Cycle Mirrors an
Author
Discussion

batbuilder92

Original Poster:

92 posts

253 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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I apologise if this has been covered before, but does anyone use bar end mirrors on their bikes? Are they any good or do they just wobble too much? Thinking of getting one as nearly did a Smidsy on a car this morning. For a few quid I am tempted to try a cheapie and see if it makes any difference. You dont see many people using them and hence the question.

jesusbuiltmycar

5,129 posts

283 months

Monday 24th February 2014
quotequote all
Rule #66 // No mirrors.

the rules said:
Mirrors are allowed on your (aptly named) Surly Big Dummy or your Surly Long Haul Trucker. Not on your road steed. Not on your Mountain bike. Not on your helmet. If someone familiar with The Rules has sold you such an abomination, return the mirror and demand a refund, plus interest and damages.
wink

anonymous-user

83 months

Monday 24th February 2014
quotequote all
not sure i see the point to be honest, i'd still do an over the shoulder check and its always good to let motorists know that you are paying attention to whats behind you.

Davidos

201 posts

226 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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I use one and find it invaluable - but they are (still) uncool.

I use a Cateye barend on my "road" mountain bike.

They do wobble a bit, and need little adjustments during the ride as the road vibrations do alter the position.

They are no substitute for an over the shoulder look, but invaluable for the general monitoring of traffic behind you.

I don't like to be "surprised" by a close passing traffic, the mirror lets me monitor easily and prepare myself accordingly.

Disco You

3,748 posts

209 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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I just use a mk1 neck.

TwistingMyMelon

6,510 posts

234 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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Try em and see!

Not for me, but I worth a try if you are tempted

jodypress

2,107 posts

303 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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I think there was some paper that found that drivers paid more attention to cyclists that did the lifesaver.

batbuilder92

Original Poster:

92 posts

253 months

Monday 24th February 2014
quotequote all
£6 ventured, I'll see if it is worth the great expense.
I agree no substitute for over the shoulder look, but while you are doing that you are not looking where you are going, but a mirror may give slightly more warning of someone behind you, before looking.
I'll see how it goes....

yellowjack

18,444 posts

195 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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Not much help because I can't remember the name of the product, but I recall one bike mirror that was specifically designed for a road bike, and fitted at the junction of the head tube and down tube, such that you got a great view to the rear of the bike as your drive-side thigh was parallel to the ground at the top of every pedal stroke. Because it was attached to the frame, it wobbled less and was less vulnerable if the bike was dropped, than bar end mounted mirrors.

richardxjr

7,561 posts

239 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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^ Bike Eye Mirror YJ smile I bought one, it was great, then it broke frown

Not bothered replacing it but it was handy to keep an eye on traffic looming up on you and other riders. Those bits n bobs are on their way to you by the way wink



RealSquirrels

11,327 posts

221 months

Monday 24th February 2014
quotequote all
jesusbuiltmycar said:
Rule #66 // No mirrors.

the rules said:
Mirrors are allowed on your (aptly named) Surly Big Dummy or your Surly Long Haul Trucker. Not on your road steed. Not on your Mountain bike. Not on your helmet. If someone familiar with The Rules has sold you such an abomination, return the mirror and demand a refund, plus interest and damages.
wink
surely mirrors would be useful in a race to see who is behind you, and where they are?

Watchman

6,391 posts

274 months

Monday 24th February 2014
quotequote all
I've had a Busch & Miller mirror for a while. Use it like you use car mirrors - as a first and regular check but NOT at the expense of a quick head-turn before any manoeuvre.

yellowjack

18,444 posts

195 months

Monday 24th February 2014
quotequote all
richardxjr said:
^ Bike Eye Mirror YJ smile I bought one, it was great, then it broke frown

Not bothered replacing it but it was handy to keep an eye on traffic looming up on you and other riders. Those bits n bobs are on their way to you by the way wink
Thanks, Richard!

Having looked at the Bike Eye that jodypress linked to, the one I'm thinking of was somewhat neater in it's execution, although it was similar in conception. I saw it at the 'Cycling Festival' that took place at the Denbeys Vinyard near Dorking when the Olympic Road race was on, and meant to order one, but lost the flyer I'd picked up at the stand. Ultimately, I can still turn my head and keep a bike running straight, so I'm managing OK without a mirror at the moment.

TwistingMyMelon

6,510 posts

234 months

Monday 24th February 2014
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That Italian one is pretty neat, handy to see if any riders are creeping up on you on the way home when in THE GAME....