Mirrors - do you use em?
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Nope, think about getting them but still can't stomach the "silly" look although I'm not getting any prettier.
"Swerving" can be minimized by practicing bike control but it's hard to keep the discipline especially at the end of a hard ride. Most folks never practice it since it's assumed to be second nature and one never register how poorly it is being performed.0 -
I've tried a helmet mount model and a bar-end model and only the latter remains. It is a small, sporty, unobtrusive model similar to the Sprintech mentioned above. (No "silly" feeling, even if I was so inclined.) It doesn't have a ton of viewing area, but it is enough to see if there is something coming up behind or if I'm leaving a gap ahead of the next rider. I noticed some mirrors are available in pairs, and I can only imagine that's for those of us with multiple road bikes because I can't really see putting a mirror on the right-hand side. (Other than to maintain bike symmetry for those with OCD.) The helmet mount worked OK once I got used to it, but I found it was more hassle than it was worth to keep from knocking it off when I wasn't on the bike. Granted, the helmet mount mirror followed me from bike to bike, but I never felt I needed a mirror when I wasn't on the road anyway.0
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I use a Take-A-Look mirror any time I'm on high-speed or high-traffic paved roads w/no shoulder. It also comes in handy when riding in groups (easy to see if you've dropped someone, and it's nice to let the group know when there's traffic back). I don't like being startled by semis and they create turbulence on high-wind days - I like to be alerted before they pass.0
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Not even by a Lazy Lob...
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I always use a mirror. I have one of them third eye things that hooks onto the frame of my glasses. I feel naked without it. I go back home for it if I forget it.0
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I am a new rider. I really am not comfortable riding in traffic. I dislike hearing a car coming behind me and not being able to see.
A mirror, from everything I read, is a poor fix.
I was thinking of mounting a small camera, like a go pro, on the underside of my saddle, with the feed going to my handlebar mounted phone.
Thoughts?0 -
That could work, if you can deal with the power needs, and if the phone is OK in bad weather. What is nice about that setup is that you can record so *if* something happens, you have some evidence which can help you with the legal stuff.
In my case, the small mirror mounted to my glasses does a good job though, so I would not call it a poor fix. It is cheap too
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I don't think it would help... you'll be too busy looking at the screen to pay attention to the road. That last-second swerve to avoid an obstacle is what will get you killed. Drivers don't want to hit you any more than you want to be hit, so ride steady and predictably and just let them pass.0
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I agree with Josh. I think that would be a distraction. I have a handle bar mirror on my road bike. I use it a lot when riding on the road, especially when riding with a group. I can see cars and other bikes clearly. I tried the mirror attached to the helmet, but since my left contact lens is for distance vision, the image in the mirror is too blurry to do any good!0
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This "GoPro as display" is a total no-go. Sure it sounds uber-nerdy. I have a GoPro3 setup for my bike (set up to film some "epic" road descents thru Yellowstone NP & POV MTB/singletrack stuff). A GoPro setup really not practical for anything but recording "special occasion" riding. It's a royal pain to setup & costs $$$ (camera, housings, batteries, mounts, etc.) And, don't expect to get a ton of footage (d/t memory & battery limitations). Plus, shake/vibration is bad on a bike. And you likely cannot use a phone as a display (the app is horrid, and even if you could stream a good image, it would drain your phone rapidly) nor should you be staring at your phone while riding from a safety perspective. So, you could shell out $500+ for a GoPro setup (that likely won't work like you expect) use or you could buy a $10 mirror.0
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When i first started i did use the small mirror that attached to my sunglass arm, that broke. Then i used a multitude of bar end mirrors, they were better for me but broke off easily. I even used the tiny mirrors that paste to the inside corner of sunglass lens. I just got tired of replacing them. Now i just hold my line and turn my head.
There is a rear light with a camera combo now. Started on kickstarter, forgot its name.0 -
2getgeorge wrote: »There is a rear light with a camera combo now. Started on kickstarter, forgot its name.
The Fly6 by Cycliq? They're bringing out a Fly12; front camera & light combo too.
Looks a good bit of kit; when the Fly12 comes out I might invest in a 6 & 12
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Just saw this. Wow.
Regardless of who was at fault here, having a mirror will tell you when someone is going to drive into you...you gotta have awareness!
Also - I love how this guys buddies are so careful to park their bikes in a safe spot before dragging him off the road!
And - glad the guy wasn't smashed up like roadkill!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3Cf9fYPNENg0 -
I too have been hit by a car. I listen carefully but I live in a very windy state and you'd be amazed how much that shuts down your hearing.
I never ride without a mirror. Used to go thru one a season till I found a guy that handmade helmet mirrors from recycled bike spokes and other materials in 1992. Sadly I will have to replace it soon only because the mirror is losing its finish. Zero jiggle, moves with me for larger view of behind. Love that mirror best safety item EVER, even if it is an antique...0 -
I used to ride with a mirror all the time. Knowing exactly what is behind you and where they are is priceless. Unfortunately, I had to replace my helmet (it was a stick-on mirror) and I haven't found a replacement mirror I've been comfortable with.
I plan on getting this mirror shortly after I upgrade my saddle and grips:
http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/m5.htm
It's the best one out there.
Having a mirror is an essential safety feature. Not only does it allow you to know what's going on behind you, but you can use it to help control traffic. Most cyclists will pull over to the side of the road and pray that the motorist doesn't hit them. They have no control. With a mirror, you can watch the traffic, and stay in the middle of the lane until the cars behind you slow down. When you feel it's safe for them to pass, you can then pull over and let them go. Of course, by being able to see the cars, you'll know when a driver is being an idiot and take evasive maneuvers.0 -
Just saw this. Wow.
Regardless of who was at fault here, having a mirror will tell you when someone is going to drive into you...you gotta have awareness!
Also - I love how this guys buddies are so careful to park their bikes in a safe spot before dragging him off the road!
And - glad the guy wasn't smashed up like roadkill!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3Cf9fYPNENg
Double wow. If that isn't an endorsement for a mirror I don't know what is... If saw that coming I would have taken evasive maneuvers. More appalling is that jerk didn't even stop.
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I have tried the on your glasses style and on the helmet style. I couldn't stand having to shift my focus with my eyes to see in them. And sometimes the vibration was too much. I much prefer having a mirror on my handlebars. I've had big ones, and small ones. I don't really pay much attention to the type of mirror so long as it functions. My hubby use to scoff at me for using a mirror which I always thought was a bit weird considering he's blind on the left side. Then he started riding way more and suddenly he has mirrors on both sides of his handle bars. But he uses his ears and he looks too as he doesn't always trust what he sees in a mirror.0
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Regarding awareness, does anyone else find the wind noise quite deafening by looking straight on when compared to turning your head slightly left/right?
Whenever I approach a blind intersection I always turn my head a bit so I can 'hear' any traffic approaching the junction.
I am wondering if there is a type of ear plug or device worn that takes the 'howl' out of the wind? I hope this makes sense....0 -
Regarding awareness, does anyone else find the wind noise quite deafening by looking straight on when compared to turning your head slightly left/right?
Whenever I approach a blind intersection I always turn my head a bit so I can 'hear' any traffic approaching the junction.
I am wondering if there is a type of ear plug or device worn that takes the 'howl' out of the wind? I hope this makes sense....
http://www.cat-ears.com/
You're welcome.0 -
Regarding awareness, does anyone else find the wind noise quite deafening by looking straight on when compared to turning your head slightly left/right?
I think this is something thats also related to the helmet you're wearing... My old Giro from around 5 years ago was much "noiser" than the Specialized Propero II that I replaced it with, and that in turn is noticeably noiser than the Kask Mojito I'm currently using for on the road (the Propero II got "demoted" to 'cross and MTB usage as it's matt black and already filthy!)
Doesn't help that my lugs stick out like the handles on the FA cup mind...
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Yup, Sprintech on my Roadie, and Mirrycle on my Fitness bike. Both are bar mounted. Neither have an issue with vibration. It just totally spooks me to ride on the road without a clear view of overtaking traffic.0
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I'm feeling a lot less silly with my bar-end mirror now.
I'm a new cyclist since I can't run currently. And I'm not stable enough to look behind me, I'm barely stable enough to make my turn signals (so I largely ride in the early AM before many cars are out).
I haven't seen too many cyclists hear with bar-end mirrors.
But honestly, I see few cyclists. Mostly bike commuters who don't pay attention to the rules of the road0 -
lishie_rebooted wrote: »I'm feeling a lot less silly with my bar-end mirror now.
I'm a new cyclist since I can't run currently. And I'm not stable enough to look behind me, I'm barely stable enough to make my turn signals (so I largely ride in the early AM before many cars are out).
I haven't seen too many cyclists hear with bar-end mirrors.
But honestly, I see few cyclists. Mostly bike commuters who don't pay attention to the rules of the road
Gotta hate those who make a bad name for the rest of us.
I might get back into exclusively mountain biking, just so I can avoid the cars.
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chivalryder wrote: »Regarding awareness, does anyone else find the wind noise quite deafening by looking straight on when compared to turning your head slightly left/right?
Whenever I approach a blind intersection I always turn my head a bit so I can 'hear' any traffic approaching the junction.
I am wondering if there is a type of ear plug or device worn that takes the 'howl' out of the wind? I hope this makes sense....
http://www.cat-ears.com/
You're welcome.
Excellent. Thanks! This will really help me on my commutes.chivalryder wrote: »lishie_rebooted wrote: »I'm feeling a lot less silly with my bar-end mirror now.
I'm a new cyclist since I can't run currently. And I'm not stable enough to look behind me, I'm barely stable enough to make my turn signals (so I largely ride in the early AM before many cars are out).
I haven't seen too many cyclists hear with bar-end mirrors.
But honestly, I see few cyclists. Mostly bike commuters who don't pay attention to the rules of the road
Gotta hate those who make a bad name for the rest of us.
I might get back into exclusively mountain biking, just so I can avoid the cars.
Seriously... just a few days ago I saw a cyclist try to pass a car on the left as the driver was about to turn left with it's signal on. When there was alllll the room on the right so scoot on by. I was like WTFFFF dude. You almost ate it. Big time.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »Regarding awareness, does anyone else find the wind noise quite deafening by looking straight on when compared to turning your head slightly left/right?
Whenever I approach a blind intersection I always turn my head a bit so I can 'hear' any traffic approaching the junction.
I am wondering if there is a type of ear plug or device worn that takes the 'howl' out of the wind? I hope this makes sense....
http://www.cat-ears.com/
You're welcome.
Excellent. Thanks! This will really help me on my commutes.chivalryder wrote: »lishie_rebooted wrote: »I'm feeling a lot less silly with my bar-end mirror now.
I'm a new cyclist since I can't run currently. And I'm not stable enough to look behind me, I'm barely stable enough to make my turn signals (so I largely ride in the early AM before many cars are out).
I haven't seen too many cyclists hear with bar-end mirrors.
But honestly, I see few cyclists. Mostly bike commuters who don't pay attention to the rules of the road
Gotta hate those who make a bad name for the rest of us.
I might get back into exclusively mountain biking, just so I can avoid the cars.
Seriously... just a few days ago I saw a cyclist try to pass a car on the left as the driver was about to turn left with it's signal on. When there was alllll the room on the right so scoot on by. I was like WTFFFF dude. You almost ate it. Big time.
Natural selection at work.
I'm pretty happy with where I live. I'm right on a major cycling artery and, surprisingly, most of the cyclists on it are actually pretty respectful of the traffic laws. The motorists are also (for the most part) pretty respectful of the cyclists. These aren't so much commuters as they are recreational cyclists though. Go to the next city over, and it's a surprise to see a cyclist obey a red light.0 -
Bought one online from eBay but can't find a decent place on my helmet to mount it.
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