Discussion
Just out of interest really, what is the general consensus on cycle mirrors?
Reason I ask is I popped into my LBS a while back to pick up a replacement and was more or less laughed out of the shop. I hadn't realized they were apparently such a looked down upon accessory.
Personally I don't really like riding on the road without one, and if it reduces the chances of me ending up smeared all over the tarmac I don't see what the issue is.
Thoughts?
Reason I ask is I popped into my LBS a while back to pick up a replacement and was more or less laughed out of the shop. I hadn't realized they were apparently such a looked down upon accessory.
Personally I don't really like riding on the road without one, and if it reduces the chances of me ending up smeared all over the tarmac I don't see what the issue is.
Thoughts?
I've never used one and never missed not having one. Being generally aware of what's around you - listening, glances over your shoulders, using your peripheral vision - are all enough IMO.
Actually I did try a customer's bike with a mirror once years ago and remember it being useless: it wobbled badly over bumps and I spent more time staring at the mirror trying to make out what it was showing, than looking where I was going!
Actually I did try a customer's bike with a mirror once years ago and remember it being useless: it wobbled badly over bumps and I spent more time staring at the mirror trying to make out what it was showing, than looking where I was going!
Nope, don't ride with an mp3 (not suicidal!) and I completely agree with comments about other senses etc. I just find a mirror an effective additional insurance against accidently veering out in front of something I may not of noticed as even the most superhuman of us are capable of doing.
As I say just interested in peoples opinions thats all.
As I say just interested in peoples opinions thats all.
As you get older, it does become more difficult to turn your head around whilst riding to see what's coming. There are mirrors that fit on the end of drop 'bars. Never seen one for real but they look effective. I did once meet a serious veteran who used a discrete mirror, he said it had "saved him" on many occasions.
wades said:
Nope, don't ride with an mp3 (not suicidal!) and I completely agree with comments about other senses etc. I just find a mirror an effective additional insurance against accidently veering out in front of something I may not of noticed as even the most superhuman of us are capable of doing.
As I say just interested in peoples opinions thats all.
Even if you manage to find a good mirror which doesn't wobble and offers a clear view of the road behind, you are still losing something important; the visual cue of you looking over your shoulder which alerts drivers to your intention to move over. If you are riding with mirrors, it might be worth fitting indicators as well.As I say just interested in peoples opinions thats all.
As a slight aside, you shouldn't be veering anywhere anyway. Ride in straight lines and move out for obstacles in plenty of time. Be predictable.
wades said:
I just find a mirror an effective additional insurance against accidently veering out in front of something I may not of noticed as even the most superhuman of us are capable of doing.
I'm not sure I understand that. If you've failed to check over your shoulder before doing something what good is the mirror going to be? Or do you always check the mirror but sometimes forget to turn your head?FWIW I put mirrors in the same bracket as those lollypop reflector things as a bit of a pointless device that people have on their bikes to *feel* a bit safer.
I can see the use for one on a recumbent but that's about it.
Sorry Mr. Will. I wasn't very clear in what i meant by 'veering'. I am only talking about those times when a large pothole/corsa door/ child/ cat etc appears without warning in front of you.
I think what amazes me is the number of cyclists who never seem to pay any attention to what is behind them and do just veer in and out without any idea what may be behind them.
An excellent point about the visual clue of the quick glance by the way and yes i do this.
I seem to be suffering from 'OP coming across as a nob disease'. I'm not honestly!
At present I use the mirror in addition to, not instead of, all the other techniques described.
I think what amazes me is the number of cyclists who never seem to pay any attention to what is behind them and do just veer in and out without any idea what may be behind them.
An excellent point about the visual clue of the quick glance by the way and yes i do this.
I seem to be suffering from 'OP coming across as a nob disease'. I'm not honestly!
At present I use the mirror in addition to, not instead of, all the other techniques described.
wades said:
Sorry Mr. Will. I wasn't very clear in what i meant by 'veering'. I am only talking about those times when a large pothole/corsa door/ child/ cat etc appears without warning in front of you.
You have time to check your mirror in those circumstances? 
wades said:
I seem to be suffering from 'OP coming across as a nob disease'. I'm not honestly!
Don't worry, it is the way of the internet. If you come on here saying "anyone who fits a mirror to their bike is a 
" then you'd have a load of people arguing with you in their favour. 
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