Cycling should not only be healthy, but also safe. To ensure this condition, there are various accessories, one of which is a rearview mirror. With its help, it becomes possible to control the situation. We will talk about the features of this product, its advantages and disadvantages in our article.
Features
Many cyclists find this device very useful. However, there are those who disagree with them, believing that instead of controlling the situation, the mirror distracts attention from the road. However, when used properly, it should ensure safety. Most often, mirrors have convex spherical shape, which helps to increase visibility and provide the cyclist with more complete information about the traffic situation. Some prefer to choose panoramic mirror which gives a more complete picture due to the curvature of the optical element, which allows you to expand the viewing angle and provide visibility even in the side zones. Can be purchased mirror with turn signal, but on Russian roads everywhere they are not yet common.
The inconvenience is the fact that Mirrors most often do not come with a bike. You need to purchase and install them yourself. Products are suitable for highway, mountain, and for the most ordinary bike. You can mount them on any element, but most often they are fixed on the steering wheel. In addition, it costs a bike mirror quite inexpensively.
Minuses can also be noted. Among them are distractions from the road, as well as glare, which can also interfere with safe driving.. If the cyclist falls, he may injure himself on broken glass, which is quite fragile, and also does not attach too securely. It can be called a difficult ride on rough terrain, as the mirror can catch on something.
Interesting! Quite rarely, but it still happens when cyclists install a rear view camera. It is fixed under the seat, and a small monitor is located on the steering wheel. However, this is more an exception than a rule, since such a technique is quite expensive.
Mounts
As mentioned above, a bicycle mirror can be mounted in three different places. Least of all, they are placed on the arm or body. Much more often mounted on the steering wheel or helmet. As for the fixture itself, it can be either made independently or purchased in a specialized store.
Prerequisites are reliability and safety.
On the steering wheel
The most popular is mounting the mirror on the steering wheel. This is done using a pin and rubber gaskets. You can use 3 methods. If you choose a suspension, this means that the mirror is mounted on hinges, while it is located freely, which may present some inconvenience to the cyclist.
Standard mounting is done on the pin, which provides a reliable and rigid fixation. With a high mount, a pin is also used, but a longer one. It allows you to position the element at eye level, which is very convenient for the user.
On the helmet
A small mirror can also be placed on the helmet. However it becomes possible only with appropriate accessory sizes and weights. This fixation is very reliable, and the element will not interfere while riding. With this placement You can adjust the mirror at any angle.
Fastening is carried out using a bracket, which is plastic, so that the shape of the rod can be changed if necessary.
On the elements of clothing, on the body
This method is used less often. This is because the mirror in this situation easily slides and can get lost in clothes, which, accordingly, will create additional inconvenience to the cyclist. Re-fastening takes time. All this becomes meaningless, as more reliable options currently exist.
When is it necessary?
Users note that there are several situations when it is really worth putting a mirror on a bicycle. First of all, the need is present if there is frequent driving on roads. Rear view ensures safety. This accessory is necessary for tourists, as in another country the direction of movement may be different, respectively, confusing, and the rules may be practically absent.
The mirror should be installed for those who prefer to ride a bicycle with glasses in the presence of vision problems. The fact is that the eyepieces restrict peripheral vision, so it becomes much more difficult to control the situation on the sides. Also, people with hearing impairments should take care of such an accessory, as they may not notice the noise from an approaching car. The same applies to the elderly, as well as those who for some reason find it difficult to turn their heads.
Very useful mirror and during long trips, when a person is tired and cannot be focused as much as possible. At night, it will reflect the headlights of cars that are still at a considerable distance. When traveling in a company, it allows the presenter, without looking back, to watch so that no one is behind the group. This is also true in the case when there is a small child behind. A convenient device for beginners.
The fact is that for beginners it is quite difficult to turn around, holding the steering wheel in its original position, not to lose balance. Mirror perfectly solves this problem.
The nuances of choice
The range of these products on the market is quite wide. You can choose both branded and more budget products. However, in this case, care must be taken and remember that safety is in the foreground. Cheap and low-quality mirrors cannot provide this condition.
The fact is that a cheap plastic base will crack very quickly, therefore worth choosing stronger materials. This applies not only to the base, but also to the mirror itself. It should be noted that the display properties even in plastic models are pretty good, and the price is much lower than in glass options. In addition, there is no protective coating on budget glass products, respectively, there is a risk of injury from splinters when falling.
When choosing a mirror, you should consider the driving method and personal characteristics of the cyclist. The convenience of its use plays an important role. And also it is worth considering the location, the most preferred in each case.
Experts do not recommend making a mirror for a bicycle on their own. This can cause certain difficulties, and also does not meet the safety requirements. In addition, an affordable price allows you to purchase this accessory without much impact on the budget.
See how to choose a mirror for your bike in the next video.
