Road Bike Mirror

[BentMikey]

So on the recumbent you're in a slightly worse situation (re rear view) than me on an upright, as I have a 'touch of Arthur' in my neck/shoulders and whilst it varies from mild discomfort to 'ouch' I still manage the over the shoulder look. I like the mirror as it gives me a good idea of what's happening behind all the time. If (as is sometimes argued) it's a 'bad thing' to rely heavily on mirrors, recumbents should not be allowed on the road .

Yup, it's a disadvantage of very low recumbents like mine. I compensate to some degree by using arm signals, and pointing out the hazards on the road that I'm avoiding, plus waving through cars when I feel it's safe for them to overtake. I still do lifesaver looks though, as those are very possible and also very necessary to cover your blind spots. Just a mirror on it's own isn't enough.

 

[mickle]

If anything, the temptation is to monitor rearwards too often. This can be dangerous as what is unfolding ahead of you usually presents more problems.

 

[Origamist]

I once had a Brompton unfold under me during an emergency stop...

 

[Yorkshireman]

Yup, it's a disadvantage of very low recumbents like mine. I compensate to some degree by using arm signals, and pointing out the hazards on the road that I'm avoiding, plus waving through cars when I feel it's safe for them to overtake. I still do lifesaver looks though, as those are very possible and also very necessary to cover your blind spots. Just a mirror on it's own isn't enough.

So ... To sum up - You and I (along with many others) use different types of machine on the highways and byways in a similar/the same manner making use of mirrors (at no time have I stated or implied that mirrors on their own are a good idea).

 

[BentMikey]

More that, mirrors are OK, but they are second best to looking behind.

 

[Cab]

Do I recall correctly that someone was manufacturing a mirror containing helmet, rather like a periscope for seeing behind you but built in to the helmet?

 

[magnatom]

Do I recall correctly that someone was manufacturing a mirror containing helmet, rather like a periscope for seeing behind you but built in to the helmet?

Yes I remember reading about that. No idea what it was called though.

 

[magnatom]

A quick search found this

http://togoparts.com/articles/article.php?artid=57&pageid=1

 

[Jaded]

If anyone wants a Reevu helmet let me know!

 

[gkilner]

I have a blackburn drop bar mirror and for commuting in busy traffic, I feel it gives huge benefits.

I would spend half my time looking backwards if I didn't have it. I generally use it to spot a gap in the traffic, then do a quick look over my shoulder as a double check that it is safe to move out.

I also like to know what is coming up to overtake me, if it's a large 38 tonne wagon I like to know.

I can ride behind other cyclists for miles and they don't know I'm there, never checking over their shoulder to overtake parked cars etc. I know what's behind me at all times.

 

[Cab]

If anyone wants a Reevu helmet let me know!

Why, do you have one and want rid of it, or do you flog 'em?

I'm curious about the Reevu, but don't know whether I really fancy one. How much do they go for?

 

[Jaded]

They were about £60 I think.

I have one that didn't work out for me.

 

[Tynan]

when doing my biannual cbt scooter exams they drummed in over and over the essential life saver over mirrors, another maxim being 'never trust your mirrors'

I look whenever it's necessary, I rely ono my road position the rest of the time and concentrate up front, that's the likiest place for shoot to happen

and yes, I despair of other cyclists pulling wide to pass other vehicles with seemingly zero interest in what they might be pulling out in front of (me usually)