Mirrors ?

[J4CKO]

Sorry about my deluge of threads but I have loads of questions for you seasoned cyclists, it will peter out eventually !

So, who uses a rear view mirror, I had a small, wobbly helmet one but upgraded to a bar end one, I would not like being without it, it was the one thing I missed in transition from driving the car everyday.

 

[Amanda P]

The fashion police will be after you - they disapprove of anything not absolutley essential to make a bike go.

I got one when I first had a recumbent, 'cause it's harder to look behind you on them. Then I missed having one on my other bikes, so now most have them. It really depends where you ride how much use they are. I ride to work partly along a horrible 70mph trunk road. It's good to be able to see what's about to pass all the time without continually having to look round.

On the other hand, in town, you'll generally be actually turning and looking whether you have a mirror or not. You get a better view, and it also signals to following drivers that you might be human, and that you might be about to manouvre. (With a mirror, you can of course choose when and to whom to give those specific signals).

They vary a lot in how much you can see in them. If you want one, don't abandon the idea if the first one you try is a bit crap. There are probably better ones, or ones that suit your bike and your ride better.

If you tour with a spouse/partner/mate, a mirror is dead useful to see how far behind you've left them!

You have nothing to lose but your street cred (if you have any) from trying one. Just don't forget that "life saver" glance over your shoulder even when you have a mirror. It's called that for a good reason.

 

[tdr1nka]

If you tour with a spouse/partner/mate, a mirror is dead useful to see how far behind you've left them.

I am party to the fact that Mrs. Uncle Phil has a mirror so she can see how far behind Mr. Uncle Phil is!

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

Mirrors are useful [I use them], but no substitute for a final look over the shoulder.

 

[dodgy]

I had a Zefal spy mirror on my road bike until it fell off somewhere in Cheshire. Quite useful it was, doesn't replace looking over your shoulder, but it helps to know when it isn't worth looking back because you can see there is something coming so not worth looking to confirm what you know (iyswim).

Dave.

 

[wafflycat]

I find having mirrors essential on my recumbent. On an upright, not so much need, as I can look over my shoulder easily enough. But should neck/shoulder mobility be limited, I'd certainly use one/two on the uprights

 

[fossyant]

Noooooooooooo, just like bells............ you'll be fitting tassels next !!!

 

[mr_cellophane]

I got a mirror when I started going on rides with the kids. Now they don't come, I use mine for the long look behind - when you hear a car in the distance. I look over my shoulder when cars are 10ft behind.

When I break the present one, I will get a pair of these

http://www.bikesyoulike.co.uk/product/2330/Topeak_Bar_N_Mirror

 

[tdr1nka]

A road side mirror is invaluable on a trike especially at night, but as has been said, mirrors should never be a replacement for actually looking over your shoulder.

 

[J4CKO]

No, I dont use it to substitute a look over my shoulder but to supplement, the mirror tells you cars are there, a look over the shoulder tells them you are there. Its good awacs for Stobart type vehicles !

As for the fashion thing, yes it is about the gimpiest thing you can add but I would go as far as to say I wouldn't be cycling without it.

 

[yenrod]

Sorry about my deluge of threads but I have loads of questions for you seasoned cyclists, it will peter out eventually !

So, who uses a rear view mirror, I had a small, wobbly helmet one but upgraded to a bar end one, I would not like being without it, it was the one thing I missed in transition from driving the car everyday.

I rode for years and years without one but now they are a total boom !

Like, if you know its quiet on the road (behind) you dont have to look but check the mirror and not look so far around - yet I still make sure !!!

They are a god send!

Ive even noticed some cardrivers are quite mindfull of the fact I have one - i didnt realise they scrutinise me so much prior to passing.

Though there are some who just arent detail like (know i have it) and drive slipshod past me.

The ones who do notice it seem t go past me slower and more mindfull of space and a gap in traffic to get past.

Its been a + + from my angle

 

[HLaB]

I've never had a mirror and whilst I feel it could be useful in some instances I prefer a look over my shoulder, it also lets the more advanced drivers know that you could be about to do a maneuver. It probably wouldn't be the case for everybody but I believe a mirror would make me more timid and likely to swerve out of the way when I saw something bearing down on me.

 

[yenrod]

I've never had a mirror and whilst I feel it could be useful in some instances I prefer a look over my shoulder, it also lets the more advanced drivers know that you could be about to do a maneuver. It probably wouldn't be the case for everybody but I believe a mirror would make me more timid and likely to swerve out of the way when I saw something bearing down on me.

Even if you've a mirror to move out with just a glance in the mirror - that'd be suicidal.

..though the other day I seen a car coming upto me so fast I nearly ran off the road, far more awareness form me.

The mirror has made me even more aware of what goes on and secure too as it can keep tabs on them behind!

 

[cheadle hulme]

I have the bike eye mirror on the road bike and bar end ones on the commuter and MTB.

Knowing that there is nothing behind me helps me relax more.

More relaxed = more enjoyable = more cycling

 

[J4CKO]

It would give advance warning of Neds planning an ambush from a Bazzed up Corsa !