- 1. Hafny Bar End Bike Mirror
- 2. EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror
- 3. Mirrycle Bar End Bicycle Mirror
- 4. Hafny Handlebar Bike Mirror
- 5. Bike Peddler Cycle Mirror
- 6. CycleAware Reflex Bicycle Helmet Mirror
- 7. DRCK HROS Bike Mirror
- 8. TOPCABIN 1 Pair Bicycle Mirror
- 9. Venzo Stainless Steel Bike Mirror
- 10. Jeemitery Bicycle Mirror
Bicycle enthusiasts and seasoned cyclists of all ages need durable gear and accessories to keep them safe while they’re riding their bikes. There are many accessories that are designed to enhance one’s cycling experience. Bike mirrors are a valuable accessory that can improve safety in city streets, highways and mountain trails. These mirrors can be mounted on handlebars, helmets, and even on sunglasses. They are incredibly practical and ideal for both recreational and professional cycling. If bicycle mirrors are on your shopping list and you have no idea what to look for in terms of features and brands, then our best bike mirrors guide below should steer you in the right direction.
The Best Bike Mirror
Our top pick is by Hafny, which uses stainless steel in its manufacturing process. This feature alone is enough to reel in eco-friendly riders who want to reduce their carbon footprint and spend their money on durable non-plastic bike accessories. Stainless steel mirrors are recyclable, and the lens is unbreakable. These two qualities are accompanied by a high-impact frame that can be folded whenever the bike is not in use. The mirror can also be rotated at a 360-degree angle, giving you full control over its position. Plus, you can easily attach it to any kind of bike be it a mountain, city or road bike in just a few easy steps.
- Recyclable stainless-steel mirror
- Can be rotated a full 360°
- Viewing angle can be adjusted
- Built for drop bars and flat handlebars
- Frame can be easily folded
- Brand Hafny
- Model HF-MR083
- Weight 3.2 ounces
Our next mirror is also a great helmet accessory that allows you to keep an eye on the road behind you, especially when cycling down busy streets with intersections. The Safe Zone mirror from EVT is easy to install and is made by a company with 20 years of experience in designing and building bicycle repair tools. Their helmet mirror is 2.25 inches with an adjustable arm that can be easily attached to any helmet of your choice using durable straps. The Safe Zone bicycle rear view mirror is large enough to uncover any blind spots and sturdy enough for a daily commute to work. It is also designed with bumpy roads in mind and can be easily stored and transported when not in use.
- 2.25 inch helmet mirror with swivel arm
- Compatible with all helmet types
- Offers generous field of view
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Brand EVT
- Model 1.6 ounces
The MTB bar end mirror from Mirrycle is one of the best handlebar mirrors available. This accessory can be mounted in minutes and features a round 3-inch lens with a durable black arm. You can easily adjust the mirror to better suit your riding needs. This is an ideal feature for people who prefer placing the mirror below the handlebars. Plus, the large mirror surface rewards you with a better rearward view while speeding down your favorite bike lane.
- 3 inch round convex mirror
- Customizable viewing angle
- Suitable for 0.54 inch to 0.875-inch diameter handlebars
- Includes installation wrench
- Brand Mirrycle
- Model MI0001
- Weight 5.6 ounces
Premium cycle mirrors like the Hafny handlebar bike mirror offer you the best of both worlds in terms of durability and features. The frame on this model is made of an environmentally friendly combo of nylon and fiber with an aluminum clamp that prevents scratches on the handlebars. The blue lens mirror was originally used in cars and reduces glare by 60 percent. This feature alone can come in handy during summer when the sun becomes a nuisance, especially when going on long rides during the day. The convex surface also gives you a wider field of view while cycling. The flexible rotation ball connected to the mirror allows you to control the angle and position of the lens. This means you can position it under or parallel to the handlebars.
- 2.45-inch automotive grade blue convex lens
- Blast resistant with a 360° adjustment angle
- Eco-friendly nylon frame with 180° rotation ball
- Suitable for flat bars with diameter size 21mm to 26mm
- Brand Hafny
- Model HF-MR095LS
- Weight 5.6 ounces
The Take a Look mirror is a compact accessory and a bike helmet mirror with many great features. You can attach it to your eyeglasses and rotate it using the multiple pivot points easily while cycling. Keeping tabs on any moving vehicles behind you is possible with minimal head movement or eye strain on your part thanks to the wide field of vision it provides. Plus, the durable stainless steel and brass frame were built for regular use and will not rust or lose their sturdiness with time. Take A Look is frameless and is a great alternative to traditional handlebar mirrors.
- Frameless acrylic mirror for helmets and glasses
- Durable stainless steel and brass frame
- Can be easily adjusted using 3 pivot points
- Lightweight with rotatable prongs
- Brand Bike Peddler
- Model MI1000
- Weight 0.5 ounces
The CycleAware Reflex bicycle helmet mirror is another great option for seasoned cyclists. It has everything you need in a bicycle accessory in terms of size and adjustability. The oval length mirror is not only lightweight, but it can also be attached to all helmet types in just a few easy steps. You no longer have to strain your eyes or glance over your shoulder to check for speeding vehicles once you install this must-have accessory. The ball and socket combo are also a plus since you can alter the position of the mirror with a slight touch of your finger.
- Oval shaped – wide angle view with flexible arm
- Compatible with helmets of all shapes and sizes
- Lightweight with easy to adjust rotating arm
- Mirror can be detached from arm
- Brand Cycleaware
- Model 129729
- Weight 2.4 ounces
Handlebar mirrors like the DRCK HROS mirror were designed with your road safety in mind. The mirror itself is convex and made of durable acrylic. This makes it more resistant to breakage and to outdoor weather conditions. The aluminum arm is incredibly sturdy and is 7.08 inches in length and has a mosaic base with screws that helps stabilize the mirror while you cycle across mountainous terrain. The best thing about the arm aside from its durable construction is that it can be bent to any angle. This model is compatible with 22- 32 mm handlebars and can also be installed in electric bikes as well as motorcycles.
- 3.15-inch convex electroplated acrylic mirror
- Durable and flexible 7.08-inch aluminum arm
- Suitable for handlebars sizes 22m to 32mm dimeter
- Includes mosaic clamp with screws for stability
- Circumferential angle fine adjustment
- Brand DRCK HROS
- Weight 8 ounces
The TOPCABIN rear view mirror is also on the Amazon’s Choice list, and for good reason. This mirror can be rotated a full 360 degrees and was designed to give you maximum rear view vision while riding your bicycle. Safety is the main concern for many avid cyclists who love exploring new trails and embarking on new challenges with their bike be it a mountain or road bike. Durability is also on offer here with a sturdy aluminum arm that is available in four stylish colors with a skeleton hand to give your bike an edgy look. This model is compatible with 21 to 25mm handlebars and the mirror itself is made of durable glass with an ABS frame for additional stability and protection.
- Multiangle glass mirror size 3.5×2.4 inches
- 4.9-inch aluminum arm for durability
- Compatible with fixed bars 21-25mm in diameter
- ABS optical frame for extra durability
- Brand TOPCABIN
- Weight 1.4 pounds
The Venzo bike mirror is another great option for cyclists who need a mirror on their left side. This model is environmentally friendly and durable at the same time. The tough and corrosion resistant properties found in stainless steel are present in the high quality 4-inch mirror and screws that hold the mirror in position. The arm is also flexible and allows you to rotate the mirror a full 360 degrees in pursuit for your ideal rear view angle. There is another 45-degree twist angle that you can use to position the mirror and arm below the handlebar. The Venzo mirror is lightweight and compatible with 22.2 mm diameter mounted bars.
- 4-inch adjustable stainless-steel lens
- 360° rotating head and 45° twist angle arm
- Nylon-fiber arm with durable stainless-steel screws
- Compatible with 22.2mm dimeter mounted bars
- Brand Venzo
- Weight 6.4 ounces
The 4.9-inch road bike mirror from Jeemitery is our final pick thanks to its incredibly practical features. This model arrives in pairs and is easy to install. The arm can be rotated a full 360 degrees and the mirror itself can be rotated up to 180 degrees. You can attach this model to street bikes and even motorcycles if their handlebars fall within the 22 to 25mm range in terms of diameter. Unlike other mirrors on our list, this mirror is flat instead of convex and is available in four different colors including red and silver.
- Flat adjustable mirror
- 180° rotation angle with 360° adjustable arm
- Compatible with 22-25mm handlebars
- Sold in pairs and available in 4 colors
- Brand Jeemitery
- Weight 15.2 ounces
Best Bike Mirrors Buying Guide
Nowadays, bicycles are used for more than just recreational purposes. Eco-friendly individuals and those who live in crowded cosmopolitan cities where traffic jams are a daily nightmare have resorted to riding their bicycles to work. Bike mirrors may not provide physical protection like protective gear does. However, they do improve safety and make it easier for cyclists to change lanes without drawing their attention away from the road ahead. Looking over your shoulder can sometimes put you at risk and distract you, and this is one of many reasons why you should consider installing a bike mirror. The following guide will give you an idea about the different types of mirrors out there and the many factors that you need to consider when buying this accessory.
Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Mirror
- Durability
One should never compromise on quality when it comes to safety gear and other must have bicycle accessories. This includes bike mirrors and all their separate parts that contribute to the overall durability of this product. Words like stainless steel and acrylic are typically used when describing premium bike mirrors. These tough and sturdy materials are what sets them apart from other low-quality mirrors. Mounting arms made of either stainless steel or eco-friendly nylon and fiber guarantee a lightweight and stable mirror. You should also make sure that the screws used to keep everything in place are made of corrosion resistant steel and can also handle vibrations and bumpy terrain. This can make a world of difference when riding mountain and even regular commuting bikes. The mirror itself needs to be made of resilient acrylic or similar impact resistant materials. A shatter proof mirror will go a long way and help you cut back on gear replacement costs in the long run.
- Compatibility
This is another important factor to keep in mind while shopping for a bicycle mirror. Compatibility here has to do with the size of the handlebars. The cockpit itself will often dictate the type of bike mirror you need to purchase. Drop bars found in road bikes have a different design compared to flat bars. Most mirrors are attached to a long arm with a mounting mechanism that involves a clamp with screws. This arm can be either mounted on the end of the handlebars or somewhere near the middle in mountain and commuting bicycles. Some bars are simply too narrow for standard bike arms and installation can require some improvisation on your part. If this is the case, then you can invest in a helmet mirror or even a bike mirror that can be attached to your sunglasses.
- Lens Size
The size and shape of the mirror itself varies from brand to brand. Some mirrors are convex and wide enough to give you the best rear-view vision possible while others are smaller and more flat than convex. Others can be rotated either horizontally or vertically so you can choose the best viewing angle while riding. Commuting to work by bike involves crossing intersections and dodging pedestrians as well as large vehicles. A large mirror reduces blind spots and allows you to quickly change lanes or move out of the way when needed. People who prefer to ride their bikes in traffic free areas like mountain trails for example can benefit from a more compact mirror. A small mirror allows you to keep an eye on fellow cyclists behind you during a race and can also come in handy if you end up on the highway.
- Preferred Side
Where you decide to install the mirror depends on your individual preference, but most riders choose to place the mirror on the left handlebar in order to get a clear view of the traffic behind them. If you are in the habit of traveling with your bike to other countries, then installing two mirrors instead of one will give you a wider field of view no matter your location.
- Adjustability
Having more choices when it comes to the position of the mirror and its arm is incredibly important. People with wide shoulders for example can easily push the arm farther out to get a better view of the street behind them. Riders who prefer their mirror upside down can position the arm below the bars. Some models have a ball and socket mechanism that allows you to rotate the arm in any direction or angle. Others allow you to rotate both the mirror itself and the arm, so you get to choose a different angle for each one. Some arms can be folded away and this can come in handy if you need to stow away your bike or protect the mirrors from breakage.
Why You Should Use a Bike Mirror
- Safety
Going on solo rides requires you to be extra vigilant and having a mirror installed will help you stay on top of your game in terms of road safety. Using a rear-view mirror will help you keep an eye out for reckless and distracted drivers while cycling down the highway. Keeping an eye out for other vehicles also allows you to switch lanes and take the necessary precautions if an accident occurs behind you.
- Group Rides
Traveling in groups also requires an established safety routine that alerts everyone to incoming or outgoing traffic. Rearview mirrors can help cyclists navigate new and unpredictable roads with challenging twists and turns. One person can save the lives of many with a simply glance at his or her mirror. Mirrors can also help groups stay in formation and avoid colliding with one another. It can also help cyclists assess the position of their competition during races.
- Traffic Awareness
Crowded streets or neighborhoods where there is little room for maneuvering and where the risk of colliding with an opened taxi door or a pedestrian are constantly present can take their toll on daily commuters. There are so many variables that you need to consider, especially when changing lanes or crossing busy intersections. Bike mirrors reduce the fear and apprehension that comes with this territory since they allow you to assess the situation behind you and react accordingly. Rear view mirrors can help you navigate heavy traffic without straining your eyes or neck while cycling.
Types of Cycling Mirrors
- Handlebar Mirrors
These mirrors belong on a handlebar and have the necessary components that keep them in place while the bicycle is moving. They resemble motorcycle mirrors and can be bought individually or in pairs. Large handlebar mirrors provide a wider field of view especially if they had a flexible arm. Handlebar mirrors like the ones listed above are durable and built to last. Those that combine stainless steel with a tough acrylic lens that wont break or shatter into a thousand pieces upon impact.
- Helmet Mirrors
The second type was specifically designed for helmets and is usually secured in place using velcro straps or even glue. This of course depends on the brand and design, but most bicycle helmet mirrors are incredibly lightweight and are attached to a long tube. This tube makes it easier for riders to move the mirror out of the way when it is no longer in use. You can simply alter the viewing angle by turning your head in any direction. Helmet mirrors are compact and are definitely travel friendly. You can easily put them in your suitcase while traveling and mount them on your helmet once you reach your biking destination.
- Eyewear Mirrors
Nowadays, mirrors can also be attached to your favorite pair of glasses. These mirrors resemble the ones mentioned above in terms of design. The mounting mechanism, however, is a little different. Eyewear mirrors are incredibly compact and are attached to glasses using a simple comb shaped component. They also have a ball and socket combo that allows you to adjust their position easily. This mirror is not for everyone and can cause headaches and neck pain if not positioned correctly. However, many cyclists prefer them over regular handlebar mirrors due to their size and overall convenient design.
Our Top Pick
The Hafny bar end mirror is our number one choice for several reasons. First, the convex lens is made of durable stainless steel unlike other low-quality mirrors that are usually made of glass. This feature alone makes the Hafny mirror a great addition to mountain bikes and road bikes. One of the first things that shatter and break during a crash is the mirror, so it makes sense to purchase a tough and long-lasting product that will serve you well in traffic heavy routes. The high impact frame adds another layer of durability and the 360-degree adjustability is the icing on the cake.
Source:
- Hell Yeah, I Rock a Helmet Mirror When I Ride! – Bicycling