Bike mirrors

See behind without veering off course

Turning your head while cycling comes at a cost: for a second you’re no longer looking ahead, and many cyclists drift slightly off line when they do it. A mirror removes the need for that movement. Long associated with cycle touring, this discreet accessory is making a comeback with urban riding and commuting.

Who will really find it useful

• In in town and on daily commutes, to watch for a vehicle coming up behind before moving out.
• On on the open road and on long rides, where you ride along the edge of a country road.
• For cyclists with limited neck mobility, for whom looking back is uncomfortable or impossible.
• In on a tandem or with a trailer, where a view behind also helps you keep an eye on what you’re towing.

Mounting

The models in this range fit at the end of the handlebar, inside the tube, putting them as far out as possible for the best field of view with the least vibration. The self-tightening mount fits common internal diameters; on a road handlebar, it takes the place of the bar-end plug. The mirror is adjustable and folds against the handlebar when not needed.

What a mirror cannot replace

It shows what’s in its field of view, not what’s in your blind spot. Before moving out, you still need to look over your shoulder and extend your arm to signal your intention to others. The mirror helps you anticipate — knowing a car is approaching before you even need to look for it.

See also: Bike bells · Bike lights · GPS and camera mounts