Do any of you guys use a mirror? Please share your experience if you have! The Mirrycle Mirror is available on Amazon for $18.70USD (03/2024): amzn.to/47TSfSf
Make sure it's arranged before you ride! And it's tight! If you stand with a curb you can visualize where your mirror is pointing. Do this first! When you're not moving! Then ride and Smile!
I have been using these mirrors for many decades. I'm sure that I bought the first one in 1986, when I was bike touring and got tired of continually looking back to see if any vehicles were approaching from behind. The quality is very good, but I have cracked a few mirrors over the years by dropping the bike by either carelessness or accident. Now, on my flat bar touring bike, I have the mirror below the handlebar turned inwards towards the frame. If the bike does fall over, the mirror is protected by the supporting arm. It is also in a position not to affect my hand. Last year while touring through Europe, I didn't want to swap the mirror from the right side (I'm Australian), to the left side, and ended up having two mirrors. it originally felt like a case of overkill, but I used both mirrors all the time. Any subsequent tours I will definitely use two mirrors again, one on each side of the handlebars. I would never go on any ride without one.
In hindsight, I probably should have said a little about how long this mirror has been around..... Maybe next time! That's a great idea to mount it on the underside of the bar like that. I think I'll give it a go this week when I'm shopping etc... The way it sticks out gives great visibility, but my bike is such a wide load! I'm expecting to switch it from side to side quite a lot on my upcoming tour of SE Asia....
@@VeloObscura I tried that, it really limits your field of view compared to the more extended position. Some seem to like it. I put mine back the way it was designed for. If it breaks, they actually sell parts.
I've been running it like this and really liking it. You're right in that it definitely doesn't give the same level of vision and it isn't in as great a place to look at, but I prefer it out of the way as I use really wide bars.
Also..... this mirror has two arms. I say that for this reason. The arm that you have the mirror attached to, if you remove it and bolt the mirror directly to the main arm, you can have a shorter/lower profile setup for the mirror. I do this on all of my recumbent trikes. Since they sit wide as is, I try to minimize width issues. Works very well.
Ah, good idea. That would definitely make it a lot smaller. I suppose the only problem then is that you no longer have 2 axis to adjust it on and now only have one - unless you unscrew the bolt in the quill mechanism, which is a bit inconvenient for on-the-fly adjustments. Cheers!
I already bought the Mirrcycle mirror and received it yesterday. Today was my first ride and I also like it. It’s nice to see what is going on around me. I think I will always still turn my head back as a reflex when I turn or move left or right but when I normally don’t look I can and do and there is comfort in that.
I guess it depends on where you ride or where you live. I've had multiple mirrors broken off either accidentally or deliberately. I prefer to mount one on my helmet these days and take that with me when I locked the bike. Also has the advantage that I can keep my view to the rear the same, even when turning the handlebars. The helmet mirror is smaller, but closer, so it gives me the same field of view that my handlebar mounted mirror gave me. Very handy for solo cycling, and also when my kids were smaller to check they were all still okay behind me without having to lose my view of the path ahead.
Checking on the kids is a fantastic reason to have a mirror! Must be a total gamechanger when you're trying to keep a small human in-view! This is another subject I probably should have touched on in the video, but oh well.... I totally would have preferred a helmet-mounted mirror for the reasons you've mentioned, but I just didn't want another thing hanging off my head on tour. I have Da Brim on my helmet, wear sunglasses and sometimes wear ear buds. I just didn't want yet another thing I have to take on and off, as I get off the bike a lot to set up shots or whatever. Even having one that is permanently fixed to my helmet didn't appeal to me because I don't want to have to be careful about putting it down. And finally, I just find having all these things on my head makes me feel kinda claustrophobic.... Still, if you can get over all that stuff, I can definitely see the advantages! Cheers
I have one on my road bike. It's less convenient because of the drop bars, which means it's not really in my field of view. However it's still quicker and safer to glance down at the mirror than to look over my shoulder. Another benefit is if I have a large backpack on (e.g. occasionally I do Uber Eats deliveries) I can see behind me in the mirror when I wouldn't be able to see anything over my shoulder.
I tried using a mirror mounted to my helmet, but didn't like it since I couldn't focus close enough to it with my 60 year old eyes... This one might be worth trying. One possible benefit to the fact that it sticks out fairly far from your handle bar is that passing vehicles might give you a slightly wider berth while passing.
OR they might knock it off! 😅 I think having it stick out far is a benefit in terms of how much you can see. It gets it far enough out that you don't block the view with your own body. A lot of people are recommending using it upside-down with the mirror folded inwards under the grip - I'm going to test it out! Cheers!
@@VeloObscura , no doubt. I could see someone knocking it off. I was thinking it would have a better angle, so that approaching vehicles would be very evident, but that upside-down trick sounds intriguing too... hmm...
Been using these for 25 years on singles and tandems. Really happy with them. I rotate the mirror and then screw it together. That way it doesn't stick out quite as far.
I have used a LOT of different mirrors over the years and many of them are not useful or poorly made. Many have shitty PLASTIC mirrors. The Mirrycle mirror though, is brilliant (literally as it very reflective), highly adjustable, and if you break it, they will sell you just the broken part! Who does that? I am one of those who will not ride without a mirror. People say a shoulder check is fine. A shoulder check means taking your eyes off the road in front for several seconds, and in that time you can travel many meters. I can check my six at a glance. My gaze is averted from the front for about one second. Get a mirror. Get a Mirrycle. Do it now. GREAT REVIEW. Subbed.
Thank-you for commenting and thank-you for the sub! I've been cycling through Java for the last few days and the traffic is just crazy. I am SO glad I got a mirror before coming here. Cheers
I use one on my ebike beach cruiser and have a set on all four of my recumbent trikes. Since the tour from the west coast to the east coast here in the United States I did in 2016, I've run mirrors. Makes life much easier when dealing with road traffic.
Mirrorcycle is my favorite mirror among many others l used. Like you said, it does not break when the bike fell over like others. I broke a few other brand this way. It's material is very rigid but not fragile to break. You mentioned it's sticking out too much. But to me it sticking out just right so that I am not seeing my arm in it like other brands. Good design.
Yes, when I said it sticks out to much, I was talking about using it with my specific handlebars which are already very wide at almost 800mm - I think for most touring or commuting handlebars it will be totally fine and the distance it sticks out will give you a much better view than one that is tucked in. Cheers!
Coincidence or just good timing? I was only yesterday thinking it would be nice to hear from you again. Good video. I'm looking forward to your upcoming world trip as well. I use a standard high lift mirror, which as you said, does give a sense of feeling more stress free while riding on roads.
Haha, funny how the planets align sometimes! Yeah it definitely has a great effect on your general comfort and feelings of safety out there. That might even be the biggest thing it does! Feeling safe makes such a difference to your enjoyment. Glad you're looking forward to the upcoming trip! I'm really going to go all in on the videos - hopefully it pays off! Cheers
I've had Mirrycle on two bicycles , one since 2011 . also have a couple of small mirrors that have an adjustable strap so I can move them around to different positions.
Will definitely be doing some videos on bike setup in the near future, but there are a few I need to do first because I'll lose the opportunity soon. Stay tuned! 😁
You should also use the Garmin Varia radar. With phone or head unit tracks several vehicles overtaking you. Mirrors are great, but I have trouble perceiving the threats when it’s busy, especially how close they are.
And how much does the Varia cost compared to a mirror? 😉 It sounds like a great device, but the cost is obviously an issue for some. Personally, I just have way too much stuff to keep charged as it is and I don't need the extra complexity in my setup either. Not knocking it for those who can use it though!
@@VeloObscura I find it better than a mirror. They are tiny and they break on trail. Mirror cheaper but anymore not cheap. My main observation is the Varia ALERTS me WHEN something comes along. The mirror I have to remember to look. Seems silly, but even driving I can be tardy. Safety is priceless! But to each his own.
I especially love biking with a mirror in the winter, when all the hats and scarfs muffle my hearing and make it harder to turn my neck to look for cars behind me.
Do any of you guys use a mirror? Please share your experience if you have!
The Mirrycle Mirror is available on Amazon for $18.70USD (03/2024): amzn.to/47TSfSf
I live in the most deadly State in the Country, I would get smoked multiple times a Year if I didn't have a mirror.
Make sure it's arranged before you ride! And it's tight! If you stand with a curb you can visualize where your mirror is pointing. Do this first! When you're not moving! Then ride and Smile!
It's so important! Hope you use!
I have been using these mirrors for many decades. I'm sure that I bought the first one in 1986, when I was bike touring and got tired of continually looking back to see if any vehicles were approaching from behind. The quality is very good, but I have cracked a few mirrors over the years by dropping the bike by either carelessness or accident. Now, on my flat bar touring bike, I have the mirror below the handlebar turned inwards towards the frame. If the bike does fall over, the mirror is protected by the supporting arm. It is also in a position not to affect my hand. Last year while touring through Europe, I didn't want to swap the mirror from the right side (I'm Australian), to the left side, and ended up having two mirrors. it originally felt like a case of overkill, but I used both mirrors all the time. Any subsequent tours I will definitely use two mirrors again, one on each side of the handlebars. I would never go on any ride without one.
In hindsight, I probably should have said a little about how long this mirror has been around..... Maybe next time!
That's a great idea to mount it on the underside of the bar like that. I think I'll give it a go this week when I'm shopping etc... The way it sticks out gives great visibility, but my bike is such a wide load!
I'm expecting to switch it from side to side quite a lot on my upcoming tour of SE Asia....
@@VeloObscura I tried that, it really limits your field of view compared to the more extended position. Some seem to like it. I put mine back the way it was designed for. If it breaks, they actually sell parts.
I've been running it like this and really liking it.
You're right in that it definitely doesn't give the same level of vision and it isn't in as great a place to look at, but I prefer it out of the way as I use really wide bars.
Once you try one, you'll never look back...
I'M USING THAT ONE! 🤣
Sassy! 😂❤
I see what you did there...
I often reflect on this fact.
Also..... this mirror has two arms. I say that for this reason. The arm that you have the mirror attached to, if you remove it and bolt the mirror directly to the main arm, you can have a shorter/lower profile setup for the mirror. I do this on all of my recumbent trikes. Since they sit wide as is, I try to minimize width issues. Works very well.
Ah, good idea. That would definitely make it a lot smaller. I suppose the only problem then is that you no longer have 2 axis to adjust it on and now only have one - unless you unscrew the bolt in the quill mechanism, which is a bit inconvenient for on-the-fly adjustments.
Cheers!
I already bought the Mirrcycle mirror and received it yesterday. Today was my first ride and I also like it. It’s nice to see what is going on around me. I think I will always still turn my head back as a reflex when I turn or move left or right but when I normally don’t look I can and do and there is comfort in that.
Yes, it took me a long time to stop craning my neck around, but eventually I did!
I guess it depends on where you ride or where you live.
I've had multiple mirrors broken off either accidentally or deliberately. I prefer to mount one on my helmet these days and take that with me when I locked the bike.
Also has the advantage that I can keep my view to the rear the same, even when turning the handlebars.
The helmet mirror is smaller, but closer, so it gives me the same field of view that my handlebar mounted mirror gave me.
Very handy for solo cycling, and also when my kids were smaller to check they were all still okay behind me without having to lose my view of the path ahead.
Checking on the kids is a fantastic reason to have a mirror! Must be a total gamechanger when you're trying to keep a small human in-view!
This is another subject I probably should have touched on in the video, but oh well....
I totally would have preferred a helmet-mounted mirror for the reasons you've mentioned, but I just didn't want another thing hanging off my head on tour. I have Da Brim on my helmet, wear sunglasses and sometimes wear ear buds. I just didn't want yet another thing I have to take on and off, as I get off the bike a lot to set up shots or whatever.
Even having one that is permanently fixed to my helmet didn't appeal to me because I don't want to have to be careful about putting it down.
And finally, I just find having all these things on my head makes me feel kinda claustrophobic....
Still, if you can get over all that stuff, I can definitely see the advantages!
Cheers
I like a helmet mirror. When it's positioned correctly, you've got complete field of vision behind you by turning your head a bit
Yeah, I would have liked a helmet mirror, but I gave my reasons in my response to Jim.
They certainly have a following!
I have one on my road bike. It's less convenient because of the drop bars, which means it's not really in my field of view. However it's still quicker and safer to glance down at the mirror than to look over my shoulder. Another benefit is if I have a large backpack on (e.g. occasionally I do Uber Eats deliveries) I can see behind me in the mirror when I wouldn't be able to see anything over my shoulder.
Oh yeah, it must be a massive help if you have that big Uber Eats backpack on!
On drop bars, you look *under* your arm.
Mirrors aren't for everyone.
I have this mirror and it's the best I've ever used. Clear and easy to see everything coming from behind.
It's an awesome mirror! Thanks for commenting! 😁
I tried using a mirror mounted to my helmet, but didn't like it since I couldn't focus close enough to it with my 60 year old eyes... This one might be worth trying.
One possible benefit to the fact that it sticks out fairly far from your handle bar is that passing vehicles might give you a slightly wider berth while passing.
OR they might knock it off! 😅
I think having it stick out far is a benefit in terms of how much you can see. It gets it far enough out that you don't block the view with your own body. A lot of people are recommending using it upside-down with the mirror folded inwards under the grip - I'm going to test it out!
Cheers!
@@VeloObscura , no doubt. I could see someone knocking it off. I was thinking it would have a better angle, so that approaching vehicles would be very evident, but that upside-down trick sounds intriguing too... hmm...
Been using these for 25 years on singles and tandems. Really happy with them. I rotate the mirror and then screw it together. That way it doesn't stick out quite as far.
Great to hear they're built to last!
I have used a LOT of different mirrors over the years and many of them are not useful or poorly made. Many have shitty PLASTIC mirrors. The Mirrycle mirror though, is brilliant (literally as it very reflective), highly adjustable, and if you break it, they will sell you just the broken part! Who does that?
I am one of those who will not ride without a mirror. People say a shoulder check is fine. A shoulder check means taking your eyes off the road in front for several seconds, and in that time you can travel many meters. I can check my six at a glance. My gaze is averted from the front for about one second.
Get a mirror. Get a Mirrycle. Do it now.
GREAT REVIEW. Subbed.
Thank-you for commenting and thank-you for the sub!
I've been cycling through Java for the last few days and the traffic is just crazy. I am SO glad I got a mirror before coming here.
Cheers
I use one on my ebike beach cruiser and have a set on all four of my recumbent trikes. Since the tour from the west coast to the east coast here in the United States I did in 2016, I've run mirrors. Makes life much easier when dealing with road traffic.
I have ridden a few recumbent bikes and I find that a mirror is invaluable as for the safety factor I feel that all cyclists should have them
It really does make a massive difference...
That’s not just any mirror, that’s the best mirror you can get
I would tend to agree! 😁
I have tried a dozen kinds over the decades.
Yes.
Mirrorcycle is my favorite mirror among many others l used. Like you said, it does not break when the bike fell over like others. I broke a few other brand this way. It's material is very rigid but not fragile to break. You mentioned it's sticking out too much. But to me it sticking out just right so that I am not seeing my arm in it like other brands. Good design.
Yes, when I said it sticks out to much, I was talking about using it with my specific handlebars which are already very wide at almost 800mm - I think for most touring or commuting handlebars it will be totally fine and the distance it sticks out will give you a much better view than one that is tucked in.
Cheers!
Coincidence or just good timing? I was only yesterday thinking it would be nice to hear from you again. Good video. I'm looking forward to your upcoming world trip as well. I use a standard high lift mirror, which as you said, does give a sense of feeling more stress free while riding on roads.
Haha, funny how the planets align sometimes!
Yeah it definitely has a great effect on your general comfort and feelings of safety out there. That might even be the biggest thing it does! Feeling safe makes such a difference to your enjoyment.
Glad you're looking forward to the upcoming trip! I'm really going to go all in on the videos - hopefully it pays off!
Cheers
I've had Mirrycle on two bicycles , one since 2011 . also have a couple of small mirrors that have an adjustable strap so I can move them around to different positions.
I think it's the best design out there!
Gonne give the mirror a try! Who knows if we appreciate the convenience.
For now good luck with the last preparations!👍🏻
It's pretty great!
Thanks! Getting close now!
You have an interesting flat bar & high rise bar. Can you talk about how you set those up? My hands get sore when touring on a flat bar
Will definitely be doing some videos on bike setup in the near future, but there are a few I need to do first because I'll lose the opportunity soon.
Stay tuned! 😁
You should also use the Garmin Varia radar. With phone or head unit tracks several vehicles overtaking you. Mirrors are great, but I have trouble perceiving the threats when it’s busy, especially how close they are.
And how much does the Varia cost compared to a mirror? 😉
It sounds like a great device, but the cost is obviously an issue for some. Personally, I just have way too much stuff to keep charged as it is and I don't need the extra complexity in my setup either.
Not knocking it for those who can use it though!
@@VeloObscura I find it better than a mirror. They are tiny and they break on trail. Mirror cheaper but anymore not cheap. My main observation is the Varia ALERTS me WHEN something comes along. The mirror I have to remember to look. Seems silly, but even driving I can be tardy. Safety is priceless! But to each his own.
Got a mirror for my tour from germany to portugal. Now I cant live without it anymore. I sometimes even wish, I could have a mirror while walking 😅
Hahaha, amazing. Have a great time on your tour! 😁
I especially love biking with a mirror in the winter, when all the hats and scarfs muffle my hearing and make it harder to turn my neck to look for cars behind me.
Great tip! I've been living in the tropics for a couple of years, so I never thought of that!
I. Use the same mirror, but I turn it downward and turn it inward under the bar. Rarely gets broken!
You're the second person to suggest that! I'll give it a go!
How were you able to accomplish that?
@jbrito714 bend the arm downward, and rotate the mirror towards. The bike. Hope that helps!
C'mon it's not rocket science... use it on a scooter...
Good luck on your trip!
Thanks!