror I really like the functionality of a big mirror….perhaps not the most fashionable mirror, but in terms of having one that is adjustable, robust and will last a long time, the EVT is a good choice….
The tiny mirror is CycleAware’s ViewPoint mirror….haven’t used it personally but it seems interesting…might have to try it out…
Having always been a person who does the head check to see if traffic is coming, I find a mirror mounted on my helmet to be distracting. I have tried them, but never liked the view.
This must be the time of year when great minds turn to the topic of mirrors. I’m a big fan of the Chuck Harris helmet mirrors, made by a guy in Ohio from recycled parts.
Here’s more from a review I did earlier this month:
http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/2008/12/11/looking-back-at-my-chuck-harris-rearview-mirror/
Mike, it’s worth looking like a DORK for me to know what’s going on behind me. If you’re REALLY concerned with not looking like a DORK, check out these helmets.
http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/2008/12/22/de-dorked-helmets/
ksteinhoff—-it’s not so much looking like a dork when I’m riding as it is doing so when I’m off the bike. The thing I like about the Metro mirror is that it folds to be out of the way. I can leave my helmet on and at least minimize the dorkiness.
Plus, folding it out of the way simplifies helmet storage at work. I just lay my helmet on a counter.
I bought a Sprintech mirror this year. I never liked the looks of mirrors both helmet and handlebar varieties, but this one looked cool I thought. It works great for me. Objects in mirror are larger than they appear and all. A number of internet retailers have them.
http://www.pricepoint.com/images/styleImages/D_235%20RTBST7.jpg
My regular commuter bike has a mirror on it, and I do use it, but you have to know (and respect) The Mirror Rule: If you look in your mirror and see a vehicle behind you, then you know there’s a vehicle behind you. If you look in your mirror and you don’t see a vehicle behind you- that doesn’t mean there isn’t.
Fair warning there.
I think any mirror is only as good as how the operator uses it…
In taking the Road 1 course offered by the LAB, they talk a lot about “scanning”, that is being constantly aware of your surroundings…A mirror can be very helpful for this…that’s not to say you should rely 100% on your mirror, but use it in combination with looking back…
For me, I constantly glance at the mirror just to see what’s going on…I don’t just use it when changing lanes, but it’s a regular part of just riding…
I know that it has come in really helpful on bike tours when you’re grinding up a grade at 4mph and you’re tired and turning your head every few seconds might compromise your steering…
Likewise, it’s also great on downhill descents when you’re out of earshot of your touring partner, but you can still see them in your rear view so if they have a mechanical you can see them flag you down…
I use the mirorcycle, which I mount to the end of flatbar. Love it. Tried all sorts of helmet mounted and they just didn’t work for me.
I have to agree with Bob, after almost being “t-boned” by a truck, because I was distracted by what was probably a bird, in my mirror, I haven’t even recommended having mirrors
Ok, I admit it: I look in my mirror, then I turn around and look back to see what’s really there.
But I’m still here, so it must work.
So far.
