Rear View Mirrors: What's your experience?
09-30-05, 01:10 PM
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Vision correction is yet another reason mirrors help. Near sighted folks wearing glasses will recall turning the head with eyes trying to look behind and the scene looks blurry because the eyes rotate past the corrective lenses. Trying for the fast glance in this way invites disaster. This is especially so for folks with inflexible backs and those that can't rotate their heads like the Exorcist girl might be able to.
09-30-05, 02:12 PM
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The take along mirror mounted on glasses doesn't work for me if I'm on the drops, which is about 45% of the time. I can't see over my shoulder. It blocks my view. Am I the only one with this problem?
10-02-05, 02:33 PM
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I stumbled on a cheap handlebar-mounted mirror yesterday ($4) so i thought I'd give it a try. It's got a concave (convex?) mirror so it has a wider angle of view.
So far, there's one big problem. When I look in it, because of the distortion in the mirror, I see this cyclist (me) with an ENORMOUS midsection who looks like he's nine-months pregnant. Yes, I can see behind me as well, but I don't know -- this is NOT motivating!
So far, there's one big problem. When I look in it, because of the distortion in the mirror, I see this cyclist (me) with an ENORMOUS midsection who looks like he's nine-months pregnant. Yes, I can see behind me as well, but I don't know -- this is NOT motivating!
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10-02-05, 03:23 PM
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https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Listings/Mirror.htm
To any of the users of the above mirror, my apologies in advance if the question has been answered already, cause I did reread the post and the question has been asked in a previous post and I can't find the answer, if it already has been given, but my question is .....(whew!)....................... once these babies have been bar taped in place, is the mirror adjustable for fine tuning the rear view **********
Thanx in advance !
Stv ;>)"
To any of the users of the above mirror, my apologies in advance if the question has been answered already, cause I did reread the post and the question has been asked in a previous post and I can't find the answer, if it already has been given, but my question is .....(whew!)....................... once these babies have been bar taped in place, is the mirror adjustable for fine tuning the rear view **********
Thanx in advance !
Stv ;>)"
10-02-05, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Digital Gee
I stumbled on a cheap handlebar-mounted mirror yesterday ($4) so i thought I'd give it a try. It's got a concave (convex?) mirror so it has a wider angle of view.
So far, there's one big problem. When I look in it, because of the distortion in the mirror, I see this cyclist (me) with an ENORMOUS midsection who looks like he's nine-months pregnant. Yes, I can see behind me as well, but I don't know -- this is NOT motivating!
So far, there's one big problem. When I look in it, because of the distortion in the mirror, I see this cyclist (me) with an ENORMOUS midsection who looks like he's nine-months pregnant. Yes, I can see behind me as well, but I don't know -- this is NOT motivating!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
10-02-05, 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by hiracer
The take along mirror mounted on glasses doesn't work for me if I'm on the drops, which is about 45% of the time. I can't see over my shoulder. It blocks my view. Am I the only one with this problem?
10-02-05, 09:28 PM
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[QUOTE=Goncalo Alves]I bought an "Aspire VeloTech" mirror that attaches to the drop bar end, go here for a good description with photos: https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Listings/Mirror.htm
He also sells them on Ebay, do a search for "road bike mirror" and you'll find it.
>>>>>>>>>snip>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have one as well. Tried them all, and I have found it to be the best mirror for me. The mirror really does not adjust .. you can kind of move it a bit ... most likely due to my tape job!
He also sells them on Ebay, do a search for "road bike mirror" and you'll find it.
>>>>>>>>>snip>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have one as well. Tried them all, and I have found it to be the best mirror for me. The mirror really does not adjust .. you can kind of move it a bit ... most likely due to my tape job!
10-03-05, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by BJ Ondo
Well after trying to use one of those little "helmet mirrors", I just gave up, there a RPIA, IMHO! I've installed handlebar end mirrors on mine and the Mrs. bicycles and we really like them. 
Our's we less than $10 and do a great job, we angled then so they go "under the handlebar grip" on the left side of the bicycle, that way they don't get in the way of your shifting, etc.
IF we ever go back to clip on mirrors, I'll try the the kind that clip to your glasses not the one's that clip to the helmet, JMHO.
Our's we less than $10 and do a great job, we angled then so they go "under the handlebar grip" on the left side of the bicycle, that way they don't get in the way of your shifting, etc. IF we ever go back to clip on mirrors, I'll try the the kind that clip to your glasses not the one's that clip to the helmet, JMHO.
Thanks!
P.S. I've tried helmet mirrors and a mirror then sat on the top tube with which you were supposed to be able to view between your legs. Neither worked for me so I just got used to using my neck A LOT!
10-03-05, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by MaryAnn
I am very curious. I figured out RPIA but I've run across IMHO several times and haven't been able to figure it out.
Thanks!
P.S. I've tried helmet mirrors and a mirror then sat on the top tube with which you were supposed to be able to view between your legs. Neither worked for me so I just got used to using my neck A LOT!
Thanks!
P.S. I've tried helmet mirrors and a mirror then sat on the top tube with which you were supposed to be able to view between your legs. Neither worked for me so I just got used to using my neck A LOT!
In My Humble Opinion
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
10-03-05, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Stv
...once these babies have been bar taped in place, is the mirror adjustable for fine tuning the rear view **********
One advantage of using zip ties is that I can easily remove the mirror whenever I want. Bear in mind that many bars (like mine) are wrapped starting from the bar end to the stem, which means you have to completely unwrap it to properly install the mirror.
10-03-05, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by chipcom
In My Humble Opinion
10-03-05, 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by hiracer
The take along mirror mounted on glasses doesn't work for me if I'm on the drops, which is about 45% of the time. I can't see over my shoulder. It blocks my view. Am I the only one with this problem?
Steve
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10-03-05, 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by MaryAnn
Thank you so much. I love it and will use it interminably and it will be all your fault!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
10-04-05, 02:04 PM
#64
Fossil
After reading so many positive mirror endorsements, I dug an old glasses mount mirror out of one of too many boxes of bike stuff in the garage for the ride to work today. It worked great! My hybrid commuter has an upright riding position so my shoulder did not block the field of view. It may look like the pocket protector of the bicycle world, but it worked so well, I don't care.
10-13-05, 06:07 PM
#65
Jim Shapiro
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Originally Posted by Stv
https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Listings/Mirror.htm
To any of the users of the above mirror, my apologies in advance if the question has been answered already, cause I did reread the post and the question has been asked in a previous post and I can't find the answer, if it already has been given, but my question is .....(whew!)....................... once these babies have been bar taped in place, is the mirror adjustable for fine tuning the rear view **********
Thanx in advance !
Stv ;>)"
To any of the users of the above mirror, my apologies in advance if the question has been answered already, cause I did reread the post and the question has been asked in a previous post and I can't find the answer, if it already has been given, but my question is .....(whew!)....................... once these babies have been bar taped in place, is the mirror adjustable for fine tuning the rear view **********
Thanx in advance !
Stv ;>)"
Jim
10-13-05, 06:14 PM
#66
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Originally Posted by BigGuy
I did find that the glue stick-on pad will gradually weaken and it will fall off.
Can't beat the customer service!
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10-14-05, 10:27 PM
#67
Ancient Clydesdale
Mirrors have saved my life on two occasions. I had to completely leave the road as 18 wheelers zoomed by directly over where I had been riding. On one of these times, I had to go off of a 4' wide shoulder into the grass to avoid being hit. There's no doubt in my mind this trucker was trying to kill me. A mirror prevented it.
I'm using a modified 3rd Eye mirror. The mirror itself in rectangular and measures 1/2 by 3/8 inch. It's teeny, but doesn't block my view like the big round mirror that the 3rd Eye comes with. I can easily see all that I need to see in the little mirror.
On the theory that it's better to turn around and look, I disagree. First, the roads I ride on have no shoulder and usually drop off into rocks. If you blow it (don't hold a straight line while looking backwards), you're in deep trouble, fast. These same roads are narrow and any veering to the left could get you into trouble if a car is closer than you think. Second, I ride in twisty mountain roads and on downhills, the noise of the air rushing by the ears makes it impossible to hear a car. If you don't hear one, you most likely won't turn around. A peek in the mirror is all it takes!
Mirrors - they are lifesavers!!!!
I'm using a modified 3rd Eye mirror. The mirror itself in rectangular and measures 1/2 by 3/8 inch. It's teeny, but doesn't block my view like the big round mirror that the 3rd Eye comes with. I can easily see all that I need to see in the little mirror.
On the theory that it's better to turn around and look, I disagree. First, the roads I ride on have no shoulder and usually drop off into rocks. If you blow it (don't hold a straight line while looking backwards), you're in deep trouble, fast. These same roads are narrow and any veering to the left could get you into trouble if a car is closer than you think. Second, I ride in twisty mountain roads and on downhills, the noise of the air rushing by the ears makes it impossible to hear a car. If you don't hear one, you most likely won't turn around. A peek in the mirror is all it takes!
Mirrors - they are lifesavers!!!!
10-14-05, 10:42 PM
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Bar mounted mirrors tend to virate and get knocked about and when you steer around a corner . . .
Use and prefer eyeglass frame mounted mirrors. Have used several types; most of them break easy.
The two I use are the one handd-made by Chuck Harris in Ohio or the Take-A-Look.
Excellent products and they l-a-s-t!
Use and prefer eyeglass frame mounted mirrors. Have used several types; most of them break easy.
The two I use are the one handd-made by Chuck Harris in Ohio or the Take-A-Look.
Excellent products and they l-a-s-t!
10-16-05, 09:44 AM
#69
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This is the mirror I use on my road bike. It doesn't increase the bike's width very much. See https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Listings/Mirror.htm
10-16-05, 12:17 PM
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I use Tak-A-Look mirror attached to my glasses (has helmet attachment also)
I noticed in the early morning the sun is in my left eye when going south and I can't focus on the mirror because my eyes are dialated closed.
Otherwise they work great.
I noticed in the early morning the sun is in my left eye when going south and I can't focus on the mirror because my eyes are dialated closed.
Otherwise they work great.
10-23-05, 05:40 AM
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I have tried helmet mounted mirrors, but was always knocking them off. So I now have bar end mirrors on all four of my bikes. I wouldn't ride without a rear view mirror. Looking around to see what's coming is downright dangerous, especially when you're going at a good pace. I also rely on my hearing. If a car is overtaking me and they don't slow down as they approach me, I get concerned and check things out in my mirror. I don't hesitate to ride off the road if someone is approaching too fast or too close.
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"I am a true laborer. I earn that I eat, get that I wear, owe no man hate, envy no man's happiness, glad of other men's good, content with my harm." As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2. Shakespeare.
"Deep down, I'm pretty superficial." Ava Gardner.
10-23-05, 05:48 PM
#72
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I use the Mirrycle mirror on both of my bicycles.
When I bought my Trek 7300FX, the Mirrycle was one of the accessories I bought along with it. Once adjusted the mirror works really well. The mirror gives me a very good view of what is behind me without spending a lot of time looking at it.
When I bought a Trek 1500, I 'borrowed' the Mirrycle mirror from my wife's bicycle and mounted it on the bar end. At first I used all of the bracket sections. I didn't like that configuration, so I removed one of the bracket sections to shorten the linkage between the end of the handlebar and the mirror. The mirror is infinitely adjustable and gives a good view of what is going on behind me. Others will likely have different experiences, however, a single setting of the Mirrycle affords me a good view whether I am on the hoods or on the drops.
I have not been riding for a very long time. I bought the 7300FX in July of 2005, the 1500 in October 2005. Maybe I need to get more than my current 1000 miles behind me before I start to worry about the 'Dork' factor of my safety equipment. Or, maybe I will continue to go through life preferring to look like a dork instead of roadkill.
When I bought my Trek 7300FX, the Mirrycle was one of the accessories I bought along with it. Once adjusted the mirror works really well. The mirror gives me a very good view of what is behind me without spending a lot of time looking at it.
When I bought a Trek 1500, I 'borrowed' the Mirrycle mirror from my wife's bicycle and mounted it on the bar end. At first I used all of the bracket sections. I didn't like that configuration, so I removed one of the bracket sections to shorten the linkage between the end of the handlebar and the mirror. The mirror is infinitely adjustable and gives a good view of what is going on behind me. Others will likely have different experiences, however, a single setting of the Mirrycle affords me a good view whether I am on the hoods or on the drops.
I have not been riding for a very long time. I bought the 7300FX in July of 2005, the 1500 in October 2005. Maybe I need to get more than my current 1000 miles behind me before I start to worry about the 'Dork' factor of my safety equipment. Or, maybe I will continue to go through life preferring to look like a dork instead of roadkill.
10-23-05, 06:59 PM
#73
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Has anyone knowledge or expierience with a rear facing miniture Video camera and a 7" monitor on the handle bars? I rigged it up at a motorcycle rally once and the video turned out great.
11-24-05, 02:41 PM
#74
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Thought I'd close the loop on my mirror questions. I found one that works for me -- the Third Eye handlebar mirror. It mounts to the END of a flatbar, not on top. This way, it's out there far enough that I"m not seeing ME in the mirror, I'm seeing the road behind me. And it's flat, not convex or concave or whatever, so objects seem to appear to be as far away as they actually are. Took only a couple of rides to get used to it, and now I'm hooked on it.
There would be no need for one, but I'm tempted to mount one of the right hand side as well, just to keep my bike's symmetry.
There would be no need for one, but I'm tempted to mount one of the right hand side as well, just to keep my bike's symmetry.
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11-24-05, 09:00 PM
#75
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Could never use the handlebar mirrors, way to much vibration.
Helmet mirror works great. Gets bumped out of wack occaisionally,
but is easily reset. I ride in an upright position.
Helmet mirror works great. Gets bumped out of wack occaisionally,
but is easily reset. I ride in an upright position.