Bicycle mirrors: what are they, how to choose and install?

Cycling should be safe as well as healthy. To ensure this condition, there are various accessories, one of which is a rear-view mirror. With its help, it becomes possible to control the ongoing situation. We will talk about the features of this product, its advantages and disadvantages in our article.

Many cyclists find this device very useful. However, there are those who disagree with them, believing that instead of controlling the situation, the mirror distracts attention from the road. However, it should still provide safety when used correctly. Most often mirrors have convex spherical shape, which helps to increase the visibility and provide the cyclist with more complete information about the traffic situation. Some people prefer to choose panoramic mirror, which gives a more complete picture due to the curvature of the optical element, which allows you to expand the viewing angle and ensure visibility even in the side zones. You can purchase mirror with turn signal, but they are not yet widespread on Russian roads.

The disadvantage is the fact that mirrors usually do not come with a bike. You need to purchase and install them yourself. The products are suitable for both road, mountain, and the most ordinary bike. You can attach them to any element, but most often they are fixed on the steering wheel. In addition, a bicycle mirror is quite inexpensive.

There are also disadvantages. These include distraction from the road, as well as glare, which can also interfere with safe driving.... If the cyclist falls, he can injure himself on broken glass, which is quite fragile and also not securely attached. You can call it difficult to drive over rough terrain, since the mirror can catch on something.

As mentioned above, the bike mirror can be mounted in three different locations. They are least often placed on the arm or body. Much more often attached to a handlebar or helmet. As for the fasteners themselves, they can be made independently or purchased from a specialized store.

The most popular is the handlebar mirror mount. This is done with a pin and rubber pads. You can use 3 methods. If a suspended one is chosen, this means that the mirror is fixed on hinges, while being free, which can present some inconvenience to the cyclist.

The standard attachment is made on a pin, which provides a secure and rigid fixation. With a high mount, a pin is also used, but a longer one. It allows the element to be positioned at eye level, which is very convenient for the user.

A small mirror can also be placed on the helmet. However, it becomes possible only with the appropriate dimensions and weight of the accessory... Such a fixation is very reliable, and the element will not interfere with the ride. With this placement the mirror can be adjusted to any angle.

This method is used least often. This is because the mirror in this situation easily slides off and can get lost in clothes, which, accordingly, will create additional inconveniences for the cyclist. Re-fixing takes time. All of this becomes meaningless as more reliable options now exist.

Users note that there are several situations where putting a mirror on a bike is really worth it. First of all, the need is present if there is frequent driving on highways. Rear visibility ensures safety. This accessory is necessary for tourists, as in another country the direction of travel may be different, therefore, confusing, and the rules may be practically absent.

The mirror should be installed for those who prefer to ride a bike with glasses and have vision problems. The fact is that eyepieces limit peripheral vision, so it becomes much more difficult to control the situation on the sides. And also such an accessory should be taken care of by people with hearing impairments, since they may not notice the noise from an approaching car. The same applies to the elderly, as well as those who, for whatever reason, find it difficult to turn their heads.

A very useful mirror and on long trips, when a person is tired and cannot be as focused as possible... At night, it will allow you to reflect the headlights of cars that are still at a considerable distance. When traveling with a company, it allows the presenter, without looking back, to observe so that no one lags behind the group. And also this is true in the case when a small child is behind. A convenient accessory for novice cyclists.

The range of these products on the market is quite wide. You can choose both branded and more budget products. However, in this case, you should be careful and remember that safety is first and foremost. Cheap and low-quality mirrors cannot provide this condition.

The fact is that the cheap plastic base will crack very quickly, so you should opt for more durable materials... This applies not only to the base, but also to the mirror itself. It should be noted here that the display properties even of plastic models are quite good, and the price is much lower than that of glass versions. In addition, there is no protective coating on budget glass products, respectively, there is a risk of injury from fragments if dropped.

When choosing a mirror, consider the riding style and personal characteristics of the cyclist. The convenience of its use plays an important role. And also it is worth considering the location, which is most preferable in each case.

For information on how to choose a mirror for your bike, see the next video.