Bike Mirrors?

Have one and hate it.  Don't know the brand, but the tiny mirror is never in the right spot to see anything to be helpful.  Looking for one that clips onto the bars instead.  It may be larger, but I think I'd find it more effective.  My 2 cents.

Rode with a handle-bar mirror when I first started, then realized it's not very effective. Ask yourself exactly what you're supposed to be seeing and how will you react to what you do see. Personally, I right a straight line a foot or three left of the white line, nothing I see in a mirror is going to change that.

It'd be nice to have if you need to frequently make left turns in congested areas, otherwise I'd just working on bike handling skills so you can keep your line while looking behind

I would never rely on a mirror when making a left turn, whether the area was congested or not. Learn to turn your head to look behind.

I've used this kind before: http://www.cycleaware.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&... It's pretty sleek and not-in-the-way compared to some and I was happy with it.

Mostly it was useful for checking if I had one of my riding buddies right on my wheel and that sort of thing.

Mirrors are not for making turns or checking traffic.

I have one of those Third Eye brand mirrors that clip to my sunglasses.  I use them for training rides to keep an eye on my buddies and cars coming up behind me.  It gives me some peace of mind riding the farm country roads around here.

I've tried that one - I hated it.  The mirror bounced around with any sort of road "noise", making it hard to see. I like this one.  I can pop it off for races or mountain biking, but keep it on for other riding.  I like to catch a glimpse of upcoming traffic, and also it is handy for making sure that I am not too far ahead of mrs gearboy (or that I am pulling ahead of any of my friends in a training ride).  I've also tried the ones that clip to your eyeglasses, but I found they tended to break too easily.

It does take a little getting used to, but once you have sort of figured out mentally what you are seeing, it is helpful when being used, and more or less invisible when not.

I purchased the kind that slides into the end of your bars.  I absolutely love it.  Not only can I see vehicles coming up but other riders as well trying to pass me.  Do I use it exclusively....no way.  I use my ears, my senses, and other riders to try and stay safe.

It is very secure, and only moves when I go over tracks or the cattle guards that we have out here.

It fits right into the bars and if they are the same color as your tape are almost invisible.

I got a great deal on Ebay on a two pack and only use the one on the left, saving the other for the future or to give to my training partner.

I used to swear by the handlebar mirror. But then this happened:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/photos/photo-thumbnail... [warning, not for squeamish]

turned a simple unclip tipover into a ride ending trip to the hospital for stitches :-(

Now I rely solely on looking around, and am perfecting my 'look over the right shoulder' so I don't swerve myself into traffic.

I had the one that attaches to the helmet and I hated it. It never seemed to be in the right position. Right now I do not have any type of mirror, but there are times when I wish I did. Maybe someone can invent an inexpensive and light-weight rear view camera for a bike with a small screen that attaches to your handlebars or something.