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Rear view mirror for drop bar

Old 05-19-18, 06:43 PM
  #1  
cyber.snow
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Rear view mirror for drop bar

i really need some kind of ability to see cars and other riders coming up behind me. I tried a helmet mounted system but it was so small I almost wrecked a couple of times as I was trying to determine the source is a noise coming up behind me.
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Old 05-19-18, 07:15 PM
  #2  
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If you use rear panniers, the bar-end mount mirrors, which are otherwise pretty nice, won't work very well.

I have a metal bracket that Velcros onto the brake hood. It's old and heavy, but I love it. I'm not sure it's still made.

There's a very old style that straps onto the back of the hand or glove. I heard someone say they saw a new one the other day.

I've never really gotten the hang of helmet or eyeglass mirrors, but that's probably just a learning curve.
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Old 05-19-18, 07:35 PM
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My helmet mounted mirror is not that small, it is the Third Eye model that clamps onto my helmet visor. But if you think that is too small, that is your decision. I like the way that it clamps on, it works when I am wearing my helmet rain cover which I sometimes do in cold weather. And it can be removed for transport, like when I get on airplanes.

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Old 05-19-18, 07:54 PM
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There are quite a few different bar end mount mirrors out there for drop bars. Mine was an inexpensive Bell brand mirror I found at Walmart. I like it, but have to consciously make myself look down to use it. I'd make sure you can adjust the angle appropriately. I was riding my other bike today that doesn't have a mirrors and I noticed its absence. I do use it.
Those mirrors that come up out of the brake hoods look interesting. I'm not sure how well they work.
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Old 05-20-18, 02:52 AM
  #5  
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I use Zefal Spy Mirrors on some of my bikes including bikes with drop-bars and have in the past used one on my Surly Long Haul Trucker. Now however the Surly has a Busch & Muller Cycle Star mirror fitted to it. I have found it works well for my needs.
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Old 05-20-18, 03:56 AM
  #6  
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I use a Rearviz mirror strapped on my wrist. https://www.rearviz.com/

I'd never be able to keep a mirror on my handlebars or helmet in one piece for long!

The Rearviz is pretty much infinitely adjustable. Change hands if you change from riding on the left to the right.
The disadvantage is that if you change your hand position, you can lose your rear view - but at the same time, an adjustment of your wrist means that you can see a lot more too.

It's finnicky in that it takes a while to get used to it, and to get the adjusting right, but it does do a reasonable job. Bear in mind I have no other mirror use to compare it to.

It can also be handy around camp to have a mirror. And it folds up when not in use so is reasonably robust.
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Old 05-20-18, 07:27 AM
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I had to laugh at the Rearviz website, which says they have the "worlds first" wearable rear view mirror. I specifically remember those back in the 70s, a convex mirror with an elastic strap. I guess that company's not around anymore to claim differently.

(After the AMC car company (remember the Eagle?) went out of business, Subaru started claiming they had the "world's first" all wheel drive station wagon. But the Eagle was 4WD, so maybe that's technically true.)
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Old 05-20-18, 07:55 AM
  #8  
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I installed tbe Ortlieb Ultra Light Mirror on my Long Haul Trucker. I mounted it a little below the brake lever. The mounting stem is horizontal, the mirror is vertical. I just installed it, so I've only ridden about 400 miles, but so far I really like it. I also put one on my wife's bike with Trekking bars as well, she loves it.
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Old 05-20-18, 07:56 AM
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There are about a dozen (China knock-offs) competitors on Amazon, the Rearviz is three, four times the price..

I use the Hafny on a couple of road bikes, works flawlessly https://www.amazon.com/Hafny-Mirror-...rop+bar+mirror
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Old 05-20-18, 08:05 AM
  #10  
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I use a take a look mirror on my helmet (https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5013-6...ist%27s-Mirror). I know you said you didn't want a helmet mirror but maybe you need to give it more time. I love that I can see forward and back at the same time and I can swivel to scan behind me. I have gotten so used to this I find it hard to ride without it. I have never had issues with it being small.
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Old 05-20-18, 08:05 AM
  #11  
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https://www.mirrycle.com/product/mirrycle-road-mirror/
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Old 05-20-18, 08:56 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by volvostephen
I use a take a look mirror on my helmet (https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5013-6...ist%27s-Mirror). I know you said you didn't want a helmet mirror but maybe you need to give it more time. I love that I can see forward and back at the same time and I can swivel to scan behind me. I have gotten so used to this I find it hard to ride without it. I have never had issues with it being small.
Agreed. I have tried all kinds of mirrors, and nothing is as good at the Take a Look mirror. It takes a bit of work to find that perfect spot, but once you do, I absolutely depend on this mirror - it is so good.

If you can't see enough behind you, that suggests to me that you have the mirror mounted too far from your eye or the mirror you have is tiny (probably the former). I strongly suggest you give a helmet or glasses-mounted mirror a try again, because they might be fantastic for you if you get one that works for you and it is adjusted appropriately.
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Old 05-20-18, 09:49 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Aushiker
I use Zefal Spy Mirrors on some of my bikes including bikes with drop-bars and have in the past used one on my Surly Long Haul Trucker. Now however the Surly has a Busch & Muller Cycle Star mirror fitted to it. I have found it works well for my needs.
Which Bush and Muller mirror are you using?
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Old 05-20-18, 10:13 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by volvostephen
I use a take a look mirror on my helmet (https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5013-6...ist%27s-Mirror). I know you said you didn't want a helmet mirror but maybe you need to give it more time. I love that I can see forward and back at the same time and I can swivel to scan behind me. I have gotten so used to this I find it hard to ride without it. I have never had issues with it being small.
I assume you are using the 3rd eye version instead of the one that connects to your glasses?
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Old 05-20-18, 12:59 PM
  #15  
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My friend uses the Busch and Mueller Cycle Star mirror. I have some Cateye brand mirror that screws into the end of the drop bars. Both work well enough for our purposes. As mentioned earlier, the end of the drop bar is not a great location for a mirror on a touring bike but I've found an orientation where the view in the mirror clears the panniers in the back. Both of the mirrors are stiff enough to stay in place while riding while loose enough to shift position so as not to break if the bike should fall over on that side. In the name of science we've put this to the test several times...

I found the Cateye mirror for $8 at REI, so it's a good value. It says "Racing Mirror" on the back in fast looking font, but I'm not sure if it actually makes me any faster.
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Old 05-20-18, 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by cyber.snow
I assume you are using the 3rd eye version instead of the one that connects to your glasses?
I am using the exact one in the link which ever that is. It is nice being on helmet too as I don't have to buy multiples for each bike.
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Old 05-20-18, 07:38 PM
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This is my favourite mirror, but unfortunately, it is only compatible with Shimano brifters made before 2010. The older brifters included built-in clips to accommodate third-party accessories, but Shimano designed out the clips!

Last edited by acantor; 05-20-18 at 07:42 PM.
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Old 05-20-18, 10:11 PM
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I tried the Zefals, but found them too small. Picked up these at Amazon. Good price and come in a pair.
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Old 05-21-18, 07:48 AM
  #19  
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A mirror mount, of sheet aluminum wrapping over the hood was a way they were made years ago..

held on with velcro straps..
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Old 05-21-18, 11:16 AM
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Erick L
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I use a Mountain Mirrycle mounted on a light clamp under the brake hood. Works very well. Put it under the bar tape though, unlike this photo:

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Old 05-21-18, 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by cyber.snow
Which Bush and Muller mirror are you using?
It is the Cycle Star 80 with a longer arm.
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Old 05-26-18, 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Erick L
I use a Mountain Mirrycle mounted on a light clamp under the brake hood. Works very well. Put it under the bar tape though, unlike this photo:

This has worked for me for years.
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Old 05-27-18, 09:38 AM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Erick L
I use a Mountain Mirrycle mounted on a light clamp under the brake hood. Works very well. Put it under the bar tape though, unlike this photo:

My setup as well.
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Old 05-27-18, 02:08 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by cyber.snow
i really need
These have been good for me, but seem to be out of stock presently:

https://www.cycleaware.com/index.php?...&products_id=1
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Old 05-27-18, 02:59 PM
  #25  
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I have ordered the Busch & Mueller and the take a look. Will see how they work.
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