Bar end mirrors on drop bars for me please, been using such since started drop bar cycling, much safer than turning your head or even most of the upper body while leaning forward. Turning your head means you're not looking where you're going, but with a mirror your field of vision is still forward for a good part since glance into a mirror is quick like blink of an eye. You don't need to keep staring at the mirror and if you do need to, like there's some situation to follow behind, your eyes can still register dangers ahead much better than having your ear or back of the head pointing forward.
The best item I have is the Garmin Varia radar. It does not replace shoulder checks. It is a device that alerts me to the approach of a vehicle I otherwise may have missed. Earlier this week on my evening commute, a car approached and overtook me. They were travelling at 97mph. Yes. 97mph. The limit was 40mph. Dangerous doesn’t come close to describing this. At that speed, combined with wind noise I didn’t detect the car myself. Had it not been for the radar, the only awareness would have been the shock of the overtake. When alerted (my cycle computer shows the absolute speed of approaching vehicle) I immediately bumped up onto a small dirt path at the side of the road to avoid being hit. Anything that assists us in being safe out there is a bonus. If it works for you then use it. We all want to enjoy our cycles and get home in one piece.
One of these has been "on my radar" hahahahah. But seriously I didn't realize they attached a speed to the approaching object. That's actually pretty cool. I don't have a head unit yet , so I'm guessing that should come first.
@@davidgaines8607 the head unit can show the absolute/relative speed, but it can also play an audio and visual alarm for high speed approaches. A radar is not bullet proof (don't stop looking behind you when changing lanes etc), but it checks the rear multiple times per second instead of every 30-120 seconds we do as humans. Plus, it makes you more visible.
I ride with a mirror all the time. Couldn’t imagine riding without one. It’s not about looking all the time. Ride in a predictable line is the number one. Don’t need a mirror for that, but once you I am changing my direction, I check the mirror so I don’t turn or drift into them. Also if a car is staying polite behind you, it’s happy, but 4 cars behind that car is pissed. If I see that happening, I get off the road (yes I’ll stop completely) and get the traffic jam behind me past me.
There is one use of a mirror on a bike that was completely missed in this video, although one other commenter has mentioned it; checking on your fellow riders. I have used a mirror in the past to make sure that anyone I'm riding with is not getting left behind. Maybe on road rides people tend to stay bunched, but on leisure and touring rides it can be helpful to make sure you are still together.
Yes, thanks, exactly what I was wondering about. Doing a large event later where you often end up in a very big bunch blowing into towns fast, so I always assume there's someone on my wheel about to overlap, but knowing wouldn't be completely useless 🤔
After years of watching many GCN videos, this was the first one that was painful to watch. Simon, thanks for taking this subject on......but I disagree with almost everything you said. I'm 68 and I don't wear my sunglasses attached mirror due to restricted neck issues. I've worn it for years and consider it more vital to safety than my helmet (which has never hit the ground). Why would you not want to see what 's coming up behind you by simply moving your eyeball? And yes, even when they're coming fast I can tell whether they're going to be too close to me or not. I almost choked when you said that you'd prefer to not see them coming if you're going to get hit. Not getting hit is the objective. You asked for examples. Recently I was descending down a curving mountain road where nobody would even think of turning their head during such high speed turns. I saw a ways behind me a Porsche that was obviously faster than me in my mirror. I therefore had time to plan where he would pass me and I choose a tight left turn knowing that he'd probably be hugging the inside of the turn. (American roads on the right side.) I pulled to the edge and waved him on without needing to look back. He gave me plenty of room and honked and waved (convertible) a thank you to me. I knew I'd just improved cyclist/motorist relations. But there were two guys a ways in front of me with no mirrors. They were riding side by side descending the turns and had no idea he was coming. The driver was forced to slow to their speed and after about an entire minute of these guys not seeing him, he honked. I thought the driver had showed patience and given them plenty of time. They were startled at the honk and got mad at him, and it was returned in kind. All the good I did was wiped out by two guys who didn't have mirrors............but at least they didn't look dorky.
Exactly. It's about seeing what's behind and understanding the context. Stinky diesel truck? I'll go faster and let them pass on the flats. Sports car speeding? I'll let them by asap. A mirror adds a level of complexity but can be helpful especially on busy roads or in a group.
Totally agree. My mirror, used for years in on the down tube and a glance down, super quick. With an aged and relatively immobile neck, and having watched many riders swerve as they glance back over their shoulder it think it is much safer than anything else. And I also use a radar, the combination is fantastic
@@jack002tuber When ya hair is greying, ya gotta talk like a child, it seems! Mudflaps with aerowheels anyone? Here is someone with an eye on aesthetics.
He stated his opinion, he tried out some products without the video being an ad for anything, and stated his conclusion. You don't have to agree with it. Is it a useful video? Maybe not, but I don't think there's anything wrong with it. I don't use a mirror either, but I actually came away from this video thinking about trying the drop bar mirror that he barely mentioned. And FWIW, I do suspect that if Si kept using a mirror for longer, he'd stop looking in it so often. That's just the way it is. You get anything new, you obsess over it. When you get a new bike computer, you spend half your ride looking at it instead of the road.
You completely missed the point Si. A cycling mirror does not help you get OUT of the way of an approaching vehicle, it helps you AVOID GETTING IN THE WAY of an approaching vehicle. Think about when needing to turn across traffic you can check sooner and judge the speed of approaching vehicles and adjust your speed and behavior for a safe turn avoiding forcing a vehicle to need to maneuver to avoid hitting you. Also, they are invaluable on high speed descents where road hazards can appear with little reaction time available. You can keep your eyes on the road ahead of you simultaneously keeping an eye on what's behind you. This allows to safely maneuver around a hazard or reduce your speed if cars are approaching. I won't ride without one.
Exactly. During the video I kept waiting for him to try to make a right hand turn when a mirror would be very useful to gauge if there was traffic behind him.
I think this is the most correct. I have flared drops with the bar end mirror with arrow bars on my gravel pack bike. I set it all up so I can watch the mirror while occupying the drops or while laying aero. I have to duck my head to mirror peak while on the hoods. It took many days on tour to integrate this reflective tech into my cycle brain. A long headwind grind, north up the Oregon coast. Days riding into the buffeting mist finally convinced me. Like any tool it takes longer to master than one might think, and the setup is critical. So nice to casually eyeball the traffic as you roll the gauntlet.
Si, I think you have completed missed the mark here. I ride with a bar-end “stealth” mirror, (I also hate helmet mirrors, useless view) and a Varia, and would never leave home without them. Mirror advantages that you so easily missed: - You cannot always hear when there is a car behind you. Electric cars are quiet and headwinds are loud, cars can very easily sneak up. - The position that you are defenseless anyway so why bother is a terrible take. You have a LOT of power with knowledge. For example, you can judge by a driver’s movements if they see you, and if they are patient. Are they crowding your wheel or will they crowd you against the line? Are they hanging back and being patient? Has a long, angry and aggressive queue developed and which will create big safety issues to overtake you? Maybe you should peel off and let them by. - Is a car showing signs they are very anxious to pass, and perhaps on a blind hill or curve where maybe you can see ahead, and they can’t? That’s your opportunity to take the lane and prevent them from passing and creating a very unsafe condition. - If you are riding on dual carriage ways where traffic has a 50+ mph speed advantage you’ve probably already made a bad decision on where to rode. Here in the states likely no such road is legal for a bike, and so closing speeds of 20 to 30 are more typical and provide much more opportunity to assess your options. Especially with a Varia warning. - And what are your options? You have them. If a closing car clearly has not seen you, and you can perceive this by their closing rate and their proximity to the lane line, you can ditch. Or if they are going to pass and an oncoming car is going to create a 3-wide situation, you can ditch or really scruntch into the shoulder, or you can make yourself seen earlier and take the lane, bring attention to yourself. Cars have “body language” in how they act, you should know this and be able to read it. - And finally, looking into a mirror need not distract your attention from what’s ahead. I’d argue my Garmin is way more distracting anyway. Pilots have something called a “scan”. It’s a habit of moving your eyes from GAI age to gauge, to outside, and then back through the gauges. Once established, it’s a habit that creates massive situational awareness with basically no mental effort, as it’s just natural. You should have the same on the bike, always being aware of what’s around. And these days with a Varia, that awareness now comes way earlier. Thanks for coming to my Mirror TED Talk.
fellow mirror homie! spot on. I use a mirror since I usually have my gf riding behind me and it helps me keep track of how she is doing. I also wear a full face, so visibility is more limiited when turning my head. Yeah - I dont care about looking lame
When on my road bike I use a mirror on my sunglasses and it is just big enough to keep me apprised about who is coming up on me. So I can give way or speed up if necessary. I notice when I ride my city bike and don’t use it I feel like something is missing similar to if I were to drive a car without rear view mirrors. When I am on the narrow backroads on my road bike I like the assurance of spotting the up coming cars.
I'm still cycling near the end of my 70s and have neck problems, but acute hearing. I mostly cycle in the Yorkshire Dales on relatively small roads. I have thought about a mirror as cars can approach from behind quite quietly, especially with a headwind, which tends to drown out the sound. My solution was a Garmin rear light/radar (Varia) with a Garmin Edge Explore. Expensive I know, certainly by comparison with a mirror, but it also indicates the speed at which a vehicle is approaching from behind. There might be other cheaper bike radar products? The 'tech' can also be a bit irritating.
I live in Poole but my daughter lives in Ilkley, you're lucky to have some beautiful cycling lanes in the Yorkshire Dale's. Thanks for the tip but I don't want too much tech at the moment...
As someone who only got into cycling in a big way fairly recently, I did find a small bar-end mirror very helpful at first. I didn't look at it constantly as you seem to have done; it was only to confirm that nothing was about to overtake me when I was about to move out to the right - to pass a parked car, take the lane, or for a right turn. You can't always rely on your ears to give you enough advanced notice of a vehicle behind you - especially in a headwind! Having a mirror gave me more confidence. Over time I got better at looking behind without wiggling all over the road, and at knowing when it's actually necessary, so I no longer feel like a need a mirror - but I think if I commuted on busy roads I would probably still have one. It's just an extra source of information that's there if you want it. You fixated on it far too much.
I feel you've missed the point of mirrors. They are not (primarily) to monitor traffic behind when you are following the road, but to check before manoeuvring - especially turning right, when the speed differential can mean a car be beyond hearing as you start to pull out. I used a bar end mirror and find a quick check or three is easier and safer, allowing me to keep eyes on the traffic ahead and the road surface more consistently than turning around.
If the situation ahead is so uncertain that you can't turn your neck then it is surely also not safe to make a turn anyway? For me, I would think a quick turn might actually take less time, because I can see the situation a lot more clearly than in a mirror.
I used a mirror for a bit, didn’t think it had much value until I removed it. Over time I did subconsciously adapt to using it. I think you would have to give it a month or two to truly know if it’s for you or not.
I’m 59 years old, over the last couple of years, I’ve found it increasingly more difficult to look over my shoulder to check before turning etc due to a little stiffness in my neck. So I bought a mirror - one that replaces a bar-end. It’s low down because of my drop bars, but I have found it helpful . It did take a while to get used to initially, so it was a distraction for a few weeks. But after that, I realised that I DON’T need to keep looking at it every few seconds- it’s only replacing my shoulder check. I sometimes do both, but if the mirror is angled correctly, I actually see much more than the glance over my shoulder. I must say I did some research first, to make sure I bought a quality one with a nice wide field of view. So I think that if you’re relatively young and fit with no mobility issues, you probably don’t need a mirror - I didn’t until recently! But it certainly IS helpful if that shoulder check is difficult for any reason.
Similarly, I bought a rear view mirror as I approached 60 and found it increasingly difficult to turn my head. As I also suffer from labyrinthitis, not having to turn my body as much to look behind has been an enormous help. I only use the mirror really when approaching a right turn - a quick glance and I can see if it's going to be safe to move out. I follow this up with a quick glance behind to make sure I haven't missed anything, signal and manoeuvre. I originally bought the mirror (bar end) for use on my winter bike, on the basis that it's harder to turn my head when I'm cold and layered up with lots of clothing. I didn't want to 'sully' my summer bike. However, I quickly realised the benefits and now have them on all my road bikes. I'd never consider using one attached to my helmet, though.
Thanks. On stiff neck: I stopped riding for a few years but... some physio helped a bit; brutal osteo helped a bit more; doing a few press-ups on the hour most hours had sorted it completely so I can look (not just glance) back on bike, in car, or walking as well as I ever did. Strongly recommend trying to do 50 to 100 press-ups spread through the day just doing 5 to 10 each time. Helps hugely with working overhead changing lights etc.
As someone that rides on rural US roads, I do NOT feel safe without my helmet mounted mirror, it's tiny and allows me to see behind without looking away at all. Sometimes cars won't slow down to pass, and out in the country are often going 60+mph(~100kmh) and every now and then get way too close.
I've used a mirror on my bike for the last 20+ years, bar end on drops, and can't imagine riding without one. For me it's a quick glance that reduces my anxiety when riding. I see the approaching vehicle, I see them giving me room and pedal on. If they're not giving me much room, or that's my perception, I make sure I'm continuing to ride steadily, straight ahead. As an older rider, 68+, my neck doesn't want to crank around, and I can't rely on my hearing. Simple as that. +1 for mirrors!
Fascinating! Thanks. I'm 69. Only contact with mirror on bike was in 1980s and not impressed. I stopped riding for a few years after getting stiff neck & shoulders from sleeping awkwardly and moving 8 tonnes in many rubble sacks through the house. Physio helped a lot for shoulders and a bit for the neck. Brutal osteo helped a bit more with the neck. Most helpful: doing a few press-ups on the hour most hours has completely sorted my stiff neck so I can look back on bike, in car, or walking as well as I ever could.
Wait so you see them giving you room, you keep going, you see them not giving you room and you pedal straight ahead as well. You may as well not have the mirror 😆. This was my issue with mirrors, motorcycle and car users don't really use mirrors to check what's behind them while going along (there isn't much point) and they're for turns and lane changes. Giving yourself busywork to just keep checking over and over while riding doesn't seem anxiety reducing to me, feels like the opposite. Using it for lane changes and being safe when turning does seem like a good option if you have limited mobility
Hi, I do enjoy your videos! I am a 76 year urban cyclist in Boston USA. I do not drive anymore, so my bike is my exclusive transportation. I started using a mirror about 12 years ago. Here are my observations: I have only found one that is really good; It takes a considerable time to adjust to using the mirror; even using the same brand and model of mirror each replacement is a pain to get adjust right. Just right means it gives you information without restricting your forward view or becoming a distraction. However, once adjusted they are great. I was taught when I was young about "vehicular cycling" and I find that using the mirror helps reintegrate into the flow of traffic. It is notes much protecting myself from rear end collision as it is a tool to monitor my action in such a way that the drivers can expect and deal with in a comfortable way. Granted, I am in very urban environment, so interaction with drivers is quite intimate.It helps me dance better!
I am 66 and have used one for 45 years. Age is not a reason for me. No one can turn their head faster than a glance in a mirror. I need time to focus on the ride and not turn my head all around, even if I'm 12 years old.
US Rider. I ride several stretches of dangerous roadway with poor shoulders. Posted speed is 35-45mph roads are part of my regular commute, but drivers often vastly exceed that speed. I use a tiny bar-end "stealth" mirror for night/dusk riding. Never use it in daylight. On those stretches, I want to ride on the good pavement inside the white stripe line. At night, the mirror lets me see the glint of headlights coming up behind at a safe distance. Allows me to slow, get onto the often low quality gritty shoulder, but off the edge of travel lane. Don't want to be surprised - or be a surprise - v/v cars frequently (and illegally) exceeding 50mph on the roadway at night.
@gcn i’ve been surprised by electric cars that are creeping behind when I use to ride on the roads especially smaller roads. Didn’t hear them behind me.
Most of my riding is on trails, and I find that the mirrors are valuable to be aware of other cyclists approaching from the rear. I agree with Si’s points about reaction time on the road, but my experience is mostly with traffic going nearly the same speed. So, the combination of a cyclist announcing their approach, or just hearing their tires crunching on the gravel, and then a quick look in the mirror is very helpful / valuable to me.
I would never go out without a mirror. This feels like a cyclist snob video. It reminds me when I went to the bike shop and they were looking at my mirror like it was some piece of alien tech. Shoulder checks are good yes, but if you are in traffic shoulder checking can make you crash onto something. Perhaps this is something that very experienced cyclists don't have issues with, but for a casual like me it's fundamental. You check your mirror when you want to change lane or when you hear a car behind you, that's it.
Reminds me of when I visited a snobby bike shop and commented about no mirrors for sale. The young lad thought he was being smart when he told me that you didn't need mirrors if you shoulder checked. He gradually shrunk into the background when he saw the look that I gave him 😉😂
Unfortunately Si is a bit of a snob. Listen to his comments that cycle helmets don't save lives. Cycle helmets were invented to prevent brain damage and that has increased with MIPS. Many cyclists suffered brain damage through high speed crashes and heads hitting kerbs.
@@2wheelsrbest327 he was right though. You bullying him doesnt change that. You didnt even have an argument, just a mean look. Very sophisticated of you.
I rode 15,000 km last year - about half of it outside (this IS Canada) - and my Cat Eye BM-45 bar end mirror went on every ride. It helped me avoid being surprised by trucks and mindless car drivers coming up from behind. Sound WAS always my first signal of traffic coming, and the mirror second. And true, it doesn't guarantee safety. A VERY bright cycling shirt and a flashing red/blue rear light were more important, but when my mirror broke, I felt naked until I got it replaced. And riding in groups, the tendency of people to drift in the direction they look if they lack a mirror was always a safety issue.
I use drop bar bar end mirrors on the bicycle. As an advanced car driver and motorcyclist, I check my mirrors on average every 5 seconds no matter what I ride or drive so as to be fully situational aware at all times. There are multiple potential hazards on the road, I therefore am fully aware of everything around me and always have a plan to enact instantly if needed, whereas most cyclists and road users do not think ahead, then say there was nothing they could do when something happens, and put their fingers in their ears when you try to explain how the accident was easily avoidable. You must very good hearing if in the wind, you can hear electric (bicycles/ scooters/ motorbikes/cars).
Fascinating. I'm 69. I can, and do, look around constantly as a driver and as cyclist - looking far ahead, change to maybe 20 metres ahead, glance back as a permanent rotation of eyes & neck. Drop bars means I dip my head a bit to look back, straight bars turn neck a bit more. I seem to have better peripheral vision than most people. Following your comment and one or two similar ones, I might have another look at mirrors for first time since 1980s
Long time watcher, first time commenter. Three years ago I was riding along, focused on my head unit more than what was in front of me, and rode into the back of a broken down truck, breaking my neck. I am very lucky to be alive let alone walking or riding a bike. Suffice to say neck mobility is quite limited. I have found a single Zefal Spy Mirror positioned at the end of the drops gives me some vision/awareness of what's happening behind me, allowing me to remain eyes forward to negotiate obstacles the road puts in front of me. I never considered using a rear view mirror prior to the accident but won't ride without it now. It is an invaluable tool for me.
Riding without my mirror on feels like driving without my seat belt on. Can't do it. It makes entirely no sense to turn around to see what's behind you if you don't have to.
Here in the US, in one of the worst-rated states for cycling, I found that where I place myself in the lane matters most. Assuming there is no shoulder to ride on, if I place myself to the far right of the lane, then cars will try to share the lane with me-very scary. If I place myself in the center of the lane, they will change lanes and pass me. I also try to avoid busy streets as much as possible.
As a motorist and cyclist, I’ve found that when a motorist sees the cyclist do the head turn to see what’s behind, the motorist believes that the cyclists knows the car is behind. It starts a small degree of communication and co-awareness. The cyclists then can wave the motorist on - everyone believes that they are getting a share of the road - and life is good. For me, coming up on a cyclist that never turns their head ( me as a cyclist or motorist) is stressful as they do not exhibit signs of knowing that I’m there, and I have to treat them as unpredictable… which increases friction between the motorist and cyclist… Doing the head turn is also a communication elements between road users.
I like your point about the head turn indicating something to an observant driver. I didn't think of it, but it resonates with my experience of 30 years cycling, mostly as a commuter in heavy traffic in urban areas. But waving a car on at any point (aside from traffic cops or construction flaggers) seems extremely dangerous to me. You are taking some measure of responsibility for the driver's actions and for what they will encounter ahead, and thus some level of liability if they make a mistake or encounter something neither of you can see. On the other hand, I do mumble to myself about incompetent drivers who follow me too long without passing, lol
+1000 Absolutely the best reason against relying on mirrors. A cyclist in traffic needs to work with traffic. That includes holding your line and always doing shoulder check changing off that line. Motorists definitely get a que from cyclists when they turn their heads.
the head-turn makes a huge difference - yes, it's about my observation, but also a two-way communication; this adds something human to a driver's experience.
As a cyclist who used to have a rear-view mirror, I often felt that drivers took it for granted that I was aware of their presence because I had one. Well, most of the time that was not the case because they were going too fast and I missed them (e.g. if there was a pothole or something). Now that I don't have the mirror, I turn my head to check what's behind me and when I do, it feels like I'm communicating with the drivers. You have a good point.
First thing I spotted in this video a few seconds in, Si is converted to a mud guard user. Let's see if mirrors start popping up on other videos soon too😂
When I was a teen-aged amateur racer I could crank my head around and see what was coming up behind me. Didn't need a mirror then even though they were available back then. As a 71 YO cyclist I don't have the flexibility to see behind me and I find the mirror a great help. I combine it with a tail light radar that beeps at me when something is coming up and I can take a quick glance to see if the driver is paying attention and is moving to allow me room or if they are dive bombing me (which happens). I uses a glasses mounted mirror, turned out slightly so have to turn my head a few degrees to see behind but that is well within my level of flexibility. You mentioned being able to hear cars coming yup behind you. Well, with the rise of electric cars that is not so easy - be careful out there.
In my opinion, the best combination is a Varia radar used in conjunction with a drop bar mirror. The Varia lets you know a car is coming long before you could ever hear it. Then, the mirror allows you to look behind you and assess the situation without having to turn your neck to look behind you. Turning your head always leaves a blindspot, unless you're an owl or something. The mirror is worth its weight in gold if you're leading another rider and checking to see where they are behind you too.
Always rode with the drop bar mirrors, since the Garmin radar rear light it makes a great combination. The radar detects a moving vehicle and movement . If I need to check if the vehicle closeness I just drop my vision or head turn for a second or so but not constantly. It basically keeps me in check from drifting from the side of the road to more towards the car lane. I have rode with out it and it made me check behind me with more head movement.
In S. Korea where there are no dedicated bike lanes on the streets a mirror is essential. It's not so much for seeing whose behind you for gauging their movement, but rather, for seeing whose behind you for gauging 'your' movement, i.e. to not cut out in front of an upcoming car, making turns safely, etc. Also, when leisure riding along the Han River bike paths with a friend or group, it helps you keep tabs on your colleagues as well as other riding groups passing by as it can get pretty crowded at times.
Get one, it may save your life! A simple cheap safety upgrade, like hi Viz or helmets, but a mirror informs you too. Total no brainer in almost all cycling scenarios.
I find this all very personal. I find them distracting , which I would argue is less safe. If someone else finds them super helpful and life saving , by all means I'm for it.
@@davidgaines8607 I find this "distraction" argument to be a red herring. As if somehow having better situational awareness is a bad thing. Like any new thing, it might be distracting at first use. But you quickly adapt. Just like learning to drive a car. At first it seems almost impossible to keep track of staying in your lane, maintaining your speed, checking side and rear-view mirrors. But in short order, you get good and dealing with all of it.
A mirror can help with timing the move towards the centre of the road for a right turn, particularly on a road where the speed differential is great, but a confirming glance behind is essential.
I don't understand the comment about not knowing what to do with the information your getting from the mirror 🤷♂️ It's the same as you do with the information you get from looking over your shoulder and you just need to use the mirror as much as you look over your shoulder. You're over-thinking, and of course the "bike-snob" within you is resisting heavily.
I have tried them all, and after all that I adopted permanently: the take-a-look mirror from Colorado, USA. Made of metal so they won't crack or break in cold weather a clip to the arm of your glasses (you do always ride with eye protection, don't you?) , you will quickly adapt to them, and after one week of riding every day with them, will find them indispensable. They are like having a third eye in the back of your head. Because you can see drivers coming behind you, you could have the confidence to take the lane and make yourself visible. when you see a rapidly approaching aggressive driver let off a bit on the speed because they've suddenly noticed you, and don't know what to do, then you can move over to the side of the road, confident that they now know you are there. Added bonus: if there's an asshole coming in a car behind you, you can spot his attitude from a long way off, and give him a wide berth so he can rush on ahead to engage with an even bigger asshole in another car. That's how karma works.
I also have been using a Take-a-look mirror for several years. I used to use various style drop bar mirrors that worked fine but sometimes on rough roads they vibrated too much to see clearly. I had tried a few other sun glass mounter mirrors that I couldn't get used to until I found this product.The Take-a-look sits only 1 1/2 inch's (4cm) in front of my sun glass lens and offers such a broad view and long distance behind me. The mirror pops on and off quickly and you just have to easily train your eye to look into it while still managing to look at the road ahead. Its indispensable when having to cross multiple lanes of traffic as you don't have to do a shoulder check and any drivers behind you are made aware through the proper hand signal. The Take-a-look is well constructed and at only $25Can a great product. I felt Si's helmet and eye glass mirrors sat too far ahead of his face to give him a proper view. For the mirror haters, would you drive your car without a mirror?
I'll say more: in a car with metal all around you, you have three mirrors.. On a motorbike with metal in front and behind, you have two mirrors and on a bike with virtually nothing around you, you ride with no mirrors? You're a chump. If you ride a road bike on a high-speed rural road, You're exposed to being struck from behind. You cannot shoulder check to save your life when a vehicle is approaching at 80 km/h. Even world tour pros get injured or killed by vehicles on a highway. Get a mirror!
I’ve been using a mirror for decades, on drop bars, straight bars and Brompton. Now feel uncomfortable without one as I’m much less aware of what’s behind me. I guess after all this time it’s second nature to use one and I don’t notice that I’m doing so. Also (1) as noted in another comment, very useful if riding with a slower rider. And (2) you know what sort of vehicle is coming up behind - if a large piece of farm machinery or fast lorry on a busy road then early warning really helps. PS: Mudguards!
I’m profoundly deaf and found the Cateye bar end mirror for dropped bars really helped prevent me being taken by surprise by vehicles coming up behind and passing close. Have now got a Garmin Varia and no longer use the mirror. As others have said, it’s a game changer for some people.
I ride with a small cateye bar-end mirror. Its become intuitive whilst riding just like driving a car. You use it all the time in a car! The alternative is to always be looking over your shoulder or buying a radar device. I'll stick to my mirrors 😊
me too. i have it on all my bikes. you just need to get used to it then it becomes second nature just like a car. I had the garmin varia too but nothing beats a mirror.
The cateye is particularly good in my opinion. I tried other « bar end » ones that weren’t as stable and/or were quite a lot smaller. Once you get used to it it’s becoming difficult to ride a bike that’s not equipped 😅 And as some others said, it’s also quite helpful when riding with others to check if they’re still following.
I have the ovalish bar end cateye and yes, it becomes automatic to continuously monitor the situation and predict what will happen, as when driving. I also ride mainly on narrow country roads in Switzerland so I stop at the first opportunity to let cars and farm vehicles pass - and being country Switzerland cars do the same for bikes.
A rearview mirror on your bike's handlebars is a lifesaver. In the urban jungle and with a lack of cycling infrastructure, mirrors are absolutely essential.
Hey Si, I ride in Connecticut USA and when I'm out on the road here, I can't imagine riding without one. I have one of those handlebar opening mirrors and use it with my Garmin radar. It works flawlessly. That way I don't have to look back in the mirror unless my Garmin tells me a car is coming. Then I can keep an eye on the car and his behavior. If the car is behaving badly, it gives my plenty of time to get off the road because of the combination mirror and radar. I would suggest doing another couple commutes with some type of handlebar mirror coupled with a Garmin radar and see how you feel.
I think you have to consider radar units if you're talking about mirrors. I was extremely skeptical of radar before I got one, but I think it's one of my favorite purchases I've ever made now. Same story for most people I know.
Can you explain why? (Genuine question) …. As a non user - I just can’t see the point in obsessing over which rear dot might kill you and what you intend to do with that information …. Genuinely interested
@JIMMYHIBBS1 are you me before I got my radar? It improves situational awareness, particularly on low traffic higher speed roads. I don't bother with my radar during my morning rush hour bike commute. There's ALWAYS a car there. But my weekend rides out of the city, it's great. It's not only the indication of when a car is there, but also how close they are.
@@JIMMYHIBBS1 maybe on high traffic roads it doesn't helps that much, you just get A LOT of beeping, but on roads with not much traffic, knowing when a car is there may help you as a reminder to position yourself better in the lane, some lights will also blink in reaction to a car, so there is some chance for improved visibility. I hope either cycliq integrates a radar or garmin improves the format of their camera + radar product, this is my favorite piece of tech on a bike.
I thought the same thing. But I didn’t realise how much I use to check behind me. Now I just look ahead, take the lane confidently, and when I get the alert for a car I make a decision whether to hold my line or move to the shoulder. I’ll move to the shoulder if I’m happy it is safe to pass. I’ll hold my line longer if it’s not safe then give a quick head check to acknowledge that I’ve seen them and am not trying to be a jerk hogging the lane.
I lost most of the sight in my right eye a couple of years ago, along with my confidence to ride. The Garmin Varia got me back on the bike and helped rebuild my confidence. It gives advance warning of approaching vehicles and affords me time to check properly behind. Wouldn't be without it.
Everything said here sounds exactly like me 20 years ago. When in my 20ties I felt exactly like that. It is a distraction, the information it tells me is useles. For the past 10-15 years I cannot imagine riding without one. I occasionally do (short hop for groceries down the street for example) and as soon as I hear a car behind I miss it immediately. I am used to just knowing how long intil the car catches up to me, what size is it, does it look like a cautious approach or and a-hole one etc. And I am convinced that I have avoided being crashed into because of my mirrors. There are less drastic examples but to keep it shorter I will use one I remember from last year: There was a huge pothole in front of me, one I normally ride around. Cars were coming the other way and therefore masking the sound of the car behind me. But I was watching the car behind in my mirror so I knew that is one looked absolutely determined to not slow down no matter what. With enough experience you can just tell this by a quick glance. Because I had not one turn of the had but several quick looks in rapid succession I was able to see the timing is bad and that car will be overtaking me just where that huge pothole was. So I moved even more to the side, went through the horrible pothole and half a second later the trailer being towed by that car missed me by centimeters. Country road, theoretically limited to 90 km/h, in practice probably around 100. Even if he just grazed me broken bones were a minimum result possible. If I try to imagine 20 years younger myself in that situation that 20 year younger myself would have been convinced that mirrors are useless even after such thing happened. I would be lying in hospital with crushed pelvis or something and explaining to everyone who says "mirror" that it would have been useless because there is not time to react due to the speed difference etc. But now I know that does not have to be the case. If you have a crapy mirror that shakes all the time and you have to turn your entire head to use it and you find yourself double checking by looking behind anyway then maybe that mirror really is useless to you. But I find that if you can get a mirror that is stiff enough, provides enough of a viewing angle and can be placed where its rear view is in your periferal vision always, and then you take the time to learn to use it (and that is not a few rides, that is few weeks to fully appreciate it), it can probably be usefull even to a lot of people who currently believ it cannot. For me personally a mirror for glasses works, I guess the shape of my head and the particular mirror I have allows me to find a good setting for it. The one I have is smaller, lighter and shorter than in the video. On a recumbent I use a second mirror above the side of the handlebars, just slighly lower than my eye level, far enough to the side that it doesn't feel like a blindspot forward but close enough to attract attention the moment anything appears in it. I don't check it all the time, it shows me when anything behind me moves and then I look. It is so comfortable to use that I find my glasses mirror to be secondary only, just for when I want to look behind myslef into a corner where the one on the handlebars naturally points out of the corner. Such looks are not really needed for safety but sometimes good for checking up on a friend if they are keeping up with me. On upright bikes in general I never found a mirror type and position that would work that well for me. Some acceptable ones but nothing that good because the mirror is always too low when I look straight ahead. And on a road bike handlebars I am not sure a good mirror is even possible - the shape and with of the bars and the possition of the rider are just really incovenient for that. So maybe road cyclists really cannot have mirrors that work well. But they should not pretend like that is not a compromise in safety. It is even if they don't want to admit it to themselves.
Originally I bought a helmet mirror for a regular 130km "commute" to my ex. I was in the aero bars most of the time and it was a rather busy road and I hated that I have to look back to check for approaching semis. Even when they pass you at a safe distance, their wind can push you off the road if you are in the aero bars especially in crosswind. The mirror 100% solved this problem for me. I only have to turn my had about 10 degrees and I have a clear vison on what's behind me. No more surprises. No more anxiety. Maximum flow. What else is it good for? - Obviously getting information from behind you without turning your head in almost every situation. - You can actually observe what is happening behind you. By looking back you take a snapshot. By using a mirror you have a constant live feed. - Using a mirror won't affect your balance. Using them mid corner is just as easy as using it on a straight road. - You won't run into the vehicle in front of you if the driver steps on the brakes at the same moment you decide to look back (happened to me before) - Easier to make split second decisions. When something happens in front of me I might not have the time to look back, process the information and then decide whether I want to brake or avoid. With a mirror I have almost instant information if I can switch lanes or I have to brake. - You can monitor careless and reckless drivers behind you. If somebody is on the phone or they just don't give a shit they might run the red light you are just stopping for. I guess most people wont turn their head every time they stop for a light, with a mirror you can check back every time without a problem. Same applies for sudden braking like in the previous point. You don't want to end up between two metal boxes. - On main roads you can prepare yourself for a close pass or even bail and go off the road if necessary. This might have actually saved me one time. - You can check on your fellow riders on a groupride. - You can warn you fellow riders to get into single file when a car approaches. - You can see if a driver gets really impatient behind you. Once I forgot to take it off my mirror during a race. I actually really liked it! If it wasn't dangerous for other riders during a crash I would continue to use it on other races too! You can see the size of the group or if it's splitting behind you, there are no surprise attacks, tons of information from behind you and almost 360° vison on the final sprint. Note: You really need a few days to learn to use a helmet mirror to its full potential. Mine is set up in a way the blind spot it creates is above the road so it doesn't obstruct any traffic. Also by turning your head you obviously change the direction your mirror points at. This may sound simple enough but it takes a little bit of practice to become second nature how you control and use this to your advantage.
Thanks for the video. You raise valid points. Here’s why I use a mirror: For me, a mirror has a very specific purpose. I use my mirror on my commuter bike in the city. When I’m out on my gravel bike, I use a radar, but not a mirror. The radar has a slightly different (but overlapping) purpose than the mirror. First of all, I would never use any of the mirrors you sampled. I have a mirror that goes into the end of the flat bar of my commuter, and has several pivot points that can be tightened rock solid with Allen keys. You need to figure out the ideal configuration and set it so it so there is absolutely no jiggle. When you first put on the mirror it will be distracting. But pretty soon you learn not to look at it except when you need to. I don’t notice my mirror except when I need to use it. For most of the roads you show in the video, I’m not going to be looking at my mirror. As you say, it won’t save you from the distracted driver that drifts into a bike lane. I check my mirror whenever I approach an intersection. If I need to go straight or turn across traffic, the way I approach the situation depends on what the cars behind me are doing. I also check the mirror when the road narrows in a way that cars cannot safely pass me. Without a mirror I could do a head check. But because that is typically (for me) a very quick glance that I only can use peripheral vision, I only get a general sense of whether there is something behind me. With a mirror, I quickly can see how many cars are back there, which lanes they are in, and if they are signaling a turn. (I typically still do a brief “fake” head check just to alert the drivers that I’m here and I might need to turn.) For most people, I don’t think a mirror is essential. And it takes time to learn its proper use and to stop being distracted by it. I can certainly do without it. But for my commutes in the city, it makes me a safer and more courteous cyclist.
As someone who doesn't use one (I did at first ) it's hard to deny that if you have a small enough one that is out of the way but still useful , even if you neglect it mostly , there's probably no downside to having it there just in case.
Your mentioning the jiggle is why I haven't been successful with a rear view mirror yet. (I have tried two different styles.) Maybe I can find the one you use because I also have flat bars so drop end mirrors don't apply. I am in a city with 4 lane streets but not constant traffic, and would like a working rear view mirror for crossing lanes into the turning lane etc.
@@edithmaverickfolger4014 The mirror I use from the "Mirrycle" brand. It's lasted for years and I don't think it was very expensive when I bought it. It was recommended to me by my local bike shop.
Great video as usual Simon. I have to concur with all the other comments that the Garmin Varia is your equivalent of the best rear view prompt you could have and also gives you what your bike is missing there….lights! When cars approach too quickly the rear light pulses more to alert motorists more. Come on GCN let’s have a review of these to add to the other highly watchable and enjoyable videos. Ta 👍
Learning how to turn your head/upper body around while maintaining a straight line is arguably a more crucial skill than being able to ride one handed or of course no hands. A month ago I couldn't, I haven't stopped trying, now I can. I recommend practising on cycle paths NOT roads.
Yes, a very useful skill to have indeed. Personally for me the mirrors are an addition to that, they provide the easy first check up to see whether the road behind is clear while keeping your eyes mostly forward when swerving an obstacle, changing lanes or turning in an intersection. No cars behind means you're safe and if there are cars, you can then turn your head to check more closely what the situation looks like, if they're going to push past you no matter what or let you perform your necessary maneuvers in peace, like the good drivers do.
But hilariously just at the point where Si was talking about being able to continue riding in a straight line while looking behind you, he noticeably swerved slightly while he demonstrated the skill! He is clearly a good cyclist but even he can't do this perfectly all the time.
Normally love your content Si but this has to be one of the most ridiculous videos I've seen on the channel. If you really want to test riding with a mirror then do it with one at a time not 5 or 6 or 8! Who wouldn't be distracted with that much crap on the bike and helmet?! It seems like all the GCN presenters have strong opinions against both mirrors and the Garmin radar and for the life of me I can't understand why. To me the Garmin radar was a revelation and it combined with a handlebar mirror provides a level of awareness that is unparalleled. I believe that on the bike I'm most likely to get killed by someone hitting me from behind and I can't always rely on my hearing because it's often hampered by wind noise. If you're going to express opinions to your many viewers please at least make them more informed opinions.
Same here, I also have bad hearing, and also having a mirror means I can spend less time bending my head into unnatural positions to see what's approaching from behind. By the way: not too impressed with the clickbait video title, couldn't GCN have chosen something a bit more neutral?
I've found I'm not sure which direction traffic is coming from with hearing aids. I can think it's coming up behind me and it comes around the bend in front of me. Took some getting used to. I use a mirror as I ride a cruzbike, a great thing.
I need my mirrors even MORE with my hearing aids, as they amplify the wind! Also, electric cars are hard notice even for folks without hearing problems. I'm so used to my mirrors, I've caught myself looking down to check it when I'm *walking* and can hear a car behind me!
The Vario radar is the best piece of kit I have encountered. Riding on the open road is scary enough, and not knowing what is overtaking you is dangerous.
how does the radar tell you "what is overtaking"? it's a car, a truck and what are you going to do with that information. In the mirror you could (hard to do) see that the driver is distracted or driving erratically, with a radar you don't even get that. I agree with him on mirrors and i see even less point on radars.
@@Jeffcrocodile You really have to try it to truly appreciate how useful the radars are. If you are riding at speed, your audio sense of what is approaching from the rear is extremely limited especially in the winter when I've got a beanie or headband to cover my ears. The radars can easily give you 100+ metres of rear coverage of what is behind you including the speed and the number of vehicles that are behind you. You are essentially never taken by surprise. They are not so useful in a busy city centre, but invaluable out on the open road and in the countryside.
@@Jeffcrocodilethe radar shows multiple vehicles if they are there. Does it matter whether its a car, pickup or van? If you are concerned about bigger trucks, your ears will tell you that. The radar also shows the speed of the approaching car. I’ve got an add-on to my garmin which also tells the exact speed. Mirrors can’t do that. Radar signals over 400m behind you, and doesn’t mind curves. The radar i use also has a camera, in case of insurance/accidents. I got it a few years back, when there where some hit-and-runs of cyclists in my area. Will it prevent being hit? No, but in case some idiot approaches with high speed, it signals, you can double check whats behind you and maybe get off the road in time if needed. It’s just a few seconds gained. Stay safe and ride on .
I started using mirrors when riding my recumbent bikes where a turn to look behind is not possible. I also use the Varia radar light. I don’t know if the light changing illumination pattern when it detects oncoming traffic helps get the attention of the drivers or not, but it can’t hurt. I ride in the US and I am most concerned about distracted drivers (and a bit about malicious drivers). My mirror and eyesight are good enough so that I will see an approaching vehicle before the radar alerts if I am looking at the right time. There radar helps to remind me to look in low or intermittent traffic conditions. Even on roads with wide shoulders, drivers often drift onto the shoulders. I am in the “I am traffic” school. If there is no closely following vehicle, I ride no further to the right than the right side tire track. With my radar alerting me, I use my mirror to assess whether the approaching car seems to be acting safely and respectfully. If so and if it seems safe for them to pass and the right side of the road or the shoulder seems safe enough to ride on, then I move over to facilitate a safe pass only after they are close enough to have noticed me. I never see riders without mirrors doing enough shoulder checks to be aware of every approaching vehicle. They must trust the drivers more than I do. Ride safe and good luck.
100% correct that mirrors are useless. They're so small and lack detail that you spend more time trying to see and focus than you spend paying attention to what's in front of you.
I think a radar is better for able bodied cyclists. Vehicles can still sneak up on you if you don’t check your mirror. You cannot check all the time, but a radar tells you when to check or when the road is likely clear.
I've been road bikes for about 50 years, but it was only about 15 years ago that I felt the urge to try a bar mounted rear view mirror. Why? Because sometimes, when I glanced over my shoulder, I found I'd veered slightly off line. Perhaps my balance isn't as good as it once was... Yes, initially I found myself looking at the mirror too much, but the novelty soon wears off. 3 things soon became apparent: 1. The mirror gives much more information than a glimpse over the shoulder. 2. Oftentimes, I'd spot a car behind me that I would not otherwise been aware of (perhaps my hearing isn't as good as it once was...). 3. Following vehicles are more likely to 'behave themselves' when they realise that they've been clocked in the mirror! The mirror, for me, gives an extra awareness that I value to the point that I'm much less comfortable when I (very occasionally) ride without one.
I've got the garmin varia radar....won't ride without that! Still need to have a physical glance back if you are crossing the traffic but I'm aware if there's a car OR cars behind....handy on country lanes where you're not sure if it's windy noise or a car behind you.
I recently thought about adding a rear view mirror to my right glove and a piece of sand paper for my left glove using velcro. You know, one to check what's behind me and the other to deter close overtakes on right-handed traffic. And to round it all off, I'm gonna test it on a pair of gloves where I cut the outer 4 sleeves off, leaving only the central one with a long sleeve.
I tried one of those on helmet and hated it. Instead I have one installed in the end of handle bar. When I my radar indicates a car is coming up behind me, I know to look down to make sure is giving me enough run to pass me. If it seems like they are going to hit me, it gives me an opportunity to get off the road.
I’m 54 and got back into cycling after 25 years off bike. Would have NEVER used one in my youth. Now, yeah I’ve got one. Age somehow warps our perception of what’s cool or not. I see a small orange flag in my future attached to my seat post
Be uncool and aware of where the distracted texting driver are. Alive and able to go on another day. This video is some of the stupidist stuff they ever did here.
I briefly tried a mirror but it never really worked for me. Then I bought a Garmin Varia radar. What a game changer! Not so much for busy roads because you already expect there will be cars passing. But for less busy or gravel roads, where you don’t see many cars. That way I can ride more in the middle of the road for long periods of time and avoid holes etc and not have to worry about getting hit. When the radar beeps I simply scoot over to the side and give way to the car. The car drivers are happy because they see me making an effort to be cautious and everyone is happy.
I used a motor forever and I got a Varia 2 years ago, the best thing I’ve ever done for my riding, I even use it on gravel. Still use my mirror though as it’s visual confirmation of a Varia alert.
Rear radars are 100% the solution. Garmin Varia integrated with a light and other options now coming to market from Magene and others. Only time I ride without it is on Zwift.
Something i haven't seen mentioned is that the benefit of turning one's head is communicating your recognition of drivers behind you. I use a bar end 'stealth' mirror on one of my road bikes. It's always providing information without the necessary adjustments/ distractions that head attached options require. My other road bike is more nimble, and somehow, a mirror seems less pure, so I head check my situational awareness.
After decades of riding without a mirror, I decided to go with the Spurcycle R-Series Mirror. At 35mm diameter, it's very stealth. Something so small certainly can make a big difference. It allows me to do an easy check before making a turn and see other cyclists in my draft.
I have a bar end mirror so I can ensure my wife is keeping up ok and safe as she is not as confident on the road. Different strokes etc and as for the shades😎🤣
I’d say that’s a good use scenario, and saves her the embarrassment of you turning your head every 2 mins to see where she is ….. as for checking for traffic, I just don’t see the point when there is nothing you can do with this information
Si, I hear what you’re saying but I feel it’s something you need to get use to using. I started using one (bar end cateye) where I’m living now (JP) after a few accidents - hit from behind twice and side swiped, also twice. Driver attitude is not so cool here so I do use it to get out of the way of (avoid getting in way of) drivers at key moments. Haven’t been hit from behind since using it - bonus. The mirror comes off as soon as I’m in home country, don’t have that particular problem on the road there.
I'm a motorcyclist and a cyclist and I would agree that a mirror on a bicycle is more of a hinderance than a benefit, but while on my motorcycle I could not ride with out them, however when riding on my road bike I have found the Garmin Rear light / Radar my essential piece of kit when out cycling on the road, the reason is two fold. Many cyclists tend to ride in more or less camouflage colors on the roads, so they become harder to see by other road users, especial when drivers are wearing poorer quality sunglasses, so the rear light on a bicycle is a most night and day. The Radar helps me to understand that a vehicle is approaching and it gives an indication graphically of it's speed, which helps when you are trying your best to weave around potholes with the wind noise in your ears. thanks for opening a discussion on this point
@@gcn I sense a good idea for another video! Find a devout mirror user, not an ex-pro, have them ride with you or in a group and see how much more info they have than you when you head turn. How long do you have to hold your head turn to see a cars signal light when its intermittently on and off. Have Ollie apply some science to it! How far do you travel with your head turned vs a mirror. Get creative to see who can gather more info to the back. Might prove interesting to watch!
Hello Simon . Just wait until you are 70+. I too, thought mirrors , lights , bells were stupid. As I turned 70 (8 years ago), my wife kept bugging me to be safer . I started researching mirrors and found a nice (Zefal) mirror that Velcro to the drops . Very discrete . I would never consider a dorky helmet/glass mount . Having developed a stiff neck over the years , this mirror works great. Having great hearing, still at my age, the mirror is great for checking behind , when I hear a car. So, I don't constantly check the mirror. And, when I'm about to do something stupid (ie dangerous) I take a close look into the mirror. And to further increase my safety , I now sport a flashing front light and red tail light. Now everybody is happy. A famous quote from a cyclist (can't remember) in the 80's, "cycling is all about style, exercise is a side benefit". Thanks KB
Thank-you. One-eyed cyclist here.... All the mirrors I've tried make feel unsafe! Helmet mounts completely obstruct my foward view. Also, hamdlbar mounts only work when you're riding straight on a smooth road but are useless if you have to negotiate what is in front of you. This podcast will help me articulate to my loved-ones why mirrors SUCK.😁
One thing you've not mentioned is the importance of drivers seeing cyclists turn their heads to look at the road behind. If cyclists can turn their head to show that they're aware of road users behind them it really helps smooth the interaction. Better still, if you can make eye contact with the driver it really helps to remind them that you're just two people sharing the road. Using only mirrors eliminates that, so drivers have no idea whether cyclists have seen them or not.
I agree on the importance of letting drivers know you have seen them. However, in the traffic where our groups ride, no way you can acknowledge all of them. When we change direction, the leader calls out the action, then all riders in the groups should indicate their intentions, before taking the action. Hand signals is a direct way to communicate. We also wave to drivers as they pass if not in too much traffic. We also wave drivers through when we can see it's clear before them. With a mirror, I can see who is following the rules and help ing drivers or who is not and just causing them to be frustrated. Radar is good, Mirrors are good but communication with those around you using the information from them is best.
A) I have never found a mirror that works for me. B) I thought Radar was a gimmick until I was given one and now love it. C) Si's ultimate Dork ride? 4 mirrors and mud guards!
On my flat handlebar fitness bike I used to use a wing mirror that is attached to a telescopic extension. For my drop handlebar road bike I use a rear light with a built in radar that is connected to the bike computer and to my fitness watch. First it starts flashing when a vehicle approaches which helps alert the driver of your presence. Second the beeps alert me that a vehicle or vehicles are approaching from around 300 m. This allows me to look behind to check the type of vehicles. The vehicles are indicated as dots on the screen of the bike computer and the fitness watch that allows me to assess the speed and the distance behind. I no longer use mirrors but never ride without my bike radar. Note that my radar is a Magene L508 which does the same thing as the Garmin Varia but at an affordable price.
Simon, simply put, you couldn't possibly be more wrong on this and I hope that this video hasn't influenced anyone to forego installing an essential piece of safety equipment on their bicycles. Mirrors are not a distraction, they are a tool that enables riders to see what is behind them without turning their heads. Whenever a rider turns his or her head to see what is behind, they are distracted from what is in front of them. Unless you are an owl, you cannot get a full view of what is going on behind you by turning your head alone, so you then must rotate your torso as well, potentially compromising your steering or requiring that you remove one hand from the bars at a time when you cannot see what is in front of you. You can at best take a fleeting glance at what is behind without being distracted from what is in front of you for too long to be safe. You can tell that a car is there, but you cannot look long enough to see what that car is doing, which is the real critical information that riders must know to determine the need for evasive action. Is the car simply preparing to overtake, or barreling straight at you? While I also found helmet and sunglass mounted mirrors to create worrisome blind spots, I have equipped all of my bicycles with bar end mirrors, which enable me to have a full view of traffic behind using my peripheral vision without turning my head and/or torso and compromising my view of what is ahead. If you are relying on your hearing alone to alert you of cars behind it will indeed be too late for your fleeting glance to help you. Rear facing radar units can more reliably alert riders to approaching vehicles (even practically silent electric ones) far enough in advance to enable them to safely check their mirrors to determine whether evasive action is needed. Cars don't have rear view mirrors just because of blind spots. They have them because it would be dangerous to have drivers turning their heads to look backwards while driving forwards. That same logic applies to bikes.
I've been using a "third eye" eyeglass mirror for years and I can see that your helmet mirror has a ridiculously long stem on it that probably moves all over the place in your vision path. The mirror I use has a 7cm stem to put the 2.5cm flat mirror off to the front and side of your glasses. You can see traffic (or speeding delivery electric bikes) behind you with a glance to the side while you keep your eyes looking forward for opening car doors.
I've been riding wit a helmit mounted mirror for at least 7 years . I don't even notice its there . I don't look into it constantly only when i'm going to change my position where it might effect cars or other cyclists, like objects in the bike lane.In a city of 4 millon people I share the road with houndreds of cars . Our roads are terrble , a quick turn of your head could mean a new rim after crashing into a sizeable pothole. Its much easier to make a quick glance at mirror to access the situation and if needed turn to look to confirm.
I couldn't imagine not running a rear view mirror while on the road with cars. It's insane to me not to use one. Being able to see the ex pro's I drop in my rear view is a bonus.
I had a very near collision with an older cyclist on a busy bike path this fall. I called out that I was passing, she glanced over her shoulder, but not enough to see me. I called out again when I was nearly next to her when she suddenly pulled out towards me. I nearly had to drive off the path to avoid a collision. Had she had a mirror, she would have been able to see me approaching from behind. I’m not sure to this day why she didn’t hear me shouting even when I was next to her. Perhaps she was zoned out, but to me this highlights why mirrors are so valuable. It’s so much easier to monitor what’s behind you when you’ve got a mirror. I can’t imagine riding without one. It’s so much easier to keep an eye on the road in front of me AND glance behind to see what’s coming. This whole video gives a vibe of I’m-stuck-in-my-ways-and-don’t-care-to-change. Frankly I think it’s a disservice to bicycle safety to post such a review. Very disappointing. I’m glad to see so many people responding that they love their mirrors though.
Yes I had a very similar situation, vs an older gent who I assume from his kit was a veteran road cyclist - but I think he wasn't able to turn his neck well any more so wasn't checking his shoulder properly, and he hopped off the kerb into traffic.. I had a polite word with him to suggest he look at getting a mirror, I think he was in the habit of just trusting to providence 😮
@ reviewing video of the incident, that sounds like exactly what happened with me. She didn’t turn her head far enough to see me approaching and I didn’t detect any body language from her indicating she intended to pass the cyclist ahead of her. Mirrors and communication are two pretty important factors whether you’re interacting with cars or just other trail users. You’ve always got to be aware of your surroundings.
I use the Italian Road Bike mirror you never spoke much about and I find it is incredibly discrete. It slides over the end of the drop bar, you position it correctly and then wrap the bars and aside from the pointier look on your bar end you'd never notice its a mirror. I've used it for a while now and I think it is great. It becomes second nature to use, like when driving, and you dont even think about it. Its great for when you are turning, changing lanes, checking if you've dropped somebody and that kind of thing rather than panicking that a car is coming up behind you. The Garmin Varia is great but not everybody has the money to spend nor the will to bother with more technology. The IRBM is just the ticket for the quieter rides I tend to do. I wonder if another reviewer might have a different opinion. Afterall, you dont like mudguards either 😂
One note for helmet mirror is, some riders can not use them (balance, eye sight, loss coordination and etc..) and it can take up to a month to get used to it. I believe radar and helmet mirror is best combination for me. Mirror saved me having accidents many times. Taking turns is very useful and I had pickups, trucks, trailers where had objects sticking on the sides which about lines up with cyclist's head. It can be a deadly hit. Had vehicles' mirrors stick out about 2 feet, dually with wide rear end and etc. Which also can be very dangerous for cyclist.
When you need mirrors most is when you're changing lanes or pulling out of a lay-by (or reversing obviously), things that are quite common when driving a car or motorbike, but less often when cycling. I've found a radar sensor quite useful for my commute where I end up changing lanes a fair amount (lots of 3rd exits on roundabouts), and I can see how the handlebar mirrors would help with that too, the sunglasses/helmet ones do seem too distracting though!
I’ve used either helmet mounted or sunglass mounted helmet mirrors for almost 40 years. Once your in the habit of using one you can train the eye nearest the mirror to do a quick glance while the other looks forward. It is useful to check before changing lanes. I have also evaded numerous crashes from cars or overtaking cyclists. Not all overtaking traffic comes at full speed and if you spot an overtaking car that is driving sketchy early enough you can take evasive action. Finally relying on hearing is not enough in a noisy environment. Try a helmet mounted mirror with a slightly larger diameter mirror and half the length of the arm.
Riding in the wrong (left) side of the road could have something to do with not be able to set up some and get use of them properly..especially the two head attached ones seemed to be for the majority of right handed traffic world.
I've been a commuter and tourist for more than 48 years: I've used a helment mirror or eyeglass mirror for most of that, primarily when preparing to turn across traffic (left in U.S., right in U.K.). I'm now over 80, so turning to check traffic is more difficult, but not impossible. I also use the mirror to check to see how my stoker is doing (she has a mirror, also, and checks traffic when I'm too busy to look). Some mirrors are good, some are awful. The mirrors I use are fairly close to my face, so they don't create a blind spot, since they only block vision from one eye. I prefer the helmet mirrors, as they are more sturdy, though I've had one that vibrated into uselessness.
Great video as usual Debbie ! I've been using a Garmin rear radar for several years and I love it, you get loads of information of following traffic. Recently I have added a Cateye bar end rear mirror, only 50mm dia so very discreet. Using the two together I can plan my position on the road, especially if I need to move out for a right turn or roundabout. I don't need to constantly keep looking in the mirror, just double checking the alert from the Garmin with the mirror, and a lifesaver shoulder check should I need to change road position. Also I'm nearly 74 and shoulder checks can be difficult, and as a long time motorcyclist " I live in my mirrors " Just can't shake the habit.
I can’t stand to ride without my mirror. It’s hard for me to look back without swerving. I can see cars coming from a long way and can move over as needed - into the lane if it’s not safe for them to pass, or out of the way to encourage them. I also use it to prepare for turns and to be able to safely avoid potholes without swerving into traffic if it’s not clear. BTW, one of your mirrors was way too far away from your face and likely pretty useless, and another was poorly adjusted. I’m in a rural area of the US where drivers don’t know how to behave around cyclists. I also have forward and rear facing cameras that double as lights; if I do get run over maybe they can track down who did it.
Helmet mirror doesn’t work, handlebar mirrors are useless, the detachable “Take a Look” mirror that goes on the sunnies is by far the best and only option. It sits off to the left and above the eyes (in the US, where we drive on the proper side…) entirely out of the line of sight and allows a clear view behind with just a quick glance. Sy apparently experienced some “operator error” with these not realizing the angle of the mirror is adjustable in 3 dimensions to give the perfect view. It of course then allows a quick check behind before swerving into the road to avoid a roadside hazard, allows me to keep an eye on my wife when it’s just the two of us and allows riding out in the road and then moving to the side when a vehicle approaches. The latter is becoming increasingly important with the proliferation of silent electric cars. All this without having to change my position to twist and look behind. I don’t use it when riding in a group or pace line and it literally takes 3 seconds to remove and in a group you literally have the benefit of nx2 eyes to keep you safe. Suggest giving the Take a Look mirror another try, Sy…
Between these kinds of videos and the motonormativity video I’m so glad to see the channel becoming more broadly informational. Good stuff! After 20 years without a mirror, I started using a handlebar mounted one with my ebike this past spring and it is very nice when I have kids on back (it’s a cargo bike) or am in traffic and looking to come in to a lane due to obstruction or change lanes. I don’t think I’d go back, but I do still shoulder check when I’m actually doing a maneuver. It just gives me more information, without checking constantly over my shoulder to see what’s going on.
In 2024, I completed an ultra-distance event called the Indian Pacific Wheel Race (IPWR), cycling from one side of Australia to the other. I had never used a rearview mirror before, but I chose to prioritize safety and employed every precaution I could think of-including a handlebar-mounted rearview mirror. This decision was influenced by the tragic fact that a rider had previously been struck and killed from behind during this event. My journey took me across some of the most isolated outback roads and through the bustling centers of several major capital cities. I’ll admit, in heavy traffic, a rearview mirror isn’t particularly useful. However, on open roads with little to no shoulder, it was incredibly reassuring. The radar would alert me to an approaching vehicle, and I could watch in the mirror to see if it moved across the lane to pass safely. If a vehicle didn’t shift from its line, I had the chance to move off the road rather than risk being struck by a tired or distracted driver. Though not perfect, the mirror gave me a significant boost in confidence. Seeing drivers actively maneuver around me was comforting. Over the thousands of kilometers I covered in the outback, there were several moments when I chose to "ditch" and get off the shoulderless road for my own safety. Tragically, another rider was hit and killed from behind during the 2024 IPWR that I rode in -a man I had spent the night with, in an outback roadhouse, just two days before. Even now, with the event behind me, I can’t let go of the mirror. I continue to use it on all my rides, especially on quiet country roads. I’ve realized that I need to see cars making the move to pass me safely. Simply trusting that drivers have seen me is no longer enough for my peace of mind. In busy city traffic, I agree-a rearview mirror isn’t particularly helpful. But on any "quiet" roads where traffic passes you less often, it’s become an essential part of how I ride.
6:38 Actually the rear view mirror makes a cyclist agitated due to paying attention to what's behind him/her. As a experienced cyclist you'll learn how to look over both of your shoulders and stay close to the curve avoiding chuck holes and water drain holes simultaneously. It's best to concentrate on giving others respect in sharing the road. And concentrate on what you're doing. Until you have to make a turn into traffic then it would be fitting to look over your shoulder before maneuvering.
Rear-view mirrors on bikes: 'very cool and stealth' or not for you? We want to hear what you think! 🪞👇
Bar end mirrors on drop bars for me please, been using such since started drop bar cycling, much safer than turning your head or even most of the upper body while leaning forward. Turning your head means you're not looking where you're going, but with a mirror your field of vision is still forward for a good part since glance into a mirror is quick like blink of an eye. You don't need to keep staring at the mirror and if you do need to, like there's some situation to follow behind, your eyes can still register dangers ahead much better than having your ear or back of the head pointing forward.
I have the first one that was unboxed. I use it to keep an eye on the weaker rider(s) behind to ensure they're not being dropped.
CPMs must be down to rage bait views this much
I love using them to keep an eye on my children when we ride together.
Other than that, they are quite useless to be honest.
I have a mirror, and radar on every bike from my Surly to my race bike.
The best item I have is the Garmin Varia radar. It does not replace shoulder checks. It is a device that alerts me to the approach of a vehicle I otherwise may have missed. Earlier this week on my evening commute, a car approached and overtook me. They were travelling at 97mph. Yes. 97mph. The limit was 40mph. Dangerous doesn’t come close to describing this. At that speed, combined with wind noise I didn’t detect the car myself. Had it not been for the radar, the only awareness would have been the shock of the overtake. When alerted (my cycle computer shows the absolute speed of approaching vehicle) I immediately bumped up onto a small dirt path at the side of the road to avoid being hit. Anything that assists us in being safe out there is a bonus. If it works for you then use it. We all want to enjoy our cycles and get home in one piece.
Would be good to see Si try a Varia radar now and compare with mirrors.
Thanks for the comment....... I think I may invest
One of these has been "on my radar" hahahahah. But seriously I didn't realize they attached a speed to the approaching object. That's actually pretty cool. I don't have a head unit yet , so I'm guessing that should come first.
@@davidgaines8607 the head unit can show the absolute/relative speed, but it can also play an audio and visual alarm for high speed approaches.
A radar is not bullet proof (don't stop looking behind you when changing lanes etc), but it checks the rear multiple times per second instead of every 30-120 seconds we do as humans. Plus, it makes you more visible.
Combine the chirping head unit from the Varia as a reminder to scan a mirror and be aware of your surroundings.
I ride with a mirror all the time. Couldn’t imagine riding without one. It’s not about looking all the time. Ride in a predictable line is the number one. Don’t need a mirror for that, but once you I am changing my direction, I check the mirror so I don’t turn or drift into them. Also if a car is staying polite behind you, it’s happy, but 4 cars behind that car is pissed. If I see that happening, I get off the road (yes I’ll stop completely) and get the traffic jam behind me past me.
I do that too and it helps me feel less pressure.
I do too. This video is so very IMMATURE. I can't believe he's out of diapers!!!!
There is one use of a mirror on a bike that was completely missed in this video, although one other commenter has mentioned it; checking on your fellow riders. I have used a mirror in the past to make sure that anyone I'm riding with is not getting left behind. Maybe on road rides people tend to stay bunched, but on leisure and touring rides it can be helpful to make sure you are still together.
Plus the ability to provide advance "Car back" warning to the group when back marking.
Yes, thanks, exactly what I was wondering about. Doing a large event later where you often end up in a very big bunch blowing into towns fast, so I always assume there's someone on my wheel about to overlap, but knowing wouldn't be completely useless 🤔
This what I use it for when I lead group rides.
Looks like your buddies need to get stronger.. FTP too low. Thumbs down.
I use it to make sure my mates are dropped, so I can drop the hammer before they catch on. 😅
After years of watching many GCN videos, this was the first one that was painful to watch. Simon, thanks for taking this subject on......but I disagree with almost everything you said. I'm 68 and I don't wear my sunglasses attached mirror due to restricted neck issues. I've worn it for years and consider it more vital to safety than my helmet (which has never hit the ground). Why would you not want to see what 's coming up behind you by simply moving your eyeball? And yes, even when they're coming fast I can tell whether they're going to be too close to me or not. I almost choked when you said that you'd prefer to not see them coming if you're going to get hit. Not getting hit is the objective. You asked for examples. Recently I was descending down a curving mountain road where nobody would even think of turning their head during such high speed turns. I saw a ways behind me a Porsche that was obviously faster than me in my mirror. I therefore had time to plan where he would pass me and I choose a tight left turn knowing that he'd probably be hugging the inside of the turn. (American roads on the right side.) I pulled to the edge and waved him on without needing to look back. He gave me plenty of room and honked and waved (convertible) a thank you to me. I knew I'd just improved cyclist/motorist relations. But there were two guys a ways in front of me with no mirrors. They were riding side by side descending the turns and had no idea he was coming. The driver was forced to slow to their speed and after about an entire minute of these guys not seeing him, he honked. I thought the driver had showed patience and given them plenty of time. They were startled at the honk and got mad at him, and it was returned in kind. All the good I did was wiped out by two guys who didn't have mirrors............but at least they didn't look dorky.
Exactly. It's about seeing what's behind and understanding the context. Stinky diesel truck? I'll go faster and let them pass on the flats. Sports car speeding? I'll let them by asap. A mirror adds a level of complexity but can be helpful especially on busy roads or in a group.
The video is very immature. Its like a 12 year old from tick tock made a video
Totally agree. My mirror, used for years in on the down tube and a glance down, super quick. With an aged and relatively immobile neck, and having watched many riders swerve as they glance back over their shoulder it think it is much safer than anything else. And I also use a radar, the combination is fantastic
@@jack002tuber When ya hair is greying, ya gotta talk like a child, it seems!
Mudflaps with aerowheels anyone? Here is someone with an eye on aesthetics.
He stated his opinion, he tried out some products without the video being an ad for anything, and stated his conclusion. You don't have to agree with it. Is it a useful video? Maybe not, but I don't think there's anything wrong with it. I don't use a mirror either, but I actually came away from this video thinking about trying the drop bar mirror that he barely mentioned.
And FWIW, I do suspect that if Si kept using a mirror for longer, he'd stop looking in it so often. That's just the way it is. You get anything new, you obsess over it. When you get a new bike computer, you spend half your ride looking at it instead of the road.
You completely missed the point Si. A cycling mirror does not help you get OUT of the way of an approaching vehicle, it helps you AVOID GETTING IN THE WAY of an approaching vehicle. Think about when needing to turn across traffic you can check sooner and judge the speed of approaching vehicles and adjust your speed and behavior for a safe turn avoiding forcing a vehicle to need to maneuver to avoid hitting you. Also, they are invaluable on high speed descents where road hazards can appear with little reaction time available. You can keep your eyes on the road ahead of you simultaneously keeping an eye on what's behind you. This allows to safely maneuver around a hazard or reduce your speed if cars are approaching. I won't ride without one.
100%. It won't help us escape an idiot vehicle, but it will help us decide if it is okay to move into new paths or not.
Yeah. Totally agree. I always thought this is what they're for 🤷♂️
Exactly. During the video I kept waiting for him to try to make a right hand turn when a mirror would be very useful to gauge if there was traffic behind him.
I think this is the most correct. I have flared drops with the bar end mirror with arrow bars on my gravel pack bike. I set it all up so I can watch the mirror while occupying the drops or while laying aero. I have to duck my head to mirror peak while on the hoods. It took many days on tour to integrate this reflective tech into my cycle brain. A long headwind grind, north up the Oregon coast. Days riding into the buffeting mist finally convinced me. Like any tool it takes longer to master than one might think, and the setup is critical.
So nice to casually eyeball the traffic as you roll the gauntlet.
But I look over my shoulder for that. So it goes back to neck/shoulder mobility, surely?
Si, I think you have completed missed the mark here. I ride with a bar-end “stealth” mirror, (I also hate helmet mirrors, useless view) and a Varia, and would never leave home without them. Mirror advantages that you so easily missed:
- You cannot always hear when there is a car behind you. Electric cars are quiet and headwinds are loud, cars can very easily sneak up.
- The position that you are defenseless anyway so why bother is a terrible take. You have a LOT of power with knowledge. For example, you can judge by a driver’s movements if they see you, and if they are patient. Are they crowding your wheel or will they crowd you against the line? Are they hanging back and being patient? Has a long, angry and aggressive queue developed and which will create big safety issues to overtake you? Maybe you should peel off and let them by.
- Is a car showing signs they are very anxious to pass, and perhaps on a blind hill or curve where maybe you can see ahead, and they can’t? That’s your opportunity to take the lane and prevent them from passing and creating a very unsafe condition.
- If you are riding on dual carriage ways where traffic has a 50+ mph speed advantage you’ve probably already made a bad decision on where to rode. Here in the states likely no such road is legal for a bike, and so closing speeds of 20 to 30 are more typical and provide much more opportunity to assess your options. Especially with a Varia warning.
- And what are your options? You have them. If a closing car clearly has not seen you, and you can perceive this by their closing rate and their proximity to the lane line, you can ditch. Or if they are going to pass and an oncoming car is going to create a 3-wide situation, you can ditch or really scruntch into the shoulder, or you can make yourself seen earlier and take the lane, bring attention to yourself. Cars have “body language” in how they act, you should know this and be able to read it.
- And finally, looking into a mirror need not distract your attention from what’s ahead. I’d argue my Garmin is way more distracting anyway. Pilots have something called a “scan”. It’s a habit of moving your eyes from GAI age to gauge, to outside, and then back through the gauges. Once established, it’s a habit that creates massive situational awareness with basically no mental effort, as it’s just natural. You should have the same on the bike, always being aware of what’s around. And these days with a Varia, that awareness now comes way earlier.
Thanks for coming to my Mirror TED Talk.
fellow mirror homie! spot on. I use a mirror since I usually have my gf riding behind me and it helps me keep track of how she is doing. I also wear a full face, so visibility is more limiited when turning my head. Yeah - I dont care about looking lame
When on my road bike I use a mirror on my sunglasses and it is just big enough to keep me apprised about who is coming up on me. So I can give way or speed up if necessary. I notice when I ride my city bike and don’t use it I feel like something is missing similar to if I were to drive a car without rear view mirrors. When I am on the narrow backroads on my road bike I like the assurance of spotting the up coming cars.
I'm an elderly cyclist with restricted mobility issues and find the discreet handlebar mirror indispensable..
…. and for you, Sir …. It’s a solution …. Keep riding 👍👍
I'm still cycling near the end of my 70s and have neck problems, but acute hearing. I mostly cycle in the Yorkshire Dales on relatively small roads.
I have thought about a mirror as cars can approach from behind quite quietly, especially with a headwind, which tends to drown out the sound.
My solution was a Garmin rear light/radar (Varia) with a Garmin Edge Explore. Expensive I know, certainly by comparison with a mirror, but it also indicates the speed at which a vehicle is approaching from behind. There might be other cheaper bike radar products? The 'tech' can also be a bit irritating.
Yeah I use the Garmin but for 80 year old father in law who’s hearing isn’t the best, the handlebar mirror is a fantastic simple solution.
I agree. 77 years old with restricted mobility, the mirror is useful to me and helps to keep me riding.
I live in Poole but my daughter lives in Ilkley, you're lucky to have some beautiful cycling lanes in the Yorkshire Dale's. Thanks for the tip but I don't want too much tech at the moment...
As someone who only got into cycling in a big way fairly recently, I did find a small bar-end mirror very helpful at first. I didn't look at it constantly as you seem to have done; it was only to confirm that nothing was about to overtake me when I was about to move out to the right - to pass a parked car, take the lane, or for a right turn. You can't always rely on your ears to give you enough advanced notice of a vehicle behind you - especially in a headwind! Having a mirror gave me more confidence. Over time I got better at looking behind without wiggling all over the road, and at knowing when it's actually necessary, so I no longer feel like a need a mirror - but I think if I commuted on busy roads I would probably still have one. It's just an extra source of information that's there if you want it. You fixated on it far too much.
I feel you've missed the point of mirrors. They are not (primarily) to monitor traffic behind when you are following the road, but to check before manoeuvring - especially turning right, when the speed differential can mean a car be beyond hearing as you start to pull out. I used a bar end mirror and find a quick check or three is easier and safer, allowing me to keep eyes on the traffic ahead and the road surface more consistently than turning around.
That's what I was waiting for in the video: Does the mirror help when making a turn across the road? (Right turn in the UK, left turn in the US.)
Anything that helps you feel safe on the road sounds like a good investment!
Bar end CatEye has a great convex mirror.
He did say this - towards the end of the video in his summing up
If the situation ahead is so uncertain that you can't turn your neck then it is surely also not safe to make a turn anyway?
For me, I would think a quick turn might actually take less time, because I can see the situation a lot more clearly than in a mirror.
I used a mirror for a bit, didn’t think it had much value until I removed it. Over time I did subconsciously adapt to using it. I think you would have to give it a month or two to truly know if it’s for you or not.
I’m 59 years old, over the last couple of years, I’ve found it increasingly more difficult to look over my shoulder to check before turning etc due to a little stiffness in my neck. So I bought a mirror - one that replaces a bar-end. It’s low down because of my drop bars, but I have found it helpful .
It did take a while to get used to initially, so it was a distraction for a few weeks. But after that, I realised that I DON’T need to keep looking at it every few seconds- it’s only replacing my shoulder check. I sometimes do both, but if the mirror is angled correctly, I actually see much more than the glance over my shoulder. I must say I did some research first, to make sure I bought a quality one with a nice wide field of view.
So I think that if you’re relatively young and fit with no mobility issues, you probably don’t need a mirror - I didn’t until recently! But it certainly IS helpful if that shoulder check is difficult for any reason.
I use mine on my drops in the same way. I'd never be without it now.
Similarly, I bought a rear view mirror as I approached 60 and found it increasingly difficult to turn my head. As I also suffer from labyrinthitis, not having to turn my body as much to look behind has been an enormous help. I only use the mirror really when approaching a right turn - a quick glance and I can see if it's going to be safe to move out. I follow this up with a quick glance behind to make sure I haven't missed anything, signal and manoeuvre.
I originally bought the mirror (bar end) for use on my winter bike, on the basis that it's harder to turn my head when I'm cold and layered up with lots of clothing. I didn't want to 'sully' my summer bike. However, I quickly realised the benefits and now have them on all my road bikes. I'd never consider using one attached to my helmet, though.
You could have written my comment. Agree completely, the one I have is also a handle bar plug one, wide angle and it’s fabulous.
Thanks. On stiff neck: I stopped riding for a few years but... some physio helped a bit; brutal osteo helped a bit more; doing a few press-ups on the hour most hours had sorted it completely so I can look (not just glance) back on bike, in car, or walking as well as I ever did. Strongly recommend trying to do 50 to 100 press-ups spread through the day just doing 5 to 10 each time. Helps hugely with working overhead changing lights etc.
I also do press ups and pull ups but my neck turn is not great. Need to do more flexibility work, yoga I think! Cheers
As someone that rides on rural US roads, I do NOT feel safe without my helmet mounted mirror, it's tiny and allows me to see behind without looking away at all. Sometimes cars won't slow down to pass, and out in the country are often going 60+mph(~100kmh) and every now and then get way too close.
I've used a mirror on my bike for the last 20+ years, bar end on drops, and can't imagine riding without one. For me it's a quick glance that reduces my anxiety when riding. I see the approaching vehicle, I see them giving me room and pedal on. If they're not giving me much room, or that's my perception, I make sure I'm continuing to ride steadily, straight ahead. As an older rider, 68+, my neck doesn't want to crank around, and I can't rely on my hearing. Simple as that. +1 for mirrors!
Fascinating! Thanks. I'm 69. Only contact with mirror on bike was in 1980s and not impressed. I stopped riding for a few years after getting stiff neck & shoulders from sleeping awkwardly and moving 8 tonnes in many rubble sacks through the house. Physio helped a lot for shoulders and a bit for the neck. Brutal osteo helped a bit more with the neck. Most helpful: doing a few press-ups on the hour most hours has completely sorted my stiff neck so I can look back on bike, in car, or walking as well as I ever could.
Wait so you see them giving you room, you keep going, you see them not giving you room and you pedal straight ahead as well. You may as well not have the mirror 😆. This was my issue with mirrors, motorcycle and car users don't really use mirrors to check what's behind them while going along (there isn't much point) and they're for turns and lane changes. Giving yourself busywork to just keep checking over and over while riding doesn't seem anxiety reducing to me, feels like the opposite.
Using it for lane changes and being safe when turning does seem like a good option if you have limited mobility
I'll never mock or deride someone for using something that makes them more comfortable on a bike, whether or not it's something that I'd find useful.
@@tinglydingle Agreed. This video is so needless. He can't see the value in it, so he mocks it. Brilliant
Hi, I do enjoy your videos! I am a 76 year urban cyclist in Boston USA. I do not drive anymore, so my bike is my exclusive transportation. I started using a mirror about 12 years ago. Here are my observations: I have only found one that is really good; It takes a considerable time to adjust to using the mirror; even using the same brand and model of mirror each replacement is a pain to get adjust right. Just right means it gives you information without restricting your forward view or becoming a distraction. However, once adjusted they are great. I was taught when I was young about "vehicular cycling" and I find that using the mirror helps reintegrate into the flow of traffic. It is notes much protecting myself from rear end collision as it is a tool to monitor my action in such a way that the drivers can expect and deal with in a comfortable way. Granted, I am in very urban environment, so interaction with drivers is quite intimate.It helps me dance better!
At 78 years of age with reduced flexibility I find the rear view mirror to be an essential piece of equipment, making my time on the bike a lot safer.
I am the same age as you and totally agree. I use a mirror and radar.
i think thats a real reason to use....
I am 66 and have used one for 45 years. Age is not a reason for me. No one can turn their head faster than a glance in a mirror. I need time to focus on the ride and not turn my head all around, even if I'm 12 years old.
US Rider. I ride several stretches of dangerous roadway with poor shoulders. Posted speed is 35-45mph roads are part of my regular commute, but drivers often vastly exceed that speed. I use a tiny bar-end "stealth" mirror for night/dusk riding. Never use it in daylight. On those stretches, I want to ride on the good pavement inside the white stripe line. At night, the mirror lets me see the glint of headlights coming up behind at a safe distance. Allows me to slow, get onto the often low quality gritty shoulder, but off the edge of travel lane. Don't want to be surprised - or be a surprise - v/v cars frequently (and illegally) exceeding 50mph on the roadway at night.
@gcn i’ve been surprised by electric cars that are creeping behind when I use to ride on the roads especially smaller roads. Didn’t hear them behind me.
Another reason to avoid loud cassettes these days.
i've had similar experiences with electric bikes coming past me on banks as i'm a slower older rider
Other drivers on the road texting and distracted and no fear of them hitting you. Fools rush in.
Most of my riding is on trails, and I find that the mirrors are valuable to be aware of other cyclists approaching from the rear. I agree with Si’s points about reaction time on the road, but my experience is mostly with traffic going nearly the same speed. So, the combination of a cyclist announcing their approach, or just hearing their tires crunching on the gravel, and then a quick look in the mirror is very helpful / valuable to me.
I would never go out without a mirror. This feels like a cyclist snob video. It reminds me when I went to the bike shop and they were looking at my mirror like it was some piece of alien tech.
Shoulder checks are good yes, but if you are in traffic shoulder checking can make you crash onto something. Perhaps this is something that very experienced cyclists don't have issues with, but for a casual like me it's fundamental. You check your mirror when you want to change lane or when you hear a car behind you, that's it.
Reminds me of when I visited a snobby bike shop and commented about no mirrors for sale. The young lad thought he was being smart when he told me that you didn't need mirrors if you shoulder checked. He gradually shrunk into the background when he saw the look that I gave him 😉😂
If you crashing into something just because ou are shoulder checking, you should not be riding.
Unfortunately Si is a bit of a snob. Listen to his comments that cycle helmets don't save lives. Cycle helmets were invented to prevent brain damage and that has increased with MIPS. Many cyclists suffered brain damage through high speed crashes and heads hitting kerbs.
@@2wheelsrbest327 he was right though. You bullying him doesnt change that. You didnt even have an argument, just a mean look. Very sophisticated of you.
I would rather be a dweeb than a skid mark on the road.
I rode 15,000 km last year - about half of it outside (this IS Canada) - and my Cat Eye BM-45 bar end mirror went on every ride. It helped me avoid being surprised by trucks and mindless car drivers coming up from behind. Sound WAS always my first signal of traffic coming, and the mirror second. And true, it doesn't guarantee safety. A VERY bright cycling shirt and a flashing red/blue rear light were more important, but when my mirror broke, I felt naked until I got it replaced. And riding in groups, the tendency of people to drift in the direction they look if they lack a mirror was always a safety issue.
I use drop bar bar end mirrors on the bicycle. As an advanced car driver and motorcyclist, I check my mirrors on average every 5 seconds no matter what I ride or drive so as to be fully situational aware at all times. There are multiple potential hazards on the road, I therefore am fully aware of everything around me and always have a plan to enact instantly if needed, whereas most cyclists and road users do not think ahead, then say there was nothing they could do when something happens, and put their fingers in their ears when you try to explain how the accident was easily avoidable.
You must very good hearing if in the wind, you can hear electric (bicycles/ scooters/ motorbikes/cars).
Fascinating. I'm 69. I can, and do, look around constantly as a driver and as cyclist - looking far ahead, change to maybe 20 metres ahead, glance back as a permanent rotation of eyes & neck. Drop bars means I dip my head a bit to look back, straight bars turn neck a bit more. I seem to have better peripheral vision than most people. Following your comment and one or two similar ones, I might have another look at mirrors for first time since 1980s
Long time watcher, first time commenter. Three years ago I was riding along, focused on my head unit more than what was in front of me, and rode into the back of a broken down truck, breaking my neck. I am very lucky to be alive let alone walking or riding a bike. Suffice to say neck mobility is quite limited. I have found a single Zefal Spy Mirror positioned at the end of the drops gives me some vision/awareness of what's happening behind me, allowing me to remain eyes forward to negotiate obstacles the road puts in front of me. I never considered using a rear view mirror prior to the accident but won't ride without it now. It is an invaluable tool for me.
Riding without my mirror on feels like driving without my seat belt on. Can't do it. It makes entirely no sense to turn around to see what's behind you if you don't have to.
Here in the US, in one of the worst-rated states for cycling, I found that where I place myself in the lane matters most. Assuming there is no shoulder to ride on, if I place myself to the far right of the lane, then cars will try to share the lane with me-very scary. If I place myself in the center of the lane, they will change lanes and pass me. I also try to avoid busy streets as much as possible.
Exactly. If you invite them to pass, they are gonna try even if it's a bad idea.
As a motorist and cyclist, I’ve found that when a motorist sees the cyclist do the head turn to see what’s behind, the motorist believes that the cyclists knows the car is behind. It starts a small degree of communication and co-awareness. The cyclists then can wave the motorist on - everyone believes that they are getting a share of the road - and life is good. For me, coming up on a cyclist that never turns their head ( me as a cyclist or motorist) is stressful as they do not exhibit signs of knowing that I’m there, and I have to treat them as unpredictable… which increases friction between the motorist and cyclist… Doing the head turn is also a communication elements between road users.
I like your point about the head turn indicating something to an observant driver. I didn't think of it, but it resonates with my experience of 30 years cycling, mostly as a commuter in heavy traffic in urban areas. But waving a car on at any point (aside from traffic cops or construction flaggers) seems extremely dangerous to me. You are taking some measure of responsibility for the driver's actions and for what they will encounter ahead, and thus some level of liability if they make a mistake or encounter something neither of you can see. On the other hand, I do mumble to myself about incompetent drivers who follow me too long without passing, lol
+1 about waving people on not being a good idea. People need to be able to see whether it's safe to overtake, for themselves.
+1000 Absolutely the best reason against relying on mirrors. A cyclist in traffic needs to work with traffic. That includes holding your line and always doing shoulder check changing off that line. Motorists definitely get a que from cyclists when they turn their heads.
the head-turn makes a huge difference - yes, it's about my observation, but also a two-way communication; this adds something human to a driver's experience.
As a cyclist who used to have a rear-view mirror, I often felt that drivers took it for granted that I was aware of their presence because I had one. Well, most of the time that was not the case because they were going too fast and I missed them (e.g. if there was a pothole or something). Now that I don't have the mirror, I turn my head to check what's behind me and when I do, it feels like I'm communicating with the drivers. You have a good point.
On my recumbent a rear view mirror is the only way to see whats behind me.
Yes - Bent riders unite
First thing I spotted in this video a few seconds in, Si is converted to a mud guard user. Let's see if mirrors start popping up on other videos soon too😂
Haha, same here
Funny he was worried about the bike not being fast when using mudguards. How about with these mickey mouse ears on then?
Semi useful mudguards, nothing like full coverage/protection for any combo of rider/bike/others though
@@alexgold1981 Quite likely all that his bike can support. I have an Endurace without mounts and I can only fit short guards.
my god, please don't, Si. I'll have to stop watching.
When I was a teen-aged amateur racer I could crank my head around and see what was coming up behind me. Didn't need a mirror then even though they were available back then. As a 71 YO cyclist I don't have the flexibility to see behind me and I find the mirror a great help. I combine it with a tail light radar that beeps at me when something is coming up and I can take a quick glance to see if the driver is paying attention and is moving to allow me room or if they are dive bombing me (which happens). I uses a glasses mounted mirror, turned out slightly so have to turn my head a few degrees to see behind but that is well within my level of flexibility. You mentioned being able to hear cars coming yup behind you. Well, with the rise of electric cars that is not so easy - be careful out there.
Ears,Eyes and Garmin Varia radar. Ideal combination.
I’d be worried where those helmet mirror bars are going in the event of a crash.
Agreed. I ride Highway 1 near Santa Cruz frequently and the Varia radar has been a game changer for my safety/peace of mind.
In my opinion, the best combination is a Varia radar used in conjunction with a drop bar mirror. The Varia lets you know a car is coming long before you could ever hear it. Then, the mirror allows you to look behind you and assess the situation without having to turn your neck to look behind you. Turning your head always leaves a blindspot, unless you're an owl or something. The mirror is worth its weight in gold if you're leading another rider and checking to see where they are behind you too.
Always rode with the drop bar mirrors, since the Garmin radar rear light it makes a great combination. The radar detects a moving vehicle and movement . If I need to check if the vehicle closeness I just drop my vision or head turn for a second or so but not constantly. It basically keeps me in check from drifting from the side of the road to more towards the car lane. I have rode with out it and it made me check behind me with more head movement.
In S. Korea where there are no dedicated bike lanes on the streets a mirror is essential. It's not so much for seeing whose behind you for gauging their movement, but rather, for seeing whose behind you for gauging 'your' movement, i.e. to not cut out in front of an upcoming car, making turns safely, etc.
Also, when leisure riding along the Han River bike paths with a friend or group, it helps you keep tabs on your colleagues as well as other riding groups passing by as it can get pretty crowded at times.
Get one, it may save your life! A simple cheap safety upgrade, like hi Viz or helmets, but a mirror informs you too. Total no brainer in almost all cycling scenarios.
I find this all very personal. I find them distracting , which I would argue is less safe. If someone else finds them super helpful and life saving , by all means I'm for it.
@@davidgaines8607 I find this "distraction" argument to be a red herring. As if somehow having better situational awareness is a bad thing. Like any new thing, it might be distracting at first use. But you quickly adapt. Just like learning to drive a car. At first it seems almost impossible to keep track of staying in your lane, maintaining your speed, checking side and rear-view mirrors. But in short order, you get good and dealing with all of it.
A mirror can help with timing the move towards the centre of the road for a right turn, particularly on a road where the speed differential is great, but a confirming glance behind is essential.
I don't understand the comment about not knowing what to do with the information your getting from the mirror 🤷♂️
It's the same as you do with the information you get from looking over your shoulder and you just need to use the mirror as much as you look over your shoulder.
You're over-thinking, and of course the "bike-snob" within you is resisting heavily.
I wonder if he ever drives a car and if it has a mirror?
I have tried them all, and after all that I adopted permanently: the take-a-look mirror from Colorado, USA. Made of metal so they won't crack or break in cold weather a clip to the arm of your glasses (you do always ride with eye protection, don't you?) , you will quickly adapt to them, and after one week of riding every day with them, will find them indispensable. They are like having a third eye in the back of your head. Because you can see drivers coming behind you, you could have the confidence to take the lane and make yourself visible. when you see a rapidly approaching aggressive driver let off a bit on the speed because they've suddenly noticed you, and don't know what to do, then you can move over to the side of the road, confident that they now know you are there. Added bonus: if there's an asshole coming in a car behind you, you can spot his attitude from a long way off, and give him a wide berth so he can rush on ahead to engage with an even bigger asshole in another car. That's how karma works.
I also have been using a Take-a-look mirror for several years. I used to use various style drop bar mirrors that worked fine but sometimes on rough roads they vibrated too much to see clearly. I had tried a few other sun glass mounter mirrors that I couldn't get used to until I found this product.The Take-a-look sits only 1 1/2 inch's (4cm) in front of my sun glass lens and offers such a broad view and long distance behind me. The mirror pops on and off quickly and you just have to easily train your eye to look into it while still managing to look at the road ahead. Its indispensable when having to cross multiple lanes of traffic as you don't have to do a shoulder check and any drivers behind you are made aware through the proper hand signal. The Take-a-look is well constructed and at only $25Can a great product. I felt Si's helmet and eye glass mirrors sat too far ahead of his face to give him a proper view. For the mirror haters, would you drive your car without a mirror?
I'll say more: in a car with metal all around you, you have three mirrors.. On a motorbike with metal in front and behind, you have two mirrors and on a bike with virtually nothing around you, you ride with no mirrors? You're a chump. If you ride a road bike on a high-speed rural road, You're exposed to being struck from behind. You cannot shoulder check to save your life when a vehicle is approaching at 80 km/h. Even world tour pros get injured or killed by vehicles on a highway. Get a mirror!
I’ve been using a mirror for decades, on drop bars, straight bars and Brompton. Now feel uncomfortable without one as I’m much less aware of what’s behind me. I guess after all this time it’s second nature to use one and I don’t notice that I’m doing so.
Also (1) as noted in another comment, very useful if riding with a slower rider. And (2) you know what sort of vehicle is coming up behind - if a large piece of farm machinery or fast lorry on a busy road then early warning really helps.
PS: Mudguards!
I’m profoundly deaf and found the Cateye bar end mirror for dropped bars really helped prevent me being taken by surprise by vehicles coming up behind and passing close. Have now got a Garmin Varia and no longer use the mirror. As others have said, it’s a game changer for some people.
I ride with a small cateye bar-end mirror. Its become intuitive whilst riding just like driving a car. You use it all the time in a car! The alternative is to always be looking over your shoulder or buying a radar device. I'll stick to my mirrors 😊
me too. i have it on all my bikes. you just need to get used to it then it becomes second nature just like a car. I had the garmin varia too but nothing beats a mirror.
The cateye is particularly good in my opinion. I tried other « bar end » ones that weren’t as stable and/or were quite a lot smaller.
Once you get used to it it’s becoming difficult to ride a bike that’s not equipped 😅
And as some others said, it’s also quite helpful when riding with others to check if they’re still following.
me three 😂 model BM-45 to be precice as no one really needs a larger one that that 😅
I have the ovalish bar end cateye and yes, it becomes automatic to continuously monitor the situation and predict what will happen, as when driving.
I also ride mainly on narrow country roads in Switzerland so I stop at the first opportunity to let cars and farm vehicles pass - and being country Switzerland cars do the same for bikes.
Same, I have it on my commuter. I miss it on my other bikes, I always look down at my bar end in confusion.
A rearview mirror on your bike's handlebars is a lifesaver. In the urban jungle and with a lack of cycling infrastructure, mirrors are absolutely essential.
Hey Si, I ride in Connecticut USA and when I'm out on the road here, I can't imagine riding without one. I have one of those handlebar opening mirrors and use it with my Garmin radar. It works flawlessly. That way I don't have to look back in the mirror unless my Garmin tells me a car is coming. Then I can keep an eye on the car and his behavior. If the car is behaving badly, it gives my plenty of time to get off the road because of the combination mirror and radar. I would suggest doing another couple commutes with some type of handlebar mirror coupled with a Garmin radar and see how you feel.
Never seen a point in a mirror? Try saving your life! Love Si but couldn’t disagree more on this one.
I think you have to consider radar units if you're talking about mirrors. I was extremely skeptical of radar before I got one, but I think it's one of my favorite purchases I've ever made now. Same story for most people I know.
Can you explain why? (Genuine question) …. As a non user - I just can’t see the point in obsessing over which rear dot might kill you and what you intend to do with that information …. Genuinely interested
@JIMMYHIBBS1 are you me before I got my radar?
It improves situational awareness, particularly on low traffic higher speed roads. I don't bother with my radar during my morning rush hour bike commute. There's ALWAYS a car there. But my weekend rides out of the city, it's great. It's not only the indication of when a car is there, but also how close they are.
@@JIMMYHIBBS1 buy one and find out
@@JIMMYHIBBS1 maybe on high traffic roads it doesn't helps that much, you just get A LOT of beeping, but on roads with not much traffic, knowing when a car is there may help you as a reminder to position yourself better in the lane, some lights will also blink in reaction to a car, so there is some chance for improved visibility.
I hope either cycliq integrates a radar or garmin improves the format of their camera + radar product, this is my favorite piece of tech on a bike.
I thought the same thing. But I didn’t realise how much I use to check behind me. Now I just look ahead, take the lane confidently, and when I get the alert for a car I make a decision whether to hold my line or move to the shoulder. I’ll move to the shoulder if I’m happy it is safe to pass. I’ll hold my line longer if it’s not safe then give a quick head check to acknowledge that I’ve seen them and am not trying to be a jerk hogging the lane.
I lost most of the sight in my right eye a couple of years ago, along with my confidence to ride. The Garmin Varia got me back on the bike and helped rebuild my confidence. It gives advance warning of approaching vehicles and affords me time to check properly behind. Wouldn't be without it.
Everything said here sounds exactly like me 20 years ago. When in my 20ties I felt exactly like that. It is a distraction, the information it tells me is useles.
For the past 10-15 years I cannot imagine riding without one. I occasionally do (short hop for groceries down the street for example) and as soon as I hear a car behind I miss it immediately. I am used to just knowing how long intil the car catches up to me, what size is it, does it look like a cautious approach or and a-hole one etc.
And I am convinced that I have avoided being crashed into because of my mirrors. There are less drastic examples but to keep it shorter I will use one I remember from last year:
There was a huge pothole in front of me, one I normally ride around. Cars were coming the other way and therefore masking the sound of the car behind me. But I was watching the car behind in my mirror so I knew that is one looked absolutely determined to not slow down no matter what. With enough experience you can just tell this by a quick glance. Because I had not one turn of the had but several quick looks in rapid succession I was able to see the timing is bad and that car will be overtaking me just where that huge pothole was. So I moved even more to the side, went through the horrible pothole and half a second later the trailer being towed by that car missed me by centimeters. Country road, theoretically limited to 90 km/h, in practice probably around 100. Even if he just grazed me broken bones were a minimum result possible.
If I try to imagine 20 years younger myself in that situation that 20 year younger myself would have been convinced that mirrors are useless even after such thing happened. I would be lying in hospital with crushed pelvis or something and explaining to everyone who says "mirror" that it would have been useless because there is not time to react due to the speed difference etc. But now I know that does not have to be the case.
If you have a crapy mirror that shakes all the time and you have to turn your entire head to use it and you find yourself double checking by looking behind anyway then maybe that mirror really is useless to you. But I find that if you can get a mirror that is stiff enough, provides enough of a viewing angle and can be placed where its rear view is in your periferal vision always, and then you take the time to learn to use it (and that is not a few rides, that is few weeks to fully appreciate it), it can probably be usefull even to a lot of people who currently believ it cannot.
For me personally a mirror for glasses works, I guess the shape of my head and the particular mirror I have allows me to find a good setting for it. The one I have is smaller, lighter and shorter than in the video.
On a recumbent I use a second mirror above the side of the handlebars, just slighly lower than my eye level, far enough to the side that it doesn't feel like a blindspot forward but close enough to attract attention the moment anything appears in it. I don't check it all the time, it shows me when anything behind me moves and then I look. It is so comfortable to use that I find my glasses mirror to be secondary only, just for when I want to look behind myslef into a corner where the one on the handlebars naturally points out of the corner. Such looks are not really needed for safety but sometimes good for checking up on a friend if they are keeping up with me.
On upright bikes in general I never found a mirror type and position that would work that well for me. Some acceptable ones but nothing that good because the mirror is always too low when I look straight ahead. And on a road bike handlebars I am not sure a good mirror is even possible - the shape and with of the bars and the possition of the rider are just really incovenient for that. So maybe road cyclists really cannot have mirrors that work well. But they should not pretend like that is not a compromise in safety. It is even if they don't want to admit it to themselves.
I'm so used to using a mirror while riding, I catch myself glancing to a non-existent mirror when walking along a road.
@clinlashway9147 hey, I'm so glad it isn't just me!
@clinlashway9147 same, sometimes I think I might just start wearing it all the time.
Originally I bought a helmet mirror for a regular 130km "commute" to my ex. I was in the aero bars most of the time and it was a rather busy road and I hated that I have to look back to check for approaching semis. Even when they pass you at a safe distance, their wind can push you off the road if you are in the aero bars especially in crosswind. The mirror 100% solved this problem for me. I only have to turn my had about 10 degrees and I have a clear vison on what's behind me. No more surprises. No more anxiety. Maximum flow.
What else is it good for?
- Obviously getting information from behind you without turning your head in almost every situation.
- You can actually observe what is happening behind you. By looking back you take a snapshot. By using a mirror you have a constant live feed.
- Using a mirror won't affect your balance. Using them mid corner is just as easy as using it on a straight road.
- You won't run into the vehicle in front of you if the driver steps on the brakes at the same moment you decide to look back (happened to me before)
- Easier to make split second decisions. When something happens in front of me I might not have the time to look back, process the information and then decide whether I want to brake or avoid. With a mirror I have almost instant information if I can switch lanes or I have to brake.
- You can monitor careless and reckless drivers behind you. If somebody is on the phone or they just don't give a shit they might run the red light you are just stopping for. I guess most people wont turn their head every time they stop for a light, with a mirror you can check back every time without a problem. Same applies for sudden braking like in the previous point. You don't want to end up between two metal boxes.
- On main roads you can prepare yourself for a close pass or even bail and go off the road if necessary. This might have actually saved me one time.
- You can check on your fellow riders on a groupride.
- You can warn you fellow riders to get into single file when a car approaches.
- You can see if a driver gets really impatient behind you.
Once I forgot to take it off my mirror during a race. I actually really liked it! If it wasn't dangerous for other riders during a crash I would continue to use it on other races too! You can see the size of the group or if it's splitting behind you, there are no surprise attacks, tons of information from behind you and almost 360° vison on the final sprint.
Note: You really need a few days to learn to use a helmet mirror to its full potential. Mine is set up in a way the blind spot it creates is above the road so it doesn't obstruct any traffic. Also by turning your head you obviously change the direction your mirror points at. This may sound simple enough but it takes a little bit of practice to become second nature how you control and use this to your advantage.
Thanks for the video. You raise valid points. Here’s why I use a mirror:
For me, a mirror has a very specific purpose. I use my mirror on my commuter bike in the city. When I’m out on my gravel bike, I use a radar, but not a mirror. The radar has a slightly different (but overlapping) purpose than the mirror.
First of all, I would never use any of the mirrors you sampled. I have a mirror that goes into the end of the flat bar of my commuter, and has several pivot points that can be tightened rock solid with Allen keys. You need to figure out the ideal configuration and set it so it so there is absolutely no jiggle.
When you first put on the mirror it will be distracting. But pretty soon you learn not to look at it except when you need to. I don’t notice my mirror except when I need to use it. For most of the roads you show in the video, I’m not going to be looking at my mirror. As you say, it won’t save you from the distracted driver that drifts into a bike lane. I check my mirror whenever I approach an intersection. If I need to go straight or turn across traffic, the way I approach the situation depends on what the cars behind me are doing. I also check the mirror when the road narrows in a way that cars cannot safely pass me.
Without a mirror I could do a head check. But because that is typically (for me) a very quick glance that I only can use peripheral vision, I only get a general sense of whether there is something behind me. With a mirror, I quickly can see how many cars are back there, which lanes they are in, and if they are signaling a turn. (I typically still do a brief “fake” head check just to alert the drivers that I’m here and I might need to turn.)
For most people, I don’t think a mirror is essential. And it takes time to learn its proper use and to stop being distracted by it. I can certainly do without it. But for my commutes in the city, it makes me a safer and more courteous cyclist.
As someone who doesn't use one (I did at first ) it's hard to deny that if you have a small enough one that is out of the way but still useful , even if you neglect it mostly , there's probably no downside to having it there just in case.
Your mentioning the jiggle is why I haven't been successful with a rear view mirror yet. (I have tried two different styles.) Maybe I can find the one you use because I also have flat bars so drop end mirrors don't apply. I am in a city with 4 lane streets but not constant traffic, and would like a working rear view mirror for crossing lanes into the turning lane etc.
@@edithmaverickfolger4014 The mirror I use from the "Mirrycle" brand. It's lasted for years and I don't think it was very expensive when I bought it. It was recommended to me by my local bike shop.
Great video as usual Simon. I have to concur with all the other comments that the Garmin Varia is your equivalent of the best rear view prompt you could have and also gives you what your bike is missing there….lights! When cars approach too quickly the rear light pulses more to alert motorists more. Come on GCN let’s have a review of these to add to the other highly watchable and enjoyable videos. Ta 👍
Learning how to turn your head/upper body around while maintaining a straight line is arguably a more crucial skill than being able to ride one handed or of course no hands.
A month ago I couldn't, I haven't stopped trying, now I can. I recommend practising on cycle paths NOT roads.
Yes, a very useful skill to have indeed. Personally for me the mirrors are an addition to that, they provide the easy first check up to see whether the road behind is clear while keeping your eyes mostly forward when swerving an obstacle, changing lanes or turning in an intersection. No cars behind means you're safe and if there are cars, you can then turn your head to check more closely what the situation looks like, if they're going to push past you no matter what or let you perform your necessary maneuvers in peace, like the good drivers do.
Yes but no amount of practice will help someone who cannot get a full rotation anyway.
But hilariously just at the point where Si was talking about being able to continue riding in a straight line while looking behind you, he noticeably swerved slightly while he demonstrated the skill! He is clearly a good cyclist but even he can't do this perfectly all the time.
Normally love your content Si but this has to be one of the most ridiculous videos I've seen on the channel. If you really want to test riding with a mirror then do it with one at a time not 5 or 6 or 8! Who wouldn't be distracted with that much crap on the bike and helmet?! It seems like all the GCN presenters have strong opinions against both mirrors and the Garmin radar and for the life of me I can't understand why. To me the Garmin radar was a revelation and it combined with a handlebar mirror provides a level of awareness that is unparalleled. I believe that on the bike I'm most likely to get killed by someone hitting me from behind and I can't always rely on my hearing because it's often hampered by wind noise. If you're going to express opinions to your many viewers please at least make them more informed opinions.
I never get on a bike without my third-eye sunglasses mirror. I've had bad hearing all my life, so a mirror is a must-have.
Same here, I also have bad hearing, and also having a mirror means I can spend less time bending my head into unnatural positions to see what's approaching from behind. By the way: not too impressed with the clickbait video title, couldn't GCN have chosen something a bit more neutral?
I've found I'm not sure which direction traffic is coming from with hearing aids. I can think it's coming up behind me and it comes around the bend in front of me. Took some getting used to. I use a mirror as I ride a cruzbike, a great thing.
I need my mirrors even MORE with my hearing aids, as they amplify the wind! Also, electric cars are hard notice even for folks without hearing problems.
I'm so used to my mirrors, I've caught myself looking down to check it when I'm *walking* and can hear a car behind me!
Varia radar plus mirror (on the handle bar) helps me keep aware of what's about to pass and ensures I don't lose concentration at important times
The Vario radar is the best piece of kit I have encountered. Riding on the open road is scary enough, and not knowing what is overtaking you is dangerous.
how does the radar tell you "what is overtaking"? it's a car, a truck and what are you going to do with that information. In the mirror you could (hard to do) see that the driver is distracted or driving erratically, with a radar you don't even get that. I agree with him on mirrors and i see even less point on radars.
The vario rader also informs (roughly) about the speed you are approached.
@@Jeffcrocodile You really have to try it to truly appreciate how useful the radars are. If you are riding at speed, your audio sense of what is approaching from the rear is extremely limited especially in the winter when I've got a beanie or headband to cover my ears. The radars can easily give you 100+ metres of rear coverage of what is behind you including the speed and the number of vehicles that are behind you. You are essentially never taken by surprise. They are not so useful in a busy city centre, but invaluable out on the open road and in the countryside.
@@Jeffcrocodilethe radar shows multiple vehicles if they are there. Does it matter whether its a car, pickup or van? If you are concerned about bigger trucks, your ears will tell you that. The radar also shows the speed of the approaching car. I’ve got an add-on to my garmin which also tells the exact speed. Mirrors can’t do that. Radar signals over 400m behind you, and doesn’t mind curves. The radar i use also has a camera, in case of insurance/accidents. I got it a few years back, when there where some hit-and-runs of cyclists in my area. Will it prevent being hit? No, but in case some idiot approaches with high speed, it signals, you can double check whats behind you and maybe get off the road in time if needed. It’s just a few seconds gained. Stay safe and ride on .
I started using mirrors when riding my recumbent bikes where a turn to look behind is not possible. I also use the Varia radar light. I don’t know if the light changing illumination pattern when it detects oncoming traffic helps get the attention of the drivers or not, but it can’t hurt. I ride in the US and I am most concerned about distracted drivers (and a bit about malicious drivers). My mirror and eyesight are good enough so that I will see an approaching vehicle before the radar alerts if I am looking at the right time. There radar helps to remind me to look in low or intermittent traffic conditions. Even on roads with wide shoulders, drivers often drift onto the shoulders. I am in the “I am traffic” school. If there is no closely following vehicle, I ride no further to the right than the right side tire track. With my radar alerting me, I use my mirror to assess whether the approaching car seems to be acting safely and respectfully. If so and if it seems safe for them to pass and the right side of the road or the shoulder seems safe enough to ride on, then I move over to facilitate a safe pass only after they are close enough to have noticed me. I never see riders without mirrors doing enough shoulder checks to be aware of every approaching vehicle. They must trust the drivers more than I do. Ride safe and good luck.
I would never ride with out use in my mirror
I don't care for mirrors, but my Garmin radar is great.
100% correct that mirrors are useless. They're so small and lack detail that you spend more time trying to see and focus than you spend paying attention to what's in front of you.
I think a radar is better for able bodied cyclists. Vehicles can still sneak up on you if you don’t check your mirror. You cannot check all the time, but a radar tells you when to check or when the road is likely clear.
You do you, but it's a fairly expensive solution to the problem. Also I assume it requires decent hearing.
I've been road bikes for about 50 years, but it was only about 15 years ago that I felt the urge to try a bar mounted rear view mirror. Why?
Because sometimes, when I glanced over my shoulder, I found I'd veered slightly off line. Perhaps my balance isn't as good as it once was...
Yes, initially I found myself looking at the mirror too much, but the novelty soon wears off.
3 things soon became apparent:
1. The mirror gives much more information than a glimpse over the shoulder.
2. Oftentimes, I'd spot a car behind me that I would not otherwise been aware of (perhaps my hearing isn't as good as it once was...).
3. Following vehicles are more likely to 'behave themselves' when they realise that they've been clocked in the mirror!
The mirror, for me, gives an extra awareness that I value to the point that I'm much less comfortable when I (very occasionally) ride without one.
Thanks for sharing it with us!
I've got the garmin varia radar....won't ride without that! Still need to have a physical glance back if you are crossing the traffic but I'm aware if there's a car OR cars behind....handy on country lanes where you're not sure if it's windy noise or a car behind you.
I recently thought about adding a rear view mirror to my right glove and a piece of sand paper for my left glove using velcro.
You know, one to check what's behind me and the other to deter close overtakes on right-handed traffic.
And to round it all off, I'm gonna test it on a pair of gloves where I cut the outer 4 sleeves off, leaving only the central one with a long sleeve.
I tried one of those on helmet and hated it. Instead I have one installed in the end of handle bar. When I my radar indicates a car is coming up behind me, I know to look down to make sure is giving me enough run to pass me. If it seems like they are going to hit me, it gives me an opportunity to get off the road.
I’m 54 and got back into cycling after 25 years off bike. Would have NEVER used one in my youth. Now, yeah I’ve got one. Age somehow warps our perception of what’s cool or not. I see a small orange flag in my future attached to my seat post
Be uncool and aware of where the distracted texting driver are. Alive and able to go on another day. This video is some of the stupidist stuff they ever did here.
I briefly tried a mirror but it never really worked for me. Then I bought a Garmin Varia radar. What a game changer! Not so much for busy roads because you already expect there will be cars passing. But for less busy or gravel roads, where you don’t see many cars. That way I can ride more in the middle of the road for long periods of time and avoid holes etc and not have to worry about getting hit. When the radar beeps I simply scoot over to the side and give way to the car. The car drivers are happy because they see me making an effort to be cautious and everyone is happy.
I used a motor forever and I got a Varia 2 years ago, the best thing I’ve ever done for my riding, I even use it on gravel. Still use my mirror though as it’s visual confirmation of a Varia alert.
More people have trouble getting used to clipless pedals, but where are the haters for those? Get it and set it and get used to it. SIGH.
Rear radars are 100% the solution. Garmin Varia integrated with a light and other options now coming to market from Magene and others. Only time I ride without it is on Zwift.
Bar end mirrors are the best !
Something i haven't seen mentioned is that the benefit of turning one's head is communicating your recognition of drivers behind you.
I use a bar end 'stealth' mirror on one of my road bikes. It's always providing information without the necessary adjustments/ distractions that head attached options require. My other road bike is more nimble, and somehow, a mirror seems less pure, so I head check my situational awareness.
After decades of riding without a mirror, I decided to go with the Spurcycle R-Series Mirror. At 35mm diameter, it's very stealth. Something so small certainly can make a big difference. It allows me to do an easy check before making a turn and see other cyclists in my draft.
I have a bar end mirror so I can ensure my wife is keeping up ok and safe as she is not as confident on the road. Different strokes etc and as for the shades😎🤣
I’d say that’s a good use scenario, and saves her the embarrassment of you turning your head every 2 mins to see where she is ….. as for checking for traffic, I just don’t see the point when there is nothing you can do with this information
Si, I hear what you’re saying but I feel it’s something you need to get use to using.
I started using one (bar end cateye) where I’m living now (JP) after a few accidents - hit from behind twice and side swiped, also twice.
Driver attitude is not so cool here so I do use it to get out of the way of (avoid getting in way of) drivers at key moments.
Haven’t been hit from behind since using it - bonus.
The mirror comes off as soon as I’m in home country, don’t have that particular problem on the road there.
When I used to ride outdoors, I had one of the bar-end mirrors. It was a game changer to me.
I'm a motorcyclist and a cyclist and I would agree that a mirror on a bicycle is more of a hinderance than a benefit, but while on my motorcycle I could not ride with out them, however when riding on my road bike I have found the Garmin Rear light / Radar my essential piece of kit when out cycling on the road, the reason is two fold. Many cyclists tend to ride in more or less camouflage colors on the roads, so they become harder to see by other road users, especial when drivers are wearing poorer quality sunglasses, so the rear light on a bicycle is a most night and day. The Radar helps me to understand that a vehicle is approaching and it gives an indication graphically of it's speed, which helps when you are trying your best to weave around potholes with the wind noise in your ears. thanks for opening a discussion on this point
we love discussion
@@gcn I sense a good idea for another video! Find a devout mirror user, not an ex-pro, have them ride with you or in a group and see how much more info they have than you when you head turn. How long do you have to hold your head turn to see a cars signal light when its intermittently on and off. Have Ollie apply some science to it! How far do you travel with your head turned vs a mirror. Get creative to see who can gather more info to the back. Might prove interesting to watch!
Hello Simon . Just wait until you are 70+. I too, thought mirrors , lights , bells were stupid. As I turned 70 (8 years ago), my wife kept bugging me to be safer . I started researching mirrors and found a nice (Zefal) mirror that Velcro to the drops . Very discrete . I would never consider a dorky helmet/glass mount . Having developed a stiff neck over the years , this mirror works great. Having great hearing, still at my age, the mirror is great for checking behind , when I hear a car. So, I don't constantly check the mirror. And, when I'm about to do something stupid (ie dangerous) I take a close look into the mirror. And to further increase my safety , I now sport a flashing front light and red tail light. Now everybody is happy. A famous quote from a cyclist (can't remember) in the 80's, "cycling is all about style, exercise is a side benefit". Thanks KB
Thank-you.
One-eyed cyclist here....
All the mirrors I've tried make feel unsafe! Helmet mounts completely obstruct my foward view. Also, hamdlbar mounts only work when you're riding straight on a smooth road but are useless if you have to negotiate what is in front of you.
This podcast will help me articulate to my loved-ones why mirrors SUCK.😁
One thing you've not mentioned is the importance of drivers seeing cyclists turn their heads to look at the road behind. If cyclists can turn their head to show that they're aware of road users behind them it really helps smooth the interaction. Better still, if you can make eye contact with the driver it really helps to remind them that you're just two people sharing the road. Using only mirrors eliminates that, so drivers have no idea whether cyclists have seen them or not.
best comment
I agree on the importance of letting drivers know you have seen them. However, in the traffic where our groups ride, no way you can acknowledge all of them. When we change direction, the leader calls out the action, then all riders in the groups should indicate their intentions, before taking the action. Hand signals is a direct way to communicate. We also wave to drivers as they pass if not in too much traffic. We also wave drivers through when we can see it's clear before them. With a mirror, I can see who is following the rules and help ing drivers or who is not and just causing them to be frustrated. Radar is good, Mirrors are good but communication with those around you using the information from them is best.
A) I have never found a mirror that works for me. B) I thought Radar was a gimmick until I was given one and now love it. C) Si's ultimate Dork ride? 4 mirrors and mud guards!
On my flat handlebar fitness bike I used to use a wing mirror that is attached to a telescopic extension. For my drop handlebar road bike I use a rear light with a built in radar that is connected to the bike computer and to my fitness watch. First it starts flashing when a vehicle approaches which helps alert the driver of your presence. Second the beeps alert me that a vehicle or vehicles are approaching from around 300 m. This allows me to look behind to check the type of vehicles. The vehicles are indicated as dots on the screen of the bike computer and the fitness watch that allows me to assess the speed and the distance behind. I no longer use mirrors but never ride without my bike radar. Note that my radar is a Magene L508 which does the same thing as the Garmin Varia but at an affordable price.
Simon, simply put, you couldn't possibly be more wrong on this and I hope that this video hasn't influenced anyone to forego installing an essential piece of safety equipment on their bicycles. Mirrors are not a distraction, they are a tool that enables riders to see what is behind them without turning their heads. Whenever a rider turns his or her head to see what is behind, they are distracted from what is in front of them. Unless you are an owl, you cannot get a full view of what is going on behind you by turning your head alone, so you then must rotate your torso as well, potentially compromising your steering or requiring that you remove one hand from the bars at a time when you cannot see what is in front of you. You can at best take a fleeting glance at what is behind without being distracted from what is in front of you for too long to be safe. You can tell that a car is there, but you cannot look long enough to see what that car is doing, which is the real critical information that riders must know to determine the need for evasive action. Is the car simply preparing to overtake, or barreling straight at you? While I also found helmet and sunglass mounted mirrors to create worrisome blind spots, I have equipped all of my bicycles with bar end mirrors, which enable me to have a full view of traffic behind using my peripheral vision without turning my head and/or torso and compromising my view of what is ahead. If you are relying on your hearing alone to alert you of cars behind it will indeed be too late for your fleeting glance to help you. Rear facing radar units can more reliably alert riders to approaching vehicles (even practically silent electric ones) far enough in advance to enable them to safely check their mirrors to determine whether evasive action is needed. Cars don't have rear view mirrors just because of blind spots. They have them because it would be dangerous to have drivers turning their heads to look backwards while driving forwards. That same logic applies to bikes.
Well put!
Agreed
A clear reason to check the mirror is when you want to make a turn or change lanes to later turn.
I've been using a "third eye" eyeglass mirror for years and I can see that your helmet mirror has a ridiculously long stem on it that probably moves all over the place in your vision path. The mirror I use has a 7cm stem to put the 2.5cm flat mirror off to the front and side of your glasses. You can see traffic (or speeding delivery electric bikes) behind you with a glance to the side while you keep your eyes looking forward for opening car doors.
I've been riding wit a helmit mounted mirror for at least 7 years . I don't even notice its there . I don't look into it constantly only when i'm going to change my position where it might effect cars or other cyclists, like objects in the bike lane.In a city of 4 millon people I share the road with houndreds of cars . Our roads are terrble , a quick turn of your head could mean a new rim after crashing into a sizeable pothole. Its much easier to make a quick glance at mirror to access the situation and if needed turn to look to confirm.
I couldn't imagine not running a rear view mirror while on the road with cars. It's insane to me not to use one. Being able to see the ex pro's I drop in my rear view is a bonus.
I had a very near collision with an older cyclist on a busy bike path this fall. I called out that I was passing, she glanced over her shoulder, but not enough to see me. I called out again when I was nearly next to her when she suddenly pulled out towards me. I nearly had to drive off the path to avoid a collision. Had she had a mirror, she would have been able to see me approaching from behind. I’m not sure to this day why she didn’t hear me shouting even when I was next to her. Perhaps she was zoned out, but to me this highlights why mirrors are so valuable. It’s so much easier to monitor what’s behind you when you’ve got a mirror. I can’t imagine riding without one. It’s so much easier to keep an eye on the road in front of me AND glance behind to see what’s coming. This whole video gives a vibe of I’m-stuck-in-my-ways-and-don’t-care-to-change. Frankly I think it’s a disservice to bicycle safety to post such a review. Very disappointing. I’m glad to see so many people responding that they love their mirrors though.
Yes I had a very similar situation, vs an older gent who I assume from his kit was a veteran road cyclist - but I think he wasn't able to turn his neck well any more so wasn't checking his shoulder properly, and he hopped off the kerb into traffic.. I had a polite word with him to suggest he look at getting a mirror, I think he was in the habit of just trusting to providence 😮
@ reviewing video of the incident, that sounds like exactly what happened with me. She didn’t turn her head far enough to see me approaching and I didn’t detect any body language from her indicating she intended to pass the cyclist ahead of her. Mirrors and communication are two pretty important factors whether you’re interacting with cars or just other trail users. You’ve always got to be aware of your surroundings.
I use the Italian Road Bike mirror you never spoke much about and I find it is incredibly discrete. It slides over the end of the drop bar, you position it correctly and then wrap the bars and aside from the pointier look on your bar end you'd never notice its a mirror. I've used it for a while now and I think it is great. It becomes second nature to use, like when driving, and you dont even think about it. Its great for when you are turning, changing lanes, checking if you've dropped somebody and that kind of thing rather than panicking that a car is coming up behind you. The Garmin Varia is great but not everybody has the money to spend nor the will to bother with more technology. The IRBM is just the ticket for the quieter rides I tend to do. I wonder if another reviewer might have a different opinion. Afterall, you dont like mudguards either 😂
Couldn’t agree more. The IRBM is now just an essential part of my road bike set up for the reasons you described. 😊
One note for helmet mirror is, some riders can not use them (balance, eye sight, loss coordination and etc..) and it can take up to a month to get used to it. I believe radar and helmet mirror is best combination for me. Mirror saved me having accidents many times. Taking turns is very useful and I had pickups, trucks, trailers where had objects sticking on the sides which about lines up with cyclist's head. It can be a deadly hit. Had vehicles' mirrors stick out about 2 feet, dually with wide rear end and etc. Which also can be very dangerous for cyclist.
When you need mirrors most is when you're changing lanes or pulling out of a lay-by (or reversing obviously), things that are quite common when driving a car or motorbike, but less often when cycling.
I've found a radar sensor quite useful for my commute where I end up changing lanes a fair amount (lots of 3rd exits on roundabouts), and I can see how the handlebar mirrors would help with that too, the sunglasses/helmet ones do seem too distracting though!
I’ve used either helmet mounted or sunglass mounted helmet mirrors for almost 40 years. Once your in the habit of using one you can train the eye nearest the mirror to do a quick glance while the other looks forward. It is useful to check before changing lanes. I have also evaded numerous crashes from cars or overtaking cyclists. Not all overtaking traffic comes at full speed and if you spot an overtaking car that is driving sketchy early enough you can take evasive action. Finally relying on hearing is not enough in a noisy environment. Try a helmet mounted mirror with a slightly larger diameter mirror and half the length of the arm.
Riding in the wrong (left) side of the road could have something to do with not be able to set up some and get use of them properly..especially the two head attached ones seemed to be for the majority of right handed traffic world.
Yes. I was thinking the same hearing that complaint.
Yep, they were definitely not meant for riding on the left side. Not that I would have the idea of using mirrors on a bike though..
Driving on the left is not the ‘wrong’ side of the road as 1/3 of the world drive on the left! Being a minority does not make you wrong!
@@JamesSmith-ly2ef I assumed (hoped) they were joking
Helmet-attached mirrors I've used have been supplied for right-hand driving but have been reversible for us lefties.
I've been a commuter and tourist for more than 48 years: I've used a helment mirror or eyeglass mirror for most of that, primarily when preparing to turn across traffic (left in U.S., right in U.K.). I'm now over 80, so turning to check traffic is more difficult, but not impossible. I also use the mirror to check to see how my stoker is doing (she has a mirror, also, and checks traffic when I'm too busy to look). Some mirrors are good, some are awful. The mirrors I use are fairly close to my face, so they don't create a blind spot, since they only block vision from one eye. I prefer the helmet mirrors, as they are more sturdy, though I've had one that vibrated into uselessness.
Great video as usual Debbie ! I've been using a Garmin rear radar for several years and I love it, you get loads of information of following traffic. Recently I have added a Cateye bar end rear mirror, only 50mm dia so very discreet. Using the two together I can plan my position on the road, especially if I need to move out for a right turn or roundabout. I don't need to constantly keep looking in the mirror, just double checking the alert from the Garmin with the mirror, and a lifesaver shoulder check should I need to change road position. Also I'm nearly 74 and shoulder checks can be difficult, and as a long time motorcyclist " I live in my mirrors " Just can't shake the habit.
I can’t stand to ride without my mirror. It’s hard for me to look back without swerving. I can see cars coming from a long way and can move over as needed - into the lane if it’s not safe for them to pass, or out of the way to encourage them. I also use it to prepare for turns and to be able to safely avoid potholes without swerving into traffic if it’s not clear. BTW, one of your mirrors was way too far away from your face and likely pretty useless, and another was poorly adjusted. I’m in a rural area of the US where drivers don’t know how to behave around cyclists. I also have forward and rear facing cameras that double as lights; if I do get run over maybe they can track down who did it.
Helmet mirror doesn’t work, handlebar mirrors are useless, the detachable “Take a Look” mirror that goes on the sunnies is by far the best and only option. It sits off to the left and above the eyes (in the US, where we drive on the proper side…) entirely out of the line of sight and allows a clear view behind with just a quick glance. Sy apparently experienced some “operator error” with these not realizing the angle of the mirror is adjustable in 3 dimensions to give the perfect view. It of course then allows a quick check behind before swerving into the road to avoid a roadside hazard, allows me to keep an eye on my wife when it’s just the two of us and allows riding out in the road and then moving to the side when a vehicle approaches. The latter is becoming increasingly important with the proliferation of silent electric cars. All this without having to change my position to twist and look behind. I don’t use it when riding in a group or pace line and it literally takes 3 seconds to remove and in a group you literally have the benefit of nx2 eyes to keep you safe. Suggest giving the Take a Look mirror another try, Sy…
Between these kinds of videos and the motonormativity video I’m so glad to see the channel becoming more broadly informational. Good stuff!
After 20 years without a mirror, I started using a handlebar mounted one with my ebike this past spring and it is very nice when I have kids on back (it’s a cargo bike) or am in traffic and looking to come in to a lane due to obstruction or change lanes.
I don’t think I’d go back, but I do still shoulder check when I’m actually doing a maneuver. It just gives me more information, without checking constantly over my shoulder to see what’s going on.
relies on hearing, yet refuses to see the utility of the radar rear light that literally beeps at you when it picks up a car haha
When did he do that?
In 2024, I completed an ultra-distance event called the Indian Pacific Wheel Race (IPWR), cycling from one side of Australia to the other. I had never used a rearview mirror before, but I chose to prioritize safety and employed every precaution I could think of-including a handlebar-mounted rearview mirror. This decision was influenced by the tragic fact that a rider had previously been struck and killed from behind during this event.
My journey took me across some of the most isolated outback roads and through the bustling centers of several major capital cities. I’ll admit, in heavy traffic, a rearview mirror isn’t particularly useful. However, on open roads with little to no shoulder, it was incredibly reassuring. The radar would alert me to an approaching vehicle, and I could watch in the mirror to see if it moved across the lane to pass safely. If a vehicle didn’t shift from its line, I had the chance to move off the road rather than risk being struck by a tired or distracted driver.
Though not perfect, the mirror gave me a significant boost in confidence. Seeing drivers actively maneuver around me was comforting. Over the thousands of kilometers I covered in the outback, there were several moments when I chose to "ditch" and get off the shoulderless road for my own safety.
Tragically, another rider was hit and killed from behind during the 2024 IPWR that I rode in -a man I had spent the night with, in an outback roadhouse, just two days before.
Even now, with the event behind me, I can’t let go of the mirror. I continue to use it on all my rides, especially on quiet country roads. I’ve realized that I need to see cars making the move to pass me safely. Simply trusting that drivers have seen me is no longer enough for my peace of mind.
In busy city traffic, I agree-a rearview mirror isn’t particularly helpful. But on any "quiet" roads where traffic passes you less often, it’s become an essential part of how I ride.
Wahoo please release a RADAR so GCN can do a vid about how bloody brilliant they are, it's getting kind of weird now.
"He had seen the light". Likely he was blinded by the sunlight bouncing off his rear-view mirror.
6:38 Actually the rear view mirror makes a cyclist agitated due to paying attention to what's behind him/her. As a experienced cyclist you'll learn how to look over both of your shoulders and stay close to the curve avoiding chuck holes and water drain holes simultaneously. It's best to concentrate on giving others respect in sharing the road. And concentrate on what you're doing. Until you have to make a turn into traffic then it would be fitting to look over your shoulder before maneuvering.
A mirror gives you more information about your surroundings which is always a good thing. I wouldn't ride without one.