Using a rear view mirror while cycling sounds like a no-brainer, yet many cyclists do not bother adding one to their bikes. A mirror is especially helpful when riding with a group, to keep an eye on those behind you. It is also a safety feature for those who ride on roadways alongside cars and for those riding with children. Bike shops and catalogs sell mirrors that attach easily to the middle or end of your handlebars for under $20. Another option is a small mirror that attaches to your helmet or your sunglasses, which is also quite inexpensive.
What to Look for
The least expensive handlebar mirrors are shatter-resistant reflective models that includes a flexible arm and cost about $5. For a few more dollars you can buy a more attractive mirror with an easy-to-attach plug that fits on the end of either a road bike or mountain bike handlebar and swivels easily. Usually you can find a handlebar mirror in the bicycle section of a big retailer or sporting goods store. Smaller helmet- or eyewear-mounted models are lightweight and cost $20 or less. These are available from bike shops and catalogs.
Common Pitfalls
Experience suggests that it might be smart to buy two mirrors at a time, since a mirror breaks easily when a bike topples to the ground accidentally, either after you have parked or while you are riding. The smaller helmet or eyewear version appeals to many riders, but in "Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book," expert Richard Ballantine cautions that these "have a small field of vision and don't do a proper job."
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