Anyone use a rear view mirror?
#77
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I got one years ago when the folks running Seattle to Portland recommended it. I got a Take a Look and was used to it in an hour or less. So used to it that after the ride when I was walking and heard noise behind I'd glance left for a peek, even though it wasn't there.
I never wore one as a young rider. It's a concession to being 64 and recognizing my head isn't on the swivel it used to be that I embrace my mirror.
I never wore one as a young rider. It's a concession to being 64 and recognizing my head isn't on the swivel it used to be that I embrace my mirror.
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Just ordered me the Mirrcyle mirror. Got wide enough bars that I think I'm going to be able to mount it down and inboard, so it's less likely to get broken.
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
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Jim from boston, The stuff is called heat shrink. You can buy it lots of places ( Home Depot, Lowes, Radio shack, auto parts stores, etc) It comes in varuious diameters, so it is useful in a lot of places.
#81
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I use bar end mirrors on my bikes.
Zefal make several models; the Cyclop is wide angle and somewhat distorted, although it doesn't require finicky placement. The Spin is quite small, but most versatile for mounting on both flat bars or drops. The Dooback is larger and I like it on my commuter bike. Mirrors - ZEFAL
In the past I have also used the Louis Garneau mirror ($11.99 Cdn), but it will eventually loosen up and cannot be totally tightened.
https://garneau.com/int/en/cycling/r...r/black-020-60
I have just ordered this "Motorcycle" mirror from eBay and am anxiously waiting to try it. Hopefully will be more robust than the above mentioned cycling mirrors, although it does not fold away.
Lastly I tried this palm mirror with Fat Bike, for winter riding - requires some hand movement but overall works quite well.
https://static.dudeiwantthat.com/img/...rror-20037.jpg
Zefal make several models; the Cyclop is wide angle and somewhat distorted, although it doesn't require finicky placement. The Spin is quite small, but most versatile for mounting on both flat bars or drops. The Dooback is larger and I like it on my commuter bike. Mirrors - ZEFAL
In the past I have also used the Louis Garneau mirror ($11.99 Cdn), but it will eventually loosen up and cannot be totally tightened.
https://garneau.com/int/en/cycling/r...r/black-020-60
I have just ordered this "Motorcycle" mirror from eBay and am anxiously waiting to try it. Hopefully will be more robust than the above mentioned cycling mirrors, although it does not fold away.
Lastly I tried this palm mirror with Fat Bike, for winter riding - requires some hand movement but overall works quite well.
https://static.dudeiwantthat.com/img/...rror-20037.jpg
Last edited by GTryder; 05-12-17 at 08:15 PM.
#82
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I use mirror-cycle on my touring bike. Great clear mirror but a bit awkward. I use a bar end on my road bike - a bit blurry, but gives you the general idea. Nothing on my mountain bike. If those bears are getting closer I'd rather not know!
#83
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Just ordered me the Mirrcyle mirror. Got wide enough bars that I think I'm going to be able to mount it down and inboard, so it's less likely to get broken.
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-...4628513&sr=8-1
#84
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I use a Zefal Spy mirror clamped to the end of my left drop bar. Slight preference for that over mirrors that clamp to my glasses.
Dave
Dave
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CATEYE BM-300G turned to the inside on the lefthand end of My andtique Schwinn 'city bars' turned 'H-bars'... indespensable!
#86
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I got the Mirrcyle fitted, sticking out for the time being. Seems alright, but looks a little dorky. Is anybody running it without the sticky-out arm piece? I figured I'd get the same range of adjustment by mounting the mirror directly to the handlebar arm, making my up/down adjustments at the bar end and my side-to-side adjustments at the mirror. No?
Edit: Yeah...this:
Edit: Yeah...this:
Last edited by mwalsh5757; 05-19-17 at 03:19 PM.
#87
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I used to use handle bar mounted mirrors but gave up on them. They were constantly getting knocked around, they made leaning the bicycle up against something a bit more difficult (no kick stand). If possible get "a take a look" mirror that mounts to glasses or helmet, take sometime and learn how to adjust it and I think you will find it much better than a handle bar mounted mirror. Good luck with the mirror search, a good mirror is IMHO the best and most important safety device you can have.
#88
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I started using a Take-A-Look mirror a few years ago. I like it so much that I carry it with me when I don't ride, in case I grab a bike unexpectedly. Since I've been using it, my skill with it has increased. I can now sweep and take a look, and I feel that I can see around myself in almost 360º. I like being able to merge left more quickly and confidently.
If you're just starting with a mirror, don't be too confident. Look with the mirror and then turn your head to confirm. The first time I used one, I looked, didn't see a car, and then moved and discovered there was a car there. I didn't get hurt, but it was scary.
If you're just starting with a mirror, don't be too confident. Look with the mirror and then turn your head to confirm. The first time I used one, I looked, didn't see a car, and then moved and discovered there was a car there. I didn't get hurt, but it was scary.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#90
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I think that's why so many are against mirrors, because they don't look cool, they all want to look cool like a real cyclist https://youtu.be/j7jKtJLZ4O
Probably it is cool because I don't wear full kit, and come across as a rugged individualist.
…there is IMO, a large segment of noble cyclists, e.g. tourists and commuters who are neither [Roadies] nor Fred’s, but certainly serious cyclists.
My Fred Manifesto is, "I am not a Fred, you are not a Fred, we ought not be treated this way". So I propose a new name, currently applied to frequent business travelers—ROAD WARRIORS. I AM A ROAD WARRIOR—think Mel Gibson…
… IMO, the society which exalts roadies and scorns road warriors will have roads only built for cars
My Fred Manifesto is, "I am not a Fred, you are not a Fred, we ought not be treated this way". So I propose a new name, currently applied to frequent business travelers—ROAD WARRIORS. I AM A ROAD WARRIOR—think Mel Gibson…
… IMO, the society which exalts roadies and scorns road warriors will have roads only built for cars
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-20-17 at 10:07 AM.
#91
Banned
Years ago I Tried some stick on the inside of your cycling glasses tiny mirrors , but since I already needed reading glasses
my eyes could not focus in well enough to use them.
my eyes could not focus in well enough to use them.
#92
Road Runner
I could never get used to a helmet or eyeglass mirror for several reasons so have always looked for bar mounts. This one is hands down the best I've ever used: rock steady, great field of view, lightweight, easy to adjust. There are a number of mounting possibilities, but where I positioned it is very useful without interfering with my hand positions.
There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(
There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(
#93
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FYA, I posted earlier on this thread about using left and right Take-a-Look:BTW the only irksome thing for me about Take-a-Look mirrors is that those rubber sleeves on the prongs of the attachment end to grip, to the eyeglasses, tend to slip off and are easily lost. I learned of a product sold at electric stores (don’t know brand name) that is hollow tubular insulating material that will shrink around those prongs when heated and becomes firmly attached.
ADDENDUM:
ADDENDUM:
#94
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Repaired my take-a-look with shrink tube too a while back. A hair dryer will provide sufficient heat.
#95
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Since turning 70 this year, I decide to get a little more safety cautious. Bought this from Nashbar
Zefal Spy Bike/Handlebar Mounted Mirror
Easily moves from bike to bike, and stays in place. Not too big, just perfect. KB
Zefal Spy Bike/Handlebar Mounted Mirror
Easily moves from bike to bike, and stays in place. Not too big, just perfect. KB
#96
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I could never get used to a helmet or eyeglass mirror for several reasons so have always looked for bar mounts. This one is hands down the best I've ever used: rock steady, great field of view, lightweight, easy to adjust. There are a number of mounting possibilities, but where I positioned it is very useful without interfering with my hand positions.
There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(
There are some drawbacks to having it stick out to one side like that, such as only being able to lean it on the right side, but so far it has been worth it. I'd actually like to order another one as a backup, but the Amazon page indicates that it's availability is now unknown. :-(
https://www.amazon.com/UltraLite-acc...ZPVY70ZRN7V4J5
Above is a link to a different seller for your mirror. Note the shipping times though.
#97
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https://www.amazon.com/UltraLite-acc...ZPVY70ZRN7V4J5
Above is a link to a different seller for your mirror. Note the shipping times though.
Above is a link to a different seller for your mirror. Note the shipping times though.
#98
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Instead of making excuses for not using mirrors maybe it's best to take advantage of the tools that are available that help us riders be more aware of our surroundings... you can't argue that it's a safer way to ride.
#99
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Like many others have posted, I never ride without my helmet mounted take a look mirror.
I started off with a bar mounted mirror but it fell off within a couple of rides (poor installation, I guess) But I soon got used to the helmet mounted mirror. It allows me to do a quick sweep of the area behind me by just a slight swing of my head.
Mirror + ears + occasional look back makes me more aware of my surroundings.
I started off with a bar mounted mirror but it fell off within a couple of rides (poor installation, I guess) But I soon got used to the helmet mounted mirror. It allows me to do a quick sweep of the area behind me by just a slight swing of my head.
Mirror + ears + occasional look back makes me more aware of my surroundings.
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Just got one for my trike. Not great but it helps a lot. I would post but will not let me post URL's yet. Fantasy Life Universal Bicycle Rearview Mirror - Safety Mountain Road Bike Convex Glass Rearview Mirror.