Upon reflection, you might realize that there\’s quite a variety of rearview mirrors used by cyclists. Which is best?

 When had the tricycle, I thought I that I needed mirrors on both sides. Fairly soon I came to realize that I this was unnecessary; and took off the right-hand one.

Here is the kind that I now have on my hybrid bike. I like it because I can easily see things in it. Recently I had to replace it when I somehow let the bicycle fall. The bike landed in such a way that the mirror-stem holder cracked; and could no longer hold the mirror securely. Perhaps ironically, the mirror itself survived just fine!

 I have  a handlebar-end mirror on the road bike. That thing can be very annoying, because it changes position too easily! I nearly always manage to bump it when getting the water bottle in and out of its down tube cage. I suppose, however, that that is a safety measure. In a crash, a handlebar-end mirror that\’s in too rigid a position might cause abdominal injury; especially in a crash at high speed.

Off-Bike Mirrors

Once I tried a helmet-mounted mirror; and that thing drove me crazy! It was very difficult to position the mirror correctly; and even then it seemed to have a mind of its own. It shifted position at the slightest touch; or would even slip out of place without being touched. Even when I managed to get that mirror positioned correctly, I couldn\’t get the hang of seeing anything in it; and eventually I gave up on it.

I haven\’t tried glasses-mounted mirrors; but I\’ve seen other riders using them. In fact, glasses with a mirror are supposedly a sure sign of a genuine cyclist. I\’ve read of putting a mirror patch inside the left lens of a pair of glasses; but I haven\’t tried it.

Upon reflection: if you don\’t use a rearview mirror on your bicycle, I\’d certainly suggest that you get one; especially if you must ride alongside traffic. Try out different models, until you find one that suits you.