Mirror, thoughts and recommendations
#26
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That’s your opinion. Many of us like to know what is coming up behind us.
You do know that mirrors work further away than “mere feet”
And I thought the EVT mirror was stupidly expensive. $150 to $400 depending on options!!!!!!!!???? That is ridiculous money!
You do know that mirrors work further away than “mere feet”
And I thought the EVT mirror was stupidly expensive. $150 to $400 depending on options!!!!!!!!???? That is ridiculous money!
- yes saying it's of little use is obviously my opinion. And yet, I use a device that tells me how many vehicles are behind me and their relative speed. It's of little value, yet I participate in knowing. Human condition is odd.
The point of saying it's of little value was to simply highlight that if you ride predictably and visibly, seeing what's behind you isn't critical. The OP politely pointed to a situation where it is of use and I agree with that.
- of course a mirror works for more than a few feet behind the rider. You are being obtuse.
When a car is 100' away, there is no reason to think an issue is impending. When a car is 50' away there is no reason to thing an issue is impending. Heck, even 20' away- same thing. If a car hasn't moved over when they are 20' away, that isn't exactly outnof the ordinary and therefore not much cause for concern.
It is only when a car is a few feet away that their not moving over would be a concern...and by then, it's too late.
So really, do you flip out and bail if a car hasn't moved over when they are 50' away? If not, why not? And if not, what distance away from you do you bail?
As for the cost of a Varia, yeah it it costs more than a plastic mirror.
#27
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- Knowing what is coming behind you is of little value. Ride predictably and visibly and traffic will pass. Using a mirror to notice there could be an issue when a car is mere feet behind you is likely not helpful.
- Use a Garmin Varia radar with included light. The light patter changes when cars approach, to help them notice you and the radar displays the vehicle on your phone or gps and gives a visual so you can tell how fast the car is approaching, as well as how many are behind you at any given time.
How early should a vehicle move over for you to not be concerned? Not trying to argue, but if it hasnt moved over 100' before passing...then what? Do you bail into the grass along the road? Do you swerve into the road further to be seen? I am unsure why a mirror to confirm a vehicle has moved over is beneficial when many cars dont really move over before probably 30' or so, based on what I see when riding and driving.
Anyways, a couple old guys I know and rode with for years have eyeglass mirrors and love em. Thats probably the way to go since you use bar end shifters.
- Use a Garmin Varia radar with included light. The light patter changes when cars approach, to help them notice you and the radar displays the vehicle on your phone or gps and gives a visual so you can tell how fast the car is approaching, as well as how many are behind you at any given time.
How early should a vehicle move over for you to not be concerned? Not trying to argue, but if it hasnt moved over 100' before passing...then what? Do you bail into the grass along the road? Do you swerve into the road further to be seen? I am unsure why a mirror to confirm a vehicle has moved over is beneficial when many cars dont really move over before probably 30' or so, based on what I see when riding and driving.
Anyways, a couple old guys I know and rode with for years have eyeglass mirrors and love em. Thats probably the way to go since you use bar end shifters.
to be able to see what is coming from behind me when I want to migrate to the middle of the road to do a turn
#28
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I've tried this and wouldn't recommend it. I now ride with rear radar but I understand this may not be great for urban commuting.
#29
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#30
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Bike #1 has bar end shifters, bike #2 has little bull horn (really more calf horn) ends.
I got a piece of microphone flex from a musical supply company called Sweetwater and round the end fitting off (the spring steel flex just laughed at my hacksaw, it tickled). Then I epoxied the end into a little block of wood and screwed (bike #1, or glued bike #2) a mirror to the wood. A hose clamp holds the flex to the handlebar.
I wanted the mirror to always be with the bike. A side benefit has been that the mirror is very robust and has survived falls and railroad baggage handlers without incident (now I've probably jinxed them).
I got a piece of microphone flex from a musical supply company called Sweetwater and round the end fitting off (the spring steel flex just laughed at my hacksaw, it tickled). Then I epoxied the end into a little block of wood and screwed (bike #1, or glued bike #2) a mirror to the wood. A hose clamp holds the flex to the handlebar.
I wanted the mirror to always be with the bike. A side benefit has been that the mirror is very robust and has survived falls and railroad baggage handlers without incident (now I've probably jinxed them).
#31
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cycco has entered the chat. Fun.
- yes saying it's of little use is obviously my opinion. And yet, I use a device that tells me how many vehicles are behind me and their relative speed. It's of little value, yet I participate in knowing. Human condition is odd.
The point of saying it's of little value was to simply highlight that if you ride predictably and visibly, seeing what's behind you isn't critical. The OP politely pointed to a situation where it is of use and I agree with that.
- yes saying it's of little use is obviously my opinion. And yet, I use a device that tells me how many vehicles are behind me and their relative speed. It's of little value, yet I participate in knowing. Human condition is odd.
The point of saying it's of little value was to simply highlight that if you ride predictably and visibly, seeing what's behind you isn't critical. The OP politely pointed to a situation where it is of use and I agree with that.
- of course a mirror works for more than a few feet behind the rider. You are being obtuse.
When a car is 100' away, there is no reason to think an issue is impending. When a car is 50' away there is no reason to thing an issue is impending. Heck, even 20' away- same thing. If a car hasn't moved over when they are 20' away, that isn't exactly outnof the ordinary and therefore not much cause for concern.
It is only when a car is a few feet away that their not moving over would be a concern...and by then, it's too late.
So really, do you flip out and bail if a car hasn't moved over when they are 50' away? If not, why not? And if not, what distance away from you do you bail?
It is only when a car is a few feet away that their not moving over would be a concern...and by then, it's too late.
So really, do you flip out and bail if a car hasn't moved over when they are 50' away? If not, why not? And if not, what distance away from you do you bail?
As for the cost of a Varia, yeah it it costs more than a plastic mirror.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
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Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Last edited by cyccommute; 10-31-23 at 05:26 PM.
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#32
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I've been using a glasses mounted Take-A-Look Mirror for over 25 years. It's metal and brass. If you don't wear glasses, you could start wearing safety glasses. Or I think some people mount them to their helmets.
On my glasses, at least, I merely have to slightly twist the mirror into place at the beginning of my ride and it stays put, even after 10 years of use on the current one. The previous one is at least 25 years old and I keep it in the shed with the bikes for quick, impromptu rides.
On my glasses, at least, I merely have to slightly twist the mirror into place at the beginning of my ride and it stays put, even after 10 years of use on the current one. The previous one is at least 25 years old and I keep it in the shed with the bikes for quick, impromptu rides.
#33
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I like my CycleAware helmet mount mirror. I check it when I hear a car getting close, and when I need to start changing lanes. Feel naked on a commute without it. I also use a flashing strobe taillight and a rear helmet light, along with flashing handlebar light. Can't be too careful out there.
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Last edited by macattack71; 10-31-23 at 06:55 PM.
#34
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I like my CycleAware helmet mount mirror. I check it when I hear a car getting close, and when I need to start changing lanes. Feel naked on a commute without it. I also use a flashing strobe taillight and a rear helmet light, along with flashing handlebar light. Can't be too careful out there.
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#35
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The mirror I purchased off ebay is a copy of this, but optically was useless. Have you used one of these to verify that it has a proper glass flat mirror in it? More than likely, I will need to purchase online and not be able to inspect how good the mirror is.
Lol, at least no-one told me to get rid of the bar end shifters, get a new bike
Lol, at least no-one told me to get rid of the bar end shifters, get a new bike
The Hafny with the glare blocker was/is much better than the flimsy mirror it replaced, and I think it'll pass muster.
#36
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#37
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I have 3 of the Ortlieb Ultralight mirrors. It's convex, but is a good size and it mostly stays put.in bumpy conditions. Photo.
$30 - https://www.rei.com/product/188637/d...c=ds&gclsrc=ds
I also bought the Garmin Varia recently. Very effective and easy to use with the phone app. - no need for a bike-specific computer.
The Varia allows me to relax more and focus more of my attention forward. Definitely worth the $200. But, make sure you have a way to mount it, especially if you use an under-seat bag.
I modified an inexpensive Amazon Garmin mount (seat rail) to work as a fender mount - photos. The Varia works in the upside-down orientation (light at the bottom), but not sure if Garmin recommends this.
The mirror and the Garmin are a great combination.
$30 - https://www.rei.com/product/188637/d...c=ds&gclsrc=ds
I also bought the Garmin Varia recently. Very effective and easy to use with the phone app. - no need for a bike-specific computer.
The Varia allows me to relax more and focus more of my attention forward. Definitely worth the $200. But, make sure you have a way to mount it, especially if you use an under-seat bag.
I modified an inexpensive Amazon Garmin mount (seat rail) to work as a fender mount - photos. The Varia works in the upside-down orientation (light at the bottom), but not sure if Garmin recommends this.
The mirror and the Garmin are a great combination.
Last edited by jlaw; 10-31-23 at 07:23 PM.
#38
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#39
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I found most drop bar mounted mirrors didn't sit out far enough to see around my panniers when commuting. I didn't like the helmet/glasses as it blocked part of my front view here in the urban jungle of reckless drivers.
I ended up with this Axiom DLX strap on. Perfect - no, but good enough to tell what's coming. I can also spin it out of the way when it's parked in my garage to walk between the bike & car. First one I bought had bolts at the pivots, second they went to rivets which were crap. Drilled them out and replaced with SS bolts.
And yeah, we got snow today
I ended up with this Axiom DLX strap on. Perfect - no, but good enough to tell what's coming. I can also spin it out of the way when it's parked in my garage to walk between the bike & car. First one I bought had bolts at the pivots, second they went to rivets which were crap. Drilled them out and replaced with SS bolts.
And yeah, we got snow today
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#40
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- Knowing what is coming behind you is of little value. Ride predictably and visibly and traffic will pass. Using a mirror to notice there could be an issue when a car is mere feet behind you is likely not helpful.
- Use a Garmin Varia radar with included light. The light patter changes when cars approach, to help them notice you and the radar displays the vehicle on your phone or gps and gives a visual so you can tell how fast the car is approaching, as well as how many are behind you at any given time.
How early should a vehicle move over for you to not be concerned? Not trying to argue, but if it hasnt moved over 100' before passing...then what? Do you bail into the grass along the road? Do you swerve into the road further to be seen? I am unsure why a mirror to confirm a vehicle has moved over is beneficial when many cars dont really move over before probably 30' or so, based on what I see when riding and driving.
Anyways, a couple old guys I know and rode with for years have eyeglass mirrors and love em. Thats probably the way to go since you use bar end shifters.
- Use a Garmin Varia radar with included light. The light patter changes when cars approach, to help them notice you and the radar displays the vehicle on your phone or gps and gives a visual so you can tell how fast the car is approaching, as well as how many are behind you at any given time.
How early should a vehicle move over for you to not be concerned? Not trying to argue, but if it hasnt moved over 100' before passing...then what? Do you bail into the grass along the road? Do you swerve into the road further to be seen? I am unsure why a mirror to confirm a vehicle has moved over is beneficial when many cars dont really move over before probably 30' or so, based on what I see when riding and driving.
Anyways, a couple old guys I know and rode with for years have eyeglass mirrors and love em. Thats probably the way to go since you use bar end shifters.
#41
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I recommend an EVT Safe Zone mirror. Oddly, it forces me to wear my helmet, which I might not do otherwise, because there is literally no place at all to mount a mirror on my GreenSpeed Anura. I didn't get it for that, though; I got it when I started riding the Street-Strider--also with noplace to mount a mirror.
It's a little on the large side and slightly obtrusive, but not so much, and gives an excellent view to the rear. It's quite stable.
In the past I have used lighter-weight smaller mirrors that attach to the helmet with velcro, and the ones that mount on eyeglass frames, and they were all too flimsy and went out of adjustment easily. I do have handlebar mirrors on my more conventional bikes.
It's a little on the large side and slightly obtrusive, but not so much, and gives an excellent view to the rear. It's quite stable.
In the past I have used lighter-weight smaller mirrors that attach to the helmet with velcro, and the ones that mount on eyeglass frames, and they were all too flimsy and went out of adjustment easily. I do have handlebar mirrors on my more conventional bikes.
#42
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Another vote for the Take-a-look mirror. I put mine on my sunglasses. They may look flimsy but that metal is tough, it is trivial to put the mirror where you want it and it *stays* there.
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#44
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As for my use of a Varia radar, I cited the main way in which I find it useful. That use case makes it worthwhile to me.
On roads, I will sometimes glance back as I see cars are approaching on my head unit, but I also trust that I am safe due to being visible and predictable.
#45
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When riding on geavel roads, I am continually moving around to select the best line. As a result, I am not riding predictably. There is sometimes dust which reduces visibility. Furthermore, wind and surface noise makes it difficult to hear what's behind me.
All that adds up to make the radar helpful. If I rode on pavement only and rode predictably with good visibility, I likely wouldn't have the Varia.
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#46
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Most of the mirrors I have are ones I've been using for many years. I hadn't realized that nearly all drop bar compatible mirrors currently on the market mount in the bar end, which on OP's bike is occupied by the shifter. There used to be a good mirror whose mount wrapped around the brake hood and secured with velcro - I currently use this on two of my bikes that use drop-bar levers, but it doesn't seem to be available anymore on the open market.
Looking online, the Zefal Spy might work. Yes, it uses a rubber strap mount, but it looks like the strap might cinch tight enough on the bars to not move / vibrate as much. I haven't used one, though.
I've broken the glass out of several mirrors due to minor crashes and the bike falling over on the mirror side. I just bought a 50 pack of 3" nominal round mirror glass (actually 2 7/8" - perfect replacement size for many models) to repair past, current, and future broken mirrors.
Looking online, the Zefal Spy might work. Yes, it uses a rubber strap mount, but it looks like the strap might cinch tight enough on the bars to not move / vibrate as much. I haven't used one, though.
I've broken the glass out of several mirrors due to minor crashes and the bike falling over on the mirror side. I just bought a 50 pack of 3" nominal round mirror glass (actually 2 7/8" - perfect replacement size for many models) to repair past, current, and future broken mirrors.
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Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#47
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The Varia allows me to relax more and focus more of my attention forward. Definitely worth the $200. But, make sure you have a way to mount it, especially if you use an under-seat bag.
I modified an inexpensive Amazon Garmin mount (seat rail) to work as a fender mount - photos. The Varia works in the upside-down orientation (light at the bottom), but not sure if Garmin recommends this.
The mirror and the Garmin are a great combination.
I modified an inexpensive Amazon Garmin mount (seat rail) to work as a fender mount - photos. The Varia works in the upside-down orientation (light at the bottom), but not sure if Garmin recommends this.
The mirror and the Garmin are a great combination.
As long as the Varia is vertical and perpendicular to the road, it will work regardless of if it's right side up or upside down.
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#48
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As for my use of a Varia radar, I cited the main way in which I find it useful. That use case makes it worthwhile to me.
On roads, I will sometimes glance back as I see cars are approaching on my head unit, but I also trust that I am safe due to being visible and predictable.
On roads, I will sometimes glance back as I see cars are approaching on my head unit, but I also trust that I am safe due to being visible and predictable.
I cited my main reason for using a Varia. I will repeat it in a different way- I find value in it because I am not doing the 2 things I have mentioned in this thread which are best to do.
When riding on geavel roads, I am continually moving around to select the best line. As a result, I am not riding predictably. There is sometimes dust which reduces visibility. Furthermore, wind and surface noise makes it difficult to hear what's behind me.
All that adds up to make the radar helpful. If I rode on pavement only and rode predictably with good visibility, I likely wouldn't have the Varia.
When riding on geavel roads, I am continually moving around to select the best line. As a result, I am not riding predictably. There is sometimes dust which reduces visibility. Furthermore, wind and surface noise makes it difficult to hear what's behind me.
All that adds up to make the radar helpful. If I rode on pavement only and rode predictably with good visibility, I likely wouldn't have the Varia.
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#49
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Oh, really? Is this not you?
Although I’ve never heard of it but you seem to be using the royal “you”. If you had said “Knowing what is coming behind me is of little value,” I don’t think anyone would have a problem with that. But you are implying that the rest of us don’t need mirrors. To go on and say that you use something that looks back the same way a mirror does while tell the rest of us we don’t need the same thing smacks of “do what I say, not what I do”. While I can’t speak directly for everyone else, I’m reasonable certain that those of us who use mirrors (or even radar) do so for reasons that we find…what’s that work again…oh, yeah…value.
Although I’ve never heard of it but you seem to be using the royal “you”. If you had said “Knowing what is coming behind me is of little value,” I don’t think anyone would have a problem with that. But you are implying that the rest of us don’t need mirrors. To go on and say that you use something that looks back the same way a mirror does while tell the rest of us we don’t need the same thing smacks of “do what I say, not what I do”. While I can’t speak directly for everyone else, I’m reasonable certain that those of us who use mirrors (or even radar) do so for reasons that we find…what’s that work again…oh, yeah…value.
All of it is my opinion and I am not speaking for everyone else. When I say 'knowing what's coming behind you is of little value', that is clearly my opinion.
If you couldn't realize it was my opinion, that's a you issue. You have already said you have been intentionally obtuse in how you read my comments here. Not much reason to continue if you aren't willing to bring your intelligence to the discussion ND instead want to be obtuse and try to play 'gotcha'.
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I think you are talking about the old Rhode Gear Take-a-Look mirror. Blackburn has a similar design. I think Blackburn bought the design from Rhode Gear.
Of course, Rhode Gear and Blackburn are just sub-brands of Bell Sports these days, so it's not surprising they're sharing branding.
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Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html