Bicycle mirror - is it worth it?

Bicycle mirrors are a seemingly obsolete piece of equipment. In the past, they were used by virtually all cyclists, but with the advent of newer bike designs, they've been pushed to the background when choosing cycling equipment. This has been detrimental to user safety. Therefore, it's worth revisiting the old ways and choosing a bicycle mirror for yourself.

Bicycle mirror – why do you need it?

A bicycle mirror serves the same purpose as a car mirror: it increases safety and improves road awareness. We all know that looking behind can be dangerous, as the body's movement disrupts the dynamics of the ride. This causes the bicycle to "pull" in the direction the cyclist is turning to see what's behind them. This often leads to extremely serious accidents, from falls to being hit by a car. At the same time, this behavior causes us to lose sight of the road ahead, and if something appears, we may not be able to react in time. Bicycle mirrors have lost their popularity due to the "professionalization" of cyclists, who consider them an embarrassing piece of equipment, associated only with elderly people on premiums . This is a completely misleading concept, causing cyclists' safety levels to decline and the risk of accidents to increase. Another myth surrounding bicycle mirrors is that they protrude significantly beyond the cyclist's silhouette, so they can snag on something. This is completely untrue, as new rearview mirrors for bicycles are designed to provide a clear image without causing this problem. There are many different models on the market, all equally suitable for road bikes, trekking bikes, and typical urban bikes. Another common belief among cyclists is that bicycle mirrors have a blind spot. While they do have this feature, similar to car mirrors, this argument is easily understood and extremely harmful. A blind spot is only a small part of the functionality of this piece of equipment, and it doesn't render it ineffective. It just means that, in addition to the rearview mirror, we need to rely on our hearing – yes, we don't ride with headphones listening to loud music.

Bicycle mirror – classic on a bracket

This solution seems to be the most common and works well on city bikes and those on long trekking trips. We offer models with plastic, steel, or aluminum handlebars. A plastic bike mirror is perfect for touring bikes, but in those cases, it's worth choosing lighter options. However, if you're riding in the city and want to give your bike a classic look, a chrome bike mirror is worth considering. Bicycle shops also offer rearview mirrors with a specially adjustable clamp. This is a good alternative to a handlebar-mounted model, as it can be mounted anywhere on the handlebar. These designs are shorter, so they don't protrude beyond the bike's outline. At the same time, they provide a clear view of what's behind you.

Folding bicycle mirror

This option seems to be the best, as it minimizes the risk of breaking the mirror or catching it on something. The structure folds under force, so the risk of damage is negligible. A folding bike mirror is also practical when locking your bike somewhere. This prevents other cyclists from tripping over it as they line up next to you. These models are usually mounted in the handlebars via handlebar openings. Depending on the version, folding mirrors can also function as horns, providing support during longer rides. However, some are effective for their basic purpose and increase your safety. Bike mirrors often have reflectors on the outside, improving the cyclist's visibility on the road. This design is especially appealing to cyclists who don't want to "spoil" the designer look of their bike. A folding bike mirror is very discreet and practically unnoticeable.

Helmet and wrist mounted bicycle mirror

A helmet-mounted solution seems very futuristic and will undoubtedly make cyclists stand out on the road. However, it has practical applications, especially for those who own multiple bikes. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple sets of mirrors, as a helmet typically only has one. Another example of the designers' ingenuity is a rearview mirror that attaches to the wrist. This is achieved using a special strap, the circumference of which can be easily adjusted using Velcro. This bike mirror is undoubtedly comfortable, and its minimalist design will please those who don't want to mount bike bars.

Text: Marcin Denisiuk