Update on the use of mirrors

whitestar1

Hi All
I have been reading a 2010 thread on rear view mirrors. It didn't end with any firm recommendations. Zefal mirror was mentioned but not much said and the Dooback -
http://www.zefal.com/zefal/produit.php?key=470
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12745953 Is there anyone with a good suggestion?
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shouldbeinbed

I use mirrors as routine due to a bad neck and its probably me pontificating on the 2010 thread.

I'm a huge fan of the Dooback mirror, I've tried many others over the years and this one is head and shoulders better than any other one I've tried - for straight(ish) and cowhorn type bars.

I use a Zefal spy mirror on my full moustache bars as the Dooback is on a gentle ratchet and will only bend so far within its ratchet position when open.

I use a Sprintech bar end mirror on my drop bar CX although the Spy mirror works equally as well but zip tied to the brake hoods. the sprintech is an aesthetc improvement.

All of these three give a solid and stable view with no discernable wobble even on my regular commute over Oldham's worst roads in UK (AA survey)

The spy mirror is unidirectional and can be fitted anywhere on the bike, the other two are labelled Left or Right and you need to be sure to pick up a right hand one for your traffic side mounting

The common thing with all of these is they plug into or connect directly to the bike with no linkage or arm. This is the biggest thing I can recommend, every one with an arm linkage or the Blackburn & Bell style cup and velcro over the grips type mount have been absolute rubbish.

you'll struggle to find much in the way of opinion based on experience of regular use, very few people on here choose to or need to use mirrors and most will slag them off and tell you to look over your shoulder instead. Agree that you should still look over your shoulder & definitely do the lifesaver look when you are about to commit to your manouvre, but continual glances back are easier said than done if you've got an injury, a constant reminder of what is moving behind you whilst still looking forwards is always good & you'll find that when you do turn your head, you will know what is there and how far away it is so you're better able to quickly make eye contact and look forwards again. I honestly feel safer with a mirror constantly in my peripheral vision than I did before using them.

snailracer

Well, I have used a Blackburn helmet mirror for commuting for the last 3 years.

The arm is cable-tied to my helmet visor so it doesn't wobble about. The "chewy" balljoint has not been knocked out of position in 3 years, amazingly. The image is rock steady because your head is isolated from road vibrations.

The field of view is excellent, a small sweep of the head (30 degrees?) covers every possible angle a vehicle could approach from behind. I haven't "missed" anything approaching from behind in the 3 years I've been using it.

There is also nothing sticking out from the bars that can get bumped.

The drawbacks:
- It takes some setting up and getting used to, I think because only 1 eye is looking in the mirror
- Only works if your riding position is fairly upright, otherwise the mirror looks at your shoulder
- It makes you look weird.

whitestar1

shouldbeinbed wrote:

I use mirrors as routine due to a bad neck and its probably me pontificating on the 2010 thread.

I'm a huge fan of the Dooback mirror, I've tried many others over the years and this one is head and shoulders better than any other one I've tried - for straight(ish) and cowhorn type bars.

I use a Zefal spy mirror on my full moustache bars as the Dooback is on a gentle ratchet and will only bend so far within its ratchet position when open.

I use a Sprintech bar end mirror on my drop bar CX although the Spy mirror works equally as well but zip tied to the brake hoods. the sprintech is an aesthetc improvement.

All of these three give a solid and stable view with no discernable wobble even on my regular commute over Oldham's worst roads in UK (AA survey)

The spy mirror is unidirectional and can be fitted anywhere on the bike, the other two are labelled Left or Right and you need to be sure to pick up a right hand one for your traffic side mounting

The common thing with all of these is they plug into or connect directly to the bike with no linkage or arm. This is the biggest thing I can recommend, every one with an arm linkage or the Blackburn & Bell style cup and velcro over the grips type mount have been absolute rubbish.

you'll struggle to find much in the way of opinion based on experience of regular use, very few people on here choose to or need to use mirrors and most will slag them off and tell you to look over your shoulder instead. Agree that you should still look over your shoulder & definitely do the lifesaver look when you are about to commit to your manouvre, but continual glances back are easier said than done if you've got an injury, a constant reminder of what is moving behind you whilst still looking forwards is always good & you'll find that when you do turn your head, you will know what is there and how far away it is so you're better able to quickly make eye contact and look forwards again. I honestly feel safer with a mirror constantly in my peripheral vision than I did before using them.

You seem to be quite vocal on the matter of using mirrors and I certainly agree with you. Got any pics of your setup of these mirrors?