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!

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.

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.

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.

m1xm0d3 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.

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.

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.

m1xm0d3 wrote: »

chivalryder wrote: »

m1xm0d3 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.