Bicycle mirrors are one of the most neglected bicycle accessories. Road cyclists don't want to ruin the beauty of their bikes with one, while mountain bikers claim they're useless. Nevertheless, bicycle mirrors can save lives, and they're especially useful for people who cycle to work through rush hour traffic. Monitoring the vehicles behind you and changing lanes can be difficult and unsafe without a bicycle mirror, and turning your head can be hazardous. That being said, you should really consider investing in a cycling rear view mirror. But how do you pick the right one for your needs?
The first step to picking the right mirror is identifying the type and model that you're going to most comfortable with. If you aren't comfortable with the mirror, you won't use it, so it's just going to be a waste of money. The most popular types of cycling rear view mirror types are handlebar mirrors and helmet mirrors.
Handlebar Mirrors
Handlebar mirrors are similar to those used on motorcycles, and they're easily mounted to the bike's handlebar through a variety of attachments. They provide a great view angle, and compared to other types of mirrors, they're also bigger, providing you with a wider field of view. Additionally, these mirrors are the strongest and have a longer lifespan than others. The main disadvantage to these mirrors is the difficulty to mount them, with the exception being Velcro-attached models. Furthermore, they can be even more difficult to transfer between bikes if you own more than one. Another disadvantage is that they add width to your bicycle, and you'll have to move your eyes away from the road on to the mirror to see what's happening behind you.
Helmet Mirrors
As their name suggests, helmet mirrors are attached to the helmet and a long rod that keeps the mirror right in front of your eyes. They're easy to mount with a clamp, Velcro straps or glue. Most helmet mirror models will fit any type of helmet, and they come in the largest range of sizes and shapes. These mirrors also allow you to adjust the field of view, which you can do by simply turning your head slightly. Eyewear mirrors provide the similar functionality, but they're more awkward and can cause migraines. Another great advantage helmet mirrors have over handlebar mirrors is that you can use them on any bike, as long as you wear the helmet you've attached them to. The disadvantage to these mirrors is that the joints and rod can wear out quite easily, making the mirror less stable as time goes on.
Regardless of whether you decide to go for a helmet or handlebar mirror, there are a few things you need to consider, including the material it's made of, the shape and the type of lens it has.
Material
You want the mirror to be reliable and sturdy. The mirror will be subject to vibrations, so delicate models might become loose or even break very quickly. Most bike mirrors are made of plastic, but high end models can be made of carbon fibre. If you go for a handlebar mirror, you'll want to look for one made of carbon fibre. For helmet mirrors, you'll want the rod to be made of a durable material like steel or aluminium. The material of the lens is also quite important, and you should look for mirrors made of high-quality resin or plastic. However, these materials lose clarity and can scratch. Glass is also an option, as it retains these properties for longer, but if you get in an accident, glass can injure you.
Shape
Bicycle mirrors are available in a few different shapes, including oval, round and rectangular models. The round models are typically used for eyewear mirror models. They're typically lightweight but also provide the smallest field of view. Helmet and handlebar mirrors are usually oval shaped and they provide a larger field of view, but are also bigger and bulkier in general. Their shape allows you to see behind you from multiple positions. Rectangular mirrors are rare nowadays, but they are the largest out of all three options.
Lens Type
The last thing you need to consider when buying a bike rear view mirror is the type of lens it uses. The two types are flat and convex. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Flat mirrors provide an undistorted image of your rear view, allowing you to get a better idea of the distances of other vehicles approaching you. On the other hand, convex mirrors offer a wider field of view, allowing you to see more, but judging the distance of upcoming vehicles can be trickier. People who have convex mirrors on their vehicles will have an easy time using these type of lenses. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference.
