One thing I don't understand

[MontyVeda]

... those geniuses that don't even need to try them [a mirror] ...

I'm not a genius by a long chalk... but I know that i am perfectly able to see what's behind me without using a mirror. If i had a problem, I'd find a solution. but i don't

 

[martint235]

By far the majority of people stated that they have tried a mirror and then explained why it did not work for them. For me the reasons against are were summed up in the 3rd post

Each to their own really. I don't change position that often and only between hoods and tops when I do. Even the time it takes me to check the mirror can result in nervous moments as cars on my route really do change lane without notice and the mirror lets me see for example if I'm holding up a motorbike for no good reason.

 

[Red17]

Pretty sure when I was a kid (many many years ago - Ok 70's) mirrors were more common on kids bikes - I remember seeing a few with loads of mirrors copying the mod scooters.

Just found a pic of what I remember



Newer used one on a bike myself though

 

[GilesM]

Mirrors are clearly an affront to style, but then people wear sandals. C'est la vie.

Even sandals with socks don't get anywhere close to the sort of mirror on a bike fashion crime, in all, a very worrying thread, the simple fact is, bikes should not have mirrors unless they have motors aswell.

 

[martint235]

Even sandals with socks don't get anywhere close to the sort of mirror on a bike fashion crime, in all, a very worrying thread, the simple fact is, bikes should not have mirrors unless they have motors aswell.

Yebbut I bet you're one of those weirdos that says I can't mix and match groupsets on a bike

 

[Ihatehills]

I'm an advocate for mirrors, I have a bar end fitting type and think that for me its fairly essential, if I didn't have it I would constantly be checking over my shoulder on busy roads, I'm fully aware that its more to do with confidence than necessity though. plus it does get in the way at times.

 

[theclaud]

Yeah I see how origamist has been the model of decorum in this one sided strop.

And from page 1 onwards plenty of equally dogmatic, 'no they're useless' presented just as factually as the OPs line.

Hey ho.

A brusque and to-the-point question in response to an adversarial, vehement and over-emotional OP. Seems entirely reasonably to me. Then Origamist (who is, I should point out for Simon's benefit, not only an asset to 'the cycling community' and a tireless advocate for cyclists' safety, but a cyclist of incomparable grace, swiftness and panache) gets loads of wholly uwarranted abuse. This is usually a sign that the OP was wound up like a top before he started, and just waiting for a cue to go off on one.

 

[GilesM]

Yebbut I bet you're one of those weirdos that says I can't mix and match groupsets on a bike

I don't see that as a serious crime, as long as the bike looks right.

 

[cd365]

It does rather appear that the OP was driving too close to a cyclist and felt that giving the cyclist a mirror would have made his own driving less dangerous.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news...plains-how-to-safely-overtake-cyclists-186697

That seemed like the case to me as well.

I don't ride with a mirror because I feel like I don't need one, I have a perfectly functioning neck that I can use to see what is behind me!

 

[DRHysted]

DRYysted......Mirror creating problems? pray tell how?

I presume you meant me here?

Bar end one, vibrates terribly, needs adjusting with every change in position (tops, hoods, drops, hanging over the bars).
Frame mount, vibrates terribly, needs adjusting with every change in position (tops, hoods, drops, hanging over the bars), hits my legs when stood on the pedals.
Bar top mounted, vibrates terribly, needs adjusting with every change in position (tops, hoods, drops, hanging over the bars).

In the end it's quicker, easier, and more reliable to look behind me the old fashioned way by turning my head. I do over 4000 miles a year, mostly commuting, so must be doing something right.

 

[G3CWI]

I have noticed that a lot of motorists don't seem to use their mirrors much.

 

[MontyVeda]

I have noticed that a lot of motorists don't seem to use their mirrors much.

ah but they have them... i think that might have been the OPs point... and i'm wondering if the OP really does ride a bike.

 

[TheDoctor]

I'm rather hoping he doesn't!

 

[theclaud]

I'm rather hoping he doesn't!

Oh I don't know - I'd rather he was on a bike than behind the wheel of a car.

 

[Dayvo]

Can't see the point of having a rear-view mirror: it's not as though you're cycling backwards!

As long as the vehicle behind you can see you, then potentially you're safe. My neck, eyes, ears and common sense have looked after me so far. And having a mirror doesn't make immune to accidents or injuries, in fact, it may even give people a false belief in how safe they are.

I tried a mirror once (about the size of £2 coin: it lasted about two minutes) before I realised that it was shite.