A bicycle mirror is helpful for a variety of reasons. Better visibility, durability, affordability, and compatibility are among these considerations. You might also want to invest in some bicycle safety products like cycling mirrors for safety. The right mirror can distinguish between accidents and not. It’s worth the cost and effort to protect your life and the lives of other cyclists.
Better visibility
There is a lot of debate on whether or not to use a bicycle mirror. The discussion of these devices usually erupts around every six months. Roadies are against the mirrors because they’re too sexy, mountain bikers think they’re unnecessary, and recumbent riders don’t need a mirror. However, they all have one thing in common: they increase visibility. Besides, they make you more visible to motorists and pedestrians.
Many cyclists are unaware of what is behind them. Many people will say to look over their shoulder to see who or what is behind them, but in reality, some people can’t hold a straight line when doing a shoulder check. Furthermore, cycling while looking behind can often blind a cyclist to what is directly in front of them. A mirror allows a cyclist to check back with minimal effort. Furthermore, a mirror can help cyclists judge a vehicle’s width and behavior.
Durability
Consider the material of your bike mirror’s housing. Most bicycle mirrors are made from plastic, cheaper to produce, but not as durable as aluminum or plexiglass. Premium models may be surrounded by stainless steel. Also, choose the size that fits your handlebars. This way, you won’t have to adjust the mirror’s size or risk falling off in a crash. Selecting a mirror made of plastic won’t give you the protection you need in such conditions.
If you buy a helmet-style mirror, check its durability before buying it. Helmet-style mirrors are often unstable due to the helmet’s movement. A removable helmet can knock the mirror out of position. Meanwhile, an eyeglass-style mirror attaches to your eyeglasses. However, eyeglass mirrors have a smaller surface area than handlebar-mounted mirrors and may not fit all kinds of eyewear. Consider the price of your bicycle mirror when choosing a product. The more expensive ones offer better durability and a larger field of vision, and they may come with a limited warranty.
Cost
The cost of a bicycle mirror is a relatively minor concern. Bicycle mirrors are generally composed of glass or plastic, though some are reinforced nylon. The housing should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of the road and the force of vibrations. Some mirrors come with pop-away joints for safety if you crash your bike.
Some of the more expensive models are designed with rubber inserts to make mounting the mirror difficult. Some of these models are difficult to install and may not be the best choice for bicycles with straight handlebars. When purchasing a bicycle mirror, other factors include its durability and cost. Mirrors that are difficult to install, which can cause a bicycle to fall, can be expensive. Many are also difficult to replace when the lens breaks.
Compatibility
When buying a bicycle rearview mirror, one thing to consider is its compatibility with your bicycle’s frame and handlebars. Although a lightweight bar-end mirror might be more attractive than a thicker, more durable handlebar mirror, this may not be ideal if you ride a high-speed road bike. So make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure your mirror will fit properly. You should also examine the diameter of the handlebars that will hold the mirror and the size of your handlebars.
Most of these devices can be mounted on a bicycle helmet with ease. But it is too heavy to be mounted on glasses. Using zip ties or Velcro straps are suitable methods for mounting the mirror on your bike. In addition, you can also opt for a mirror with a rubber band instead. Finally, make sure to choose a mirror that offers good adjustability options.