Rearview mirrors: necessary, effective, recommendations?

[Matthew Williams]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about getting a small, bar-mounted rearview mirror. For the past forty-five years I've ridden without one and I'm in the habit of constantly checking my surroundings, but after riding in traffic for several months I'm thinking a mirror might be a good idea.

Do you use a mirror, or is it unnecessary? Does it help, or is it just a gadget that isn't a substitute for turning your head? What are your recommendations for rearview mirrors? 

[Steve Cole]

Matthew,

I started a thread a few months ago on this.  It's my view that mirrors dramatically improve ones safety, especially when negotiating urban traffic.  I may have a recommendation, but before offering it, would you tell us what kind of handlebars you have.  That would limit the possible solutions.

Steve Cole

Arlington, VA

[Matthew Williams]

Shucks, I searched for a thread on this subject! Where's the earlier discussion?

I have the non-brazed 22.2mm B901 Bullmoose bars. I don't know the internal diameter.

[Eric Norris]

Matthew:

I have used a helmet-mounted mirror for decades. In my opinion, going out without a mirror is like driving a car with a rear view mirror—not smart. I check it constantly to maintain “situational awareness” of the vehicles on the road around me, including this approaching from behind. Being able to quickly glance to check approaching traffic before I steer around a pothole or debris is much easier than swiveling my head to look back.

My favorite is the Third Eye Pro, which has larger mirror than some others. Look for a secure adjustment system that keeps the mirror oriented in the face of bumps and wind.

--Eric Norris
campyo...@me.com

Insta: @CampyOnlyGuy

YouTube: YouTube.com/CampyOnlyGuy 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/28c0397a-4842-4112-afcb-4a653549baben%40googlegroups.com.

[Lyman Labry]

Hi,

I highly recommended mirrors.  Ive always used the German one mounted on drop bars. However, with my new Albatasche  bars, i have not found a way to mount them without interfering with hand grip.  Any help there would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lyman

[Paul Brodek]

I'm primarily a drop-bar rider, and my fave is the Spintech bar-end mirror. Have 'em on everything that doesn't have bar-cons, on the left side only. Pretty indispensable for me once I got used to them. On the few 2x/3x vintage bar-con builds I have, I'm constantly looking down for feedback, and seeing only air.

There is an Italian bar-end mirror, evidently named the IRBM, that's more compact and sleeker, which I haven't tried. Looking at it I'd assume there'd be more body blockage, since it has both less viewing area than the Sprintech, and isn't articulated. But since I haven't use one, I don't know that for sure.

There's also a Berthoud bar-end mirror that looks gorgeous, which Rene Herse carries. It also has less viewing area than the Sprintech, but looks like maybe less body blockage than the Italian one?

I've used a whole bunch of cheaper-but-similar-looking mirrors to the Sprintech, including CycleAware, and they all unfailingly break. The mirror stem is too thin, or the material's too cheap, or too rigid, or all of the above. Anyhow, they always break.

We had this discussion a while back, when I still had a pile of the cheapo mirrors that I replaced before failure, and I offered them here for folks to try at $5/pr, just to cover shipping. Nobody took me up on the offer, so I threw them all out. So now if you want to try the cheapos to see if they'll hold up for you, you'll have to pay retail.

Harumph.

Forgive me, evidently I'm a little hangry.

Some overviews here:

https://www.thegeekycyclist.com/best-things/bike-mirrors/

Paul Brodek

Hillsdale, NJ USA   

On Friday, August 28, 2020 at 12:21:36 PM UTC-4, Matthew Williams wrote:

[Paul Brodek]

Pardon the self-reply, but maybe my cheapo mirror offer was on ibob, not here? If so, apologies for my grumpiness. Too many forums......

And while I'm typing, I did use eyeglass mirrors, and helmet mirrors, back in the day. The eyeglass ones became inconvenient as my eyewear collection grew, and as sunglasses started getting weird-shaped frames. And I found the helmet ones were always in danger of damage when my helmet was off, often needed a bunch of fiddling/adjusting, had a very small viewing image that was also way too far away from my skull, and I always had to adjust/crane my neck to get the view I wanted.

I find the bar-end position much, much better, and the Sprintechs hold their position well while still being easy to adjust.

Paul Brodek

Hillsdale, NJ USA

[Edwin W]

Lyman wrote about german mirror on albstache " i have not found a way to mount them without interfering with hand grip"

I had one on Noodles for awhile and found that to be a perfect match, better than when I had it on albatross. I just switched back to albatross and found that the mirror just foreward of my grip, about six inches from the bar end does a fairly good job. Does the albastache have enough room there for grip and mirror, or does the bar bend too soon?

Edwin

On Friday, August 28, 2020 at 1:07:22 PM UTC-5, Tirebiter ATX wrote:

Hi,

I highly recommended mirrors.  Ive always used the German one mounted on drop bars. However, with my new Albatasche  bars, i have not found a way to mount them without interfering with hand grip.  Any help there would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lyman

On Fri, Aug 28, 2020 at 11:21 AM Matthew Williams <matthewwil...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about getting a small, bar-mounted rearview mirror. For the past forty-five years I've ridden without one and I'm in the habit of constantly checking my surroundings, but after riding in traffic for several months I'm thinking a mirror might be a good idea.

Do you use a mirror, or is it unnecessary? Does it help, or is it just a gadget that isn't a substitute for turning your head? What are your recommendations for rearview mirrors? 

--


You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.

[Patrick Moore]

I used several different kinds of glasses-mount, helmet mount, and bar mount mirrors for several years, and found I didn't trust them; I preferred then and still prefer listening and learning how to glance over my left shoulder while holding a straight line. I find that having to listen to traffic approaching from the rear keeps me more alert -- at least, I think it does; it has been 14-15 years since I used a mirror.

I commuted across town 15-16 miles in rush hour traffic, often after dark, for years, so I am familiar with keeping one's riding wits about one.

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/28c0397a-4842-4112-afcb-4a653549baben%40googlegroups.com.

--

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Rick Thompson]

I put one of these Hafney bar end mirrors on a bike several years ago: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVHQB22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It has a good field of view, is sturdy and not expensive compared to some like the Berthoud (which does look more elegant). I was not normally a mirror user, since trying several glasses or helmet mounted ones and not liking them, but now I do use this one and have the same on 6 bikes with both flat and drop bars. General situational awareness is good, and a mirror just adds to that. If a car is approaching from behind I cannot tell from the sound if it's giving a wide clearance or plans to cut it close. I can also see cars approaching from far back on country roads and do some safety swerves as they approach.

[Joe Bernard]

I use bar mirrors religiously and refuse to ride the road without them. For Bullmoose and other flattish bars I recommend the Mirrycle MTB bar-end mirror, it's fantastic. 

[Tom M]

Agree with Joe about the Mirrycle MTB bars. Just a great mirror. For drops, I've used the German mirror, Italian Road Bike Mirror, and the Rene Herse one. The Rene Herse one is a bit fiddly to set up and is small, but once it's set, it works fine. Has the advantage of going into the bar end and not under the bar tape. The Italian Road Bike Mirror, once set up, has a larger viewing area than the Herse, and I like it a lot. The rub is that it either goes under the bar tape, in which case it can shift when you're wrapping the tape, or it goes on top, and you have to use electrical or extra bar tape to secure it in place. The German mirror has the largest viewing area. It's not as elegant as the Herse or Italian.

Tom Milani

Alexandria, VA

[Nick Payne]

I've used helmet or eyeglass-mounted mirrors for the past 40+ years. For the past decade or so I've been using the Cycleaware helmet-mounted mirrors:

Nick

[ted]

Necessary? No. Handy and useful? Yes. Will one make the occasional head check entirely superfluous? No.

On upright back swept bars the german mirror RBW sells is great (have two of those).

On drop bars (and longer rides with more country road miles) I'm liking the GB mirror from RH in conjunction with a varia 510 rear radar these days. (silly expensive setup. but, if you can pay for it, nice).

I think this is one of those areas where different folks find different things suit them best. So since you are interested, I encourage you to get a reasonably priced one (lots of good suggestions here) and see how you like it. There is nothing like trying for knowing.

[Steve Cole]

Matthew,

Sorry it took overnight to reply.  Here's the link to my earlier thread -- https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/internet-bob/steve$20cole%7Csort:date/internet-bob/f2U8ngMF1go/qOdQDmHWDQAJ.  I was wrong, it was posted on IBob not RBW.  And, it's a much broader thread about safe riding, although I indicate how important a mirror is for me.

I too have the Bullmoose handlebars, although mine are the B890Rs.  Over the years, I've tried many kinds of mirrors -- I think they are truly essential for safety, especially in cities and towns.  After lots of experimenting, like Rick Freeman, I settled on the Hafny.  I tried the German mirror Riv sells and really found it wanting.  Same for the Mirracle.  I won't go into the reasons here but will elaborate if you or anyone else is interested. Here's why I like, no love, the Hafny.  As you know it is a bar-end mirror.  Inserting it into the bar end and tightening it makes it rock solid.  I won't lose it and important to me, the image is stable.  Second, it's flexible with respect to placement.  By this, I mean it can be set anywhere within the 360 degree circle.  Personal taste. Mine is set upward.  Third, it has a stainless steel mirror, which is an important safety factor as it won't shatter.  Fourth, it's unbelievably inexpensive, $15; the Berthoud on the Rene Herse website is nearly $90 and has a much smaller, harder to use mirror.  The Hafny is easily available if you are willing to buy from Amazon.  

You didn't ask, but I use the Ergon Biokork GC-! grips.  They are specially designed for swept back handlebars like the Bullmoose, which sweeps about 30 degrees.  They come with openings at the end of the handlebars and easily accommodate the Hafny mirror.  In addition, they really support the base of my hands, which rarely get numb anymore.  While Ergon grips are widely available, the GC-1 model is a little rare.  Be sure you get this one; it's easy to make a mistake.

Happy riding.

Steve Cole

Arlington, VA

On Friday, August 28, 2020 at 12:21:36 PM UTC-4, Matthew Williams wrote:

[Joel]

I use a glasses mounted mirror. Since I lost MT Chuck Harris I am now using these made in the US mirrors. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C17M26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On Friday, August 28, 2020 at 12:21:36 PM UTC-4, Matthew Williams wrote:

[RichS]

By all means, ride with a mirror. The German handlebar mirror Riv sells has been my go to for several years. The hbar location can be intrusive at times but the trade off has been worth it. Have tried a helmet mounted mirror but couldn't get comfortable with it. 

As valuable as mirrors are I look back if I'm turning or changing lanes.

Here's looking at you!

Rich in ATL

[Roberta]

For me, mirrors are a must! 

Right now, I have German Mirrors on my albatross bars.

Without bar end shifters, I like the Mirrcylcle bar end mirror, with the stem pointed down mirror pointed out, so it doesn't interfere with my hands at all (most pics have the stem pointing up mirror pointed out).  The mirror I think (remembering) is a better mirror than the German one.  Plus, I could rotate it in, so it doesn't make my bike even wider in the hallway.

I used to have a mirror on my helmet and I liked that, got a new helmet and didn't replace the mirror.  But as Paul Brodek commented, you have to be careful not to damage it when you remove your helmet.

In Philadelphia, they are moving some, but not all, of the bike lanes from the right to the left, necessitating two mirrors per bike.  I might try Nick's helmet mirror suggestion for my left lane travels.

On Friday, August 28, 2020 at 7:43:04 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote:

[Jim Kramka]

I use a mirror attached to my glasses and would never go back to riding without. I’ve tried two different bar mounted mirrors and found them significantly less safe and useful. I can look in my mirror without moving my head. I can scan lanes behind and beside me with just slight movement, something possible with bar-mounted mirrors only with large movements. And my mirror goes with me regardless which bike I ride. 

--

[Bill Schairer]

I won't argue against a mirror but don't find the comparison to driving a car without a mirror to be valid.  If one has ever driven a convertible with the top down without distracting music playing I think one will recognize what a difference hearing traffic around you makes in situational awareness.  I haven't used a mirror in over 50 years of riding in traffic.  When I was in junior high I rode to and from school on my 3 speed with a mirror.  It served me well when one of my friendly school mates hurled an apple at me from a passing bus.  The apple struck and shattered my mirror much to the delight of those on the bus.  My parents did not replace the mirror nor did I ever ask them to and I haven't used one since.

In my experience as a cyclist and a motorist, there is absolutely nothing that comes close to getting the attention of a motorist, and almost always a good reaction,  than a quick head check.  The motorist knows you want to do something, gets nervous and, in my experience, almost always will back off.  Worst case, they want to get by you faster and you do hear that.  My ears are always on, the first head check is quick, more a signal of intent that also gets my left ear out of the wind.  The second head check is a bit longer where I go for a visual.  The third lets me know whether or not the motorist is actually hanging back for me.  I'm not trying to argue one way or the other but just presenting the other side and suggesting that the choice not to use a mirror is not necessarily an irresponsible choice so long as one's hearing is intact.  For the most part, I choose not to ride roads where this strategy doesn't feel comfortable to me but it is close to impossible for me to go for a ride from home without being in traffic and I often prefer heavy traffic.

I have toured with friends who use mirrors and appreciate the "car back" calls from time to time but my experience has been that I am often aware of the car back before the mirrored cyclist and maybe the one first one making the call.  One of my friends is very hard of hearing, uses a mirror and it is frightening to me how often he is completely unaware.

That being said, one of my touring partners may have been saved from a very unpleasant encounter when he noticed in his mirror something trailing him.  Curious as to what it was he stopped and turned around to see this guy.  He was alone at the time.  Kinda hard to know what might have happened had he not turned and faced him down.  The cat took off when another rider then came up from behind to sandwich him.  This is the most compelling argument for a mirror I've encountered.

Bill S

[Patrick Moore]

Good point about the car/bike comparison which fits my experience.

Bill's experience and response is much like mine, and this raises a question: If you start riding in urban traffic early -- I started in then-somnolent but still urban Bangalore age 11 when my parents let me ride to school through city streets, then rode more extensively in far, far denser urban traffic in New Delhi the next year, without my parent's knowledge, as far as I know -- I wonder if you don't simply acquire more thoroughly certain lifelong listening and awareness habits -- the knack of being aware of what is around you and of knowing where exactly you fit in to the traffic mix, and what you can and can't safely do in that role or position.

I also have not quarrel with those who insist on mirrors. Me, as I said, I could never trust them.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/43e29e4d-b24a-4aed-a0b2-5d8b07c2dd59n%40googlegroups.com.

[Joe Bernard]

That big cat is why I think mirrors are necessary. Especially in my area where half the cars that pass me are plug-in hybrids or Teslas, I can't rely on my (aging) hearing to know what's coming. It also doesn't tell me if the idiot is texting, a thing I can see through a windshield. So no "both sides are valid" here, I don't think the shoulder check and hearing is enough on the road. 

[Patrick Moore]

I deny that assertion categorically.

On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 1:23 PM Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

.... So no "both sides are valid" here, I don't think the shoulder check and hearing is enough on the road. 

[Steve Palincsar]

Not everybody has sufficient range of motion so that looking back over the shoulder actually works.  And not to deny Patrick's experience at age 11, but years later those aged vertebrae and related parts might not be as up to the job as they were back when they were young and unscathed by time.

As Pete Seeger used to sing,

How do I know
My youth is all spent
My get up and go
Has got up and went...

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/5acbf33d-92a7-498f-8459-624762dc89efn%40googlegroups.com.

-- 
Steve Palincsar
Alexandria, Virginia 
USA

[Joe Bernard]

"I deny that assertion categorically."

Of course, it's not your opinion. Its ATMO. 

[Joel Stern]

Absolutely.  Good thread, as noted above I use a mirror but will surely use my head a bit more to let motorists think about my intentions.  I do it now anyway but Steve is correct, as we age our bodies don’t always let us do all we want too.  After 2 back surgeAries and a variety of others I know I don’t move like I used to.  

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.


To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/vQ-DHCe6NAs/unsubscribe.


To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.


To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/320b8b41-e16e-e82e-a3af-c639d3c8a1e4%40his.com.

--

~IMPORTANT~ Note to all~~ EMAIL ETIQUETTE
If you forward this email, please highlight and delete the forwarding history, which includes my email address and maybe others. It is a courtesy to me and others who may not wish to have their email addresses sent all over the world. Erasing the history helps prevent Spammers from obtaining addresses, prevents viruses from being propagated, and limits the proliferation of spam. Also, please use the “BCC” area instead of “TO” and “CC” when forwarding to several people at once.
~~Thank you~~

[Patrick Moore]

https://vimeo.com/47833797

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/f663dff0-ca4e-4a93-90fa-5f3592bd0198n%40googlegroups.com.