Rearview Mirrors For Bicycle Touring

A rearview mirror is one of the best things you can do to improve your safety while bike touring.

Just like in a car, a rearview mirror lets you see at a glance what’s coming up behind you, and react accordingly if a car is going too quickly, or not giving enough space as it passes.

Which mirror should you choose? Our favourite is the Take A Look mirror, but no single mirror is perfect for everyone. Some prefer helmet-mounted mirrors, others like a mirror that goes on the bicycle and in each category there are many different designs.

Here are a few options to consider, based on reader recommendations and online reviews.

1026274#1. Take A Look Mirror – Our personal favourite. It’s effective, durable and very light. The mirror mounts on either helmets or sunglasses. Getting it to just the right position can be tricky, but once you find the ‘sweet spot’ you’ll wonder how you ever cycled without it. Cost: ($13.90 from CycloCamping or $16.95 from REIRead our full review.

Mirrycle Mirror#2. Mirrycle Mirror – This mirror fits in the end of your handlebars – not on your helmet or sunglasses – and comes in two versions. One for road bikes and fits on the end of Shimano STI shifter/brake levers, while the other is designed for mountain bikes and fits into the ends of flat handlebars. Cost: ($20 for the road bike version and $18 for the mountain bike version) from REI.

Mirrycle Mirror

Ortlieb Ultralite Mirror#3. Ortlieb Ultralite Mirror – For a mirror that mounts on your bicycle, this one is feather light at just 2 ounces or 56 grams. It’s made by the same company that makes the famous Ortlieb panniers, and the manufacturers claim that it’s easy to place anywhere on your bike, including your forks or on recumbent bicycles. Here’s one raving review about the Ortlieb Ultralite Mirror from RJ, who cycled the TransAmerica Trail, and a post that shows how one cyclist mounted it on his handlebars. Cost: $23.90 from CycloCamping.

Blackburn Mirror#4. Blackburn Multi Mirror – This one gets mixed reviews. Some people love it; others say it was too big to fit into the ends of their bicycle handlebars, and that they had to use a knife to shave away some of the plastic and make it fit. One nice feature of the Blackburn mirror is that it folds away when not in use, or when you’re trying to squeeze through a tight spot. Cost: £13.49 from Wiggle.

Messenger Mirror#5. Messenger Mirror – This is a very compact and affordable mirror that will mount on your sunglasses. It’s made by a cyclist in Idaho, and measures just 6-1/2″ long, with a mirror that’s 1/2″ across at the end of the wire. The catch is that the guy who makes the Messenger Mirror will only ship to U.S. addresses. Cost: $5.99 plus 88 cents for postage.

There’s also the 3rd Eye Mirror (for handlebars), and the CycleAware Heads Up mirror (for helmets and sunglasses) but we’ve heard a lot of durability concerns about these mirrors. They obviously work for some people but seem a little too fragile for our tastes.

Comments

  1. Graham Ashton
    26th July 2011 at 11:50 am #

    Any thoughts on the mirrors that mount to your frame, near the head tube? You can see what’s coming behind you through your legs…

    • Tony
      13th January 2016 at 9:55 pm #

      That’s the Bike-Eye mirror that fits agains the head and down tube and can also fit on top or underneath the top tube, loads of info on how it fits and operates at http://www.bike-eye.com

  2. Aushiker
    26th July 2011 at 3:05 pm #

    I am a bit of a fan of Zefal Spy Mirrors and have them on my three dropbar bikes.

    Andrew

    • Joo
      30th June 2016 at 9:48 pm #

      Me too! They’re brilliant. I have 4 bikes and each bike has a Zefal mirror.

  3. Rob Prouse
    26th July 2011 at 3:29 pm #

    I love my Take A Look Mirror for touring. I tried a handlebar mount mirror for a couple of trips, but it was always in the way when I leaned my bike up against buildings and when I have full paniers, I often had trouble seeing past them because the mirror is so low on drop bars.

    • plaster
      11th December 2023 at 7:59 am #

      Thanks, I’ve been hunting for information about this subject matter for ages and yours is the best I’ve located so far.

  4. Rik Williams
    1st August 2011 at 5:48 pm #

    I tried the Take-a-Look mirror and didn’t rate it; always being knocked around when not wearing my helmet and not especially impressive optics.

    However I do *totally heart* the Myrricle mirror. Great optics, brilliant arcs of movement, awesome customer service, stupidly cheap. They still get knocked out of alignment every so often but it’s no biggie.

    I ride a Challenge Sieran recumbent with tiller steering so these are at (approx.) eye height (versus. DF drop bars).

    Rik

  5. mj
    12th August 2011 at 10:50 am #

    For those riding drop bars, also take a look at the Italian Road Bike Mirror from Aspire Velotech. It’s the most minimal mirror out there and still very functional.
    http://www.aspirevelotech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AVT&Category_Code=MIRROR

    • Jon
      16th May 2016 at 11:59 pm #

      Agree. This is the best mirror for drop bars on the market.

  6. Mario Preston,Canada
    24th August 2011 at 10:35 am #

    I just installed the “Modolo Yuma” handlebar and finally I found “My handlebar”.I bought with those the “Busch&Muller Cycle Star Mirror”.I don’t know yet how long that mirror will last but other than that concern it’s a perfect mirror for that type of bar as far as I’m concern.

    • Mario Preston
      21st August 2015 at 4:22 am #

      After 4 years now,around 20,000km of touring and how don’t know anymore how many hits by me dropping the bike on his side: this ”Busch & Muller Cycle Star Mirror” of mine is given a 5 Stars.

      • Mario Preston
        21st August 2015 at 4:26 am #

        And I’m also giving a 5 Stars to the ”Modolo Yuma” handlebar.

  7. Mario Preston,Canada
    24th August 2011 at 10:38 am #

    I forgot:Thanks to you Travelling Two” for your awesome site.

  8. Brian and Doreen On The Tandem
    24th August 2011 at 11:11 am #

    both doreen and I use motor bike mirrors from a honda on the handle bars we love em. there great for butterfly straight and bmx bars.

    • Brian and Doreen On The Tandem
      24th August 2011 at 2:15 pm #

      Forgot to say wind is no problem with these mirrors. they do not move on rough roads even though you canot see with them on rough roads. we can get them anywhere with ease at motorbike shops. works best above most bars.

  9. paul
    24th August 2011 at 12:06 pm #

    After years of money spent finding that elusive “perfect” mirror, I now use Mirrycle mirror exclusively.Sometimes ride with them set up above handlebar but most often with them set up below the bars. Helmet mirrors seem to fit only selective helmets.I’ve tried 11 all up and across 5 helmets with only a few versatile enough to fit well and have just the right amount of adjustment to make them worth while.Vibration from the road and wind all play havoc with the mirrors.

  10. Kristopher
    25th August 2011 at 2:50 pm #

    I have used the top two mirrors in this article and they worked for a short time (a year or so). Then wanted a helmet mirror and came across this AWESOME one that I have been using for the last 2 years. Can guaranty you that the product is made in AMERICA from Efficient Velo tools. http://www.safezonemirror.com/gallery/ Their mirror is called the safe-zone mirror and comes with a 5-year fully backed warranty. http://www.safezonemirror.com/why-safe-zone/ Each segment moves to any degree as well as the full size mirror on the end! I would HIGHLY recommend this mirror to any cyclist whether he or she is not going for a tour. It is rock solid and can be put anywhere on your helmet!!!

  11. tim
    20th February 2012 at 9:55 am #

    I use the Mirrycle (straight bar “mtb” version) but without the outward extender strut, so it sits right in near my hand. It’s rock solid! I have the drop bar version also, on my road bike, but it isn’t quite so good, a bit more vibration-prone. Again I use it without the extender, to minimise vibration effects.

  12. Faiz
    20th August 2015 at 1:39 am #

    I’d suggest taking a look at the mirror that attaches to the bike helmet.

    You can see it on http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011FFJY3W

    It does the job.

  13. 강남풀싸롱
    10th October 2022 at 1:23 am #

    Im thankful for the blog. Really Cool.

  14. azure soc 2 certification
    1st November 2022 at 10:58 am #

    Enjoyed every bit of your article. Will read on…

  15. Gayabola situs parlay terlengkap
    14th November 2022 at 6:22 pm #

    Thanks for the blog. Will read on…

  16. pavers livermore
    15th November 2022 at 2:24 am #

    Thanks a lot for the blog. Awesome.

    • How do I become a bank ISO
      11th December 2023 at 12:03 am #

      This article is absolutely incredible! The author has done a phenomenal job of conveying the information in an engaging and educational manner. I can’t thank him enough for providing such priceless insights that have undoubtedly enriched my understanding in this topic. Hats off to her for crafting such a gem!

  17. home removals reading
    26th November 2022 at 4:17 pm #

    I appreciate you sharing this article. Keep writing.

  18. dick extension
    29th November 2022 at 10:23 am #

    Thanks so much for the blog. Awesome.

  19. Advertising Company Near Me
    13th July 2023 at 4:43 pm #

    You can have the best time of your life with this item if you use it best!

  20. flooring installation near me
    6th August 2023 at 7:19 am #

    Discover just how to really feel remarkable and as if your life has a purpose. Take back control of your life with this!

  21. Bradly Yost
    27th August 2023 at 4:24 pm #

    See your efficiency skyrocket and streamline even the most complicated job.

    • Socks
      11th December 2023 at 4:11 am #

      I can’t believe how amazing this article is! The author has done a tremendous job of conveying the information in an engaging and educational manner. I can’t thank him enough for sharing such precious insights that have undoubtedly enhanced my awareness in this subject area. Bravo to him for producing such a work of art!

  22. home instead senior care
    28th October 2023 at 12:50 am #

    You deal with difficult situations with grace and grace. Your interest urges others to do their best.

  23. a bathing ape
    31st October 2023 at 5:27 pm #

    I’m just writing to let you understand of the magnificent experience my wife’s child encountered reading yuor web blog. She discovered lots of pieces, most notably what it’s like to have a wonderful giving mood to let many others with no trouble comprehend certain multifaceted subject areas. You actually surpassed my desires. I appreciate you for rendering such invaluable, trustworthy, educational and as well as easy guidance on the topic to Gloria.

  24. golden goose sneakers men
    14th November 2023 at 4:52 pm #

    I must point out my admiration for your kind-heartedness supporting women who absolutely need assistance with this particular matter. Your personal dedication to passing the solution around came to be particularly significant and have in every case allowed regular people just like me to attain their goals. Your entire useful tutorial means a great deal a person like me and somewhat more to my peers. Regards; from everyone of us.

  25. kyrie 8
    19th November 2023 at 12:56 pm #

    I’m just writing to make you understand what a incredible discovery my wife’s child found reading the blog. She even learned several issues, with the inclusion of what it is like to possess a wonderful giving style to get many people completely gain knowledge of some complicated subject matter. You undoubtedly surpassed people’s desires. Thanks for distributing these powerful, trustworthy, informative and even unique tips about the topic to Julie.

  26. off white hoodie
    5th December 2023 at 1:10 am #

    I wanted to write you that very little observation in order to say thanks yet again considering the pretty tips you have featured here. This has been so wonderfully generous of people like you giving openly just what many people could possibly have offered for an ebook to earn some money for their own end, mostly given that you might have done it if you ever desired. These things likewise acted like the great way to comprehend other people have a similar desire really like mine to know the truth many more in terms of this problem. I am certain there are lots of more fun times in the future for individuals who examine your blog.

  27. Plantation Landscaping Company
    17th December 2023 at 10:35 pm #

    Thanks for the thoughts you have contributed here. In addition, I believe there are several factors that keep your insurance premium straight down. One is, to contemplate buying automobiles that are from the good report on car insurance firms. Cars that happen to be expensive tend to be more at risk of being robbed. Aside from that insurance is also based on the value of your truck, so the more expensive it is, then higher the particular premium you spend.

  28. kd shoes
    18th December 2023 at 1:52 am #

    I want to voice my appreciation for your generosity giving support to persons that must have help on this idea. Your special commitment to getting the solution throughout had been amazingly productive and have all the time empowered others just like me to arrive at their dreams. Your interesting report means much to me and especially to my office colleagues. Thanks a ton; from everyone of us.

  29. Mexican Pharmacies Online
    20th December 2023 at 11:16 am #

    Interesting article. It is extremely unfortunate that over the last ten years, the travel industry has already been able to to tackle terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu virus, swine flu, as well as first ever true global downturn. Through it the industry has proven to be sturdy, resilient along with dynamic, locating new approaches to deal with hardship. There are continually fresh complications and opportunity to which the business must all over again adapt and behave.

  30. medyumlar
    3rd January 2024 at 5:12 am #

    Medyumlar hakkında bilinmeyenler neler sizler için araştırdık ve karar verdik.

  31. Su kaçak tespiti
    1st February 2024 at 12:05 am #

    Su kaçağı tespiti konusunda güvenilir ve profesyonel çözümler sunan firmamız, modern teknoloji ve deneyimli ekiplerle hizmet vermektedir. Akustik dinleme, termal kameralar ve kameralı boru inceleme gibi yöntemlerle su kaçağını noktasal olarak tespit ediyoruz. Hızlı müdahale ve etkili çözümler için bize ulaşın.

  32. SolidWorks
    2nd February 2024 at 11:20 am #

    Ersöz Tasarım, mükemmel tasarım ve mühendislik çözümleri sunan, öncü bir SolidWorks çizim uzmanıdır. Firmamız, endüstrinin çeşitli alanlarına hitap eden, yaratıcı ve işlevsel tasarımlar konusundaki uzmanlığı ile tanınmaktadır.

  33. TM Havuz
    6th February 2024 at 1:57 am #

    TM Havuz, profesyonel havuz yapımı konusunda uzmanlaşmış bir firma olarak hizmet vermektedir. Müşteri memnuniyetini ön planda tutan TM Havuz, modern tasarımları, kaliteli malzemeleri ve deneyimli ekibi ile öne çıkmaktadır. Havuz yapım sürecinde uzmanlıkla çalışan firma, müşteri taleplerini dikkate alarak özel projeler üretir. TM Havuz’un estetik, dayanıklılık ve teknolojiyi bir araya getiren havuzları, kullanıcılarına keyifli ve güvenli bir su deneyimi sunmaktadır.

  34. TM Havuz
    6th February 2024 at 10:33 am #

    TM Havuz, profesyonel havuz yapımı konusunda uzmanlaşmış bir firma olarak hizmet vermektedir. Müşteri memnuniyetini ön planda tutan TM Havuz, modern tasarımları, kaliteli malzemeleri ve deneyimli ekibi ile öne çıkmaktadır. Havuz yapım sürecinde uzmanlıkla çalışan firma, müşteri taleplerini dikkate alarak özel projeler üretir. TM Havuz’un estetik, dayanıklılık ve teknolojiyi bir araya getiren havuzları, kullanıcılarına keyifli ve güvenli bir su deneyimi sunmaktadır.

  35. situs porno
    14th February 2024 at 10:34 pm #

    This article is absolutely incredible! The author has done a phenomenal job of delivering the information in an engaging and educational manner. I can’t thank him enough for sharing such priceless insights that have definitely enhanced my awareness in this subject area. Bravo to her for producing such a work of art!

  36. bir tercume
    16th March 2024 at 5:15 am #

    Ankara’daki tercüme bürosu, profesyonel ve hızlı çeviri hizmetleri sunarak müşterilerinin ihtiyaçlarını karşılar. Alanında uzman tercümanlarımız, çeşitli diller arasında kaliteli ve doğru çeviriler sağlar. Müşteri memnuniyetini ön planda tutan firmamız, geniş bir dil yelpazesiyle hizmet vermektedi

Leave a comment