When riding your bike on the road, you’ll need all the safety precautions you can get to ensure you return home safely.
Aside from helmets, reflectorized vests, and blinking lights, many cyclists also install bike mirrors.
This may seem a little strange, as most bikes are bought without mirrors. We’ll discuss what bike mirrors are, why you should use them, as well as the different types of bike mirrors available.
Read on to learn more about this special accessory. We’ll also share a quick how-to guide for installing one on your bike. Let’s begin!
Contents
What Are Bike Mirrors?
Bike mirrors are typically accessories that you can attach to your bicycle. Usually, they are placed on the handlebars, your helmet, or your steering bar.
Similar to a car or motorcycle’s side mirror, the sole purpose of having a bike mirror is to see traffic coming from behind you. They allow you to make good decisions when turning or merging into other lanes.
Why Should You Use Bike Mirrors?
There are many advantages of using a bike mirror. However, there are also some disadvantages that you need to be aware of. Let’s discuss both.
Advantages
Safety is any motorist’s number one concern when it comes to being on the road. A bike mirror gives you a better edge in conquering the road by providing you with all the right prompts to make the right decisions while cycling.
Visibility: Using bike mirrors allows riders to see approaching traffic or other hazards without turning their head, which can help prevent accidents.
Navigating Traffic: Bike mirrors can make it easier for riders to navigate traffic and stay in the correct lane.
Increases Awareness: Bike mirrors can provide a wider field of view, which can help riders be more aware of their surroundings.
Disadvantages
The reason why not all bikes automatically have bike mirrors on them is that there are actually several disadvantages to using them too.
Bulky: Bike mirrors tend to be bulky and may be challenging to use or store while not in use. If you’re the type of cyclist who likes a bit of space and mobility, this will pose a problem for you.
Too Fragile: These mirrors can be easily broken or knocked out of place, so they may need to be adjusted or replaced frequently.
Fit: Bike mirrors may not be suitable for certain types of riding, especially if you are into off-road cycling or racing.
Distracting: Some riders may find it distracting to use bike mirrors while riding. It can be an adjustment when you first start using bike mirrors.
As you can see, the advantages of utilizing bike mirrors outweigh the disadvantages by a mile in terms of sacrificing style vs. safety. Most disadvantages can be easily addressed with a little getting used to and some proper storage practices.
What Trips Are Ideal for Utilizing Bike Mirrors?
In the previous section, we shared that bike mirrors may not be suitable for some types of riding or trips, like off-road or racing. So, what are the kinds of trips that are ideal for bicycle mirrors?
Urban Commutes: In a densely populated and traffic-filled area, a bike mirror can be your best friend, ensuring you can see cars about to pass you or other bikers.
Long Distance Rides: Bike mirrors are ideal for bikers on long rides because they allow riders to see traffic behind them without turning their heads. They allow the rider to maintain a suitable road safety protocol and the ability to respond to traffic coming from behind them.
Touring: For safety reasons, bike mirrors can be helpful on tours, especially when riding in unfamiliar areas.
Riding in a Group: When riding in a group, having a mirror on your bike can help you keep an eye on the riders behind you and avoid collisions, especially when trying to maintain a certain pace for your group.
Types of Bike Mirrors
There are a variety of bike mirrors available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In general, people like these best:
Mirrors That Attach to the End of a Bar
You can have these clamped onto the end of your handlebars, and they offer a panoramic view.
Long-distance and touring cyclists favor them because they enable the rider to keep an eye on traffic behind them without diverting their attention.
Mirrors That Attach to the Handlebars
In most cases, you can modify the angle of these mirrors because they are mounted on your handlebars.
They’re ideal for city commuters as they assist people in finding their way around congested roads and staying in their lanes.
Helmet Mounted Mirrors
As the name suggests, these mirrors are meant to be mounted on the rider’s helmet.
Because of their high visibility, they are a favorite among urban riders and bikers who frequently deal with confined places.
Mirrors That Attach to Your Glasses
If you use glasses when cycling, you can use these mirrors that clip to your frames. Many riders use them as they allow them to keep their hands free while still keeping an eye on their surroundings.
Your riding preferences and need for visibility will determine the type of bike mirror you select. Whether you’re a touring cyclist, a daily commuter, or a long-distance rider, there is a bike mirror that’s ideal for you.
Bike Helmet Mirrors vs. Bike Mirrors
The advantages and disadvantages of each kind of bike mirror are different.
The field of view from bike mirrors positioned on the handlebars or frame is much greater than from helmet mirrors. High-speed motorcyclists may find them particularly beneficial because they provide a broader area of sight behind the rider.
However, riders who frequently deal with confined places in urban areas may benefit from installing helmet mirrors.
When not used, they take up less space and are easier to stow away. Furthermore, they are less susceptible to road vibrations, which can cause bike mirrors to become unaligned.
Which one is better, a bike mirror or a mirror attached to a bike helmet? The answer really depends on the rider’s demands, riding style, and preference.
There are pros and cons of both, and you should weigh them up carefully before settling on one. If you’re concerned about your safety as a rider, you should test both out and discover which one suits you best.
How to Mount Bike Mirrors
There is little to the procedure of installing a bike mirror, but doing so correctly relies on you paying close attention to the included instructions. How to properly mount a bicycle mirror is outlined below.
Pick the Right Kind of Bike Mirror
The first step is to select an appropriate bicycle mirror. Bar-end mirrors, handlebar-mounted mirrors, helmet-mounted mirrors, and even eyeglass-mounted mirrors are just a few of the vast varieties of bike mirrors on the market.
Always pick a mirror that fits your bike and how you ride it.
Gather Your Tools
The second step is to get all the gear together. Depending on the mirror you buy, you might require a wrench, screwdriver, and/or adhesive.
Prepare Your Handlebars
Third, take off the tape or grip from the handlebar. In doing so, you’ll have easier access to the wall space where the mirror will be installed.
Fasten the Grip
Your fourth action is to fasten the mirror to the grip. Most mirrors designed to be mounted on a handlebar will come with a bracket that can be fastened to the bar using screws or adhesive.
Make sure the mirror is installed correctly by reading the included instructions.
Secure Your Mounting
Fifth, use adhesive or a screwdriver to secure the parts. You must ensure the mirror is safe and won’t jiggle around while riding.
Orient Properly
Position the mirror as needed. If the mirror is oriented correctly, you will only see what’s behind you.
Check and Adjust
Make sure the mirror is adjusted correctly and that you have a clear view behind you before hitting the road.
Remember that the installation process can differ depending on the mirror you’re using, so it’s essential to read the instructions that come with the mirror and get expert help if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Bike mirrors are an accessory. Most of the time, when you purchase a bicycle, it won’t come with one. That, however, does not mean that you don’t need one.
A bike mirror can be categorized as a safety essential. It adds a layer of awareness to a biker, especially if you’re out on open roads with lots of cars and trucks.
Despite its tacky and bulky feel, having one attached to your bike can lessen your need to look behind you to see who’s coming up on you. Always remember that you can consider a bike helmet mirror or an eyeglasses-mounted mirror if you don’t like anything on your handlebars.
Matthew Carpenter began riding bicycles later in life than most, but when the wheels started turning, he took off and never looked back. Destined to find you the best way to use a leisurely, commuting, or athletic bicycle to better your lives and reduce your carbon footprint in the process, Matthew tears through popular bike brands, bike models, and reviews them all to give you the best bang for your buck. Getting a high-quality bicycle has more working gears to it than people think: Matthew has the scoop for you.
You couldn’t pay us to take the bike lane without the perfect set of mirrors on our bicycles. Safety isn’t an add-on—it’s a requirement—which is exactly why we love these top-tier bicycle mirrors.
With excellent sizes, helpful angles, and durable construction, these brands are simply a cut above the rest. Your bicycle is about to get a major upgrade.
It’s time to find the best bike mirror for you and we’re willing to bet it’s on this list.
Below, we’ve listed all of the best bike mirrors that have made it onto our list. We’ve included the pros and cons of each product to help make it easier for you to choose one.
Best Bike Mirrors – Reviews & Buying guide for 2022
You need to equip your bicycle with a single mirror, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. That’s what Mirrycle is here for.
This bar-end mountain bike mirror is low-profile and adjustable, giving you complete control over your angles while you ride your mountain bike (or road bike).
Apply it to the end of your handlebar and adjust the bolt on the end. This applies pressure to the center rod and expands it against the inside of your handlebar pole, keeping it in place perfectly. Mirrycle makes it inexpensive and quick to add a mirror to your mountain bike.
Mirrycle is the best option for a budget-friendly bike mirror that provides great visibility and doesn’t take up much room. However, it’s not perfect, and we have a few grievances with it.
If you can get past those or they don’t particularly impact you, Mirrycle will be your top choice.
Pros
Wildly Inexpensive: It’s one of the cheapest possible options you have for your mountain bike while still retaining quality. Mirrycle is a name brand with long-standing trust in the cyclist community—their brand won’t steer you wrong (or drain your wallet).
Small Form Factor: Overall, the mirror is relatively thin and doesn’t take up much space on your bike. This makes it ideal for urban settings with dense roads, sidewalks, and pathways, you won’t accidentally clip someone while you ride by.
Applicable to Most Handlebars: The diameter of the interior rod fits between 13.75 ” and 22.5 ” handlebar openings. That’s a wide range of handlebars (most users don’t even measure their handlebars ahead of time).
Cons
Frame Flush with Mirror: The mirror itself works well, but the housing isn’t the best. The mirror bezel is flush with the mirror, meaning it isn’t held in by the bezel as an extra layer of security.
Plastic Pressure Brace Isn’t Perfect: When you tighten the bolt to extend the pressure brace (on the inside of your handlebar), it can break. The bolt is metal, but the brace is plastic and susceptible to damage. You might be able to install this, but if you overtighten it, it may not come back out.
MEACHOW makes a formidable set of bicycle mirrors. With a durable aluminum frame and excellent attachment clamp, they instantly feel like they’ve always belonged on your bike.
That is unless you have large hands or need a lot of clearance above your handlebars.
There are a few kinks they could iron out, such as making longer extending arms. While the angled mirrors and size are great, they may not provide as much rear visibility as other mirrors.
They’re durable, long-lasting, and may be the perfect mirrors for you—depending on your handlebar width—but there are a few more details we need to cover first.
Pros
Large, But Not Too Big: The bigger the mirror, the more area you can see, but a large mirror comes with its own problems. Thankfully, MEACHOW made this mirror with a slim profile and great size, so you can see behind you without being worried about clipping your mirrors.
Angled Mirrors: Due to the shape of each mirror, it doesn’t jut out from either side of your bike too far. You get a narrow, accurate reflection without the wide view of a circular mirror.
Aluminum Construction: Aluminum is superior to plastic in every way—it’s light, affordable, and extremely durable. We have a lot more faith in an aluminum housing over a plastic one, and MEACHOW has executed it perfectly.
Cons
The angle can be Difficult for Large Hands: These mirrors attach towards the center of your handlebar, just over your handles. That means that the extension arm for the mirror lays across where your hands go. They’re a little too close to your knuckles, so riders with larger hands may have to make adjustments.
Can Interfere with Shifter: With the size and proximity of these mirrors, you may find it difficult to shift (particularly on the left side). Your thumb shifter’s position will be a little out of reach. It takes a little bit of time to get used to these mirrors.
Let’s get two for the price of one, shall we? BriskMore doesn’t want you to accidentally buy two separate mirrors, only to find out that they were both for the same side. They sell two in a pack, each with interior handlebar mounting.
You can place these mirrors inside just about any handlebar, although they are better on mountain bikes rather than traditional road bikes. While the fit is listed as universal, we strongly advise that you measure your bike handlebars before buying.
The mirrors are scratch resistant and include a protective film. BriskMore guarantees satisfaction and offers a money-back guarantee if for whatever reason you don’t like these mirrors.
Last but not least, there’s a waterproof rubber ring on the inside of the mirror, so splashes and rainfall won’t cause any damage.
Pros
Extremely Cost Effective: Two mirrors for the average price of one, without slipping on quality. Because they come in a pair, there’s no chance of accidentally buying two of the same side.
360 Degree Rotation: You don’t need all 360 degrees, but having the ability to rotate your mirrors any way you want without restrictions is very helpful. Adjustments are simple, so you can move them on the go if you need to widen your field of view on dodgy roads and trails.
Shatterproof Films: This film layer on top of your mirror prevents shattering from basic bumps. It’s not perfect, but it is another level of protection against uncertainty.
Cons
Plastic Frame: These mirrors are good, but aluminum beats plastic every single time. We wish BriskMore used a different material for the housing, purely for durability reasons.
Deceptive Marketing: While the manufacturer does list the size of the mirrors on the sales page, the marketing imagery makes the mirrors look bigger and clearer than they actually are. They’re still good, but make sure you have realistic expectations.
Angled, non-circular mirrors are excellent if you don’t want to draw attention to your bike mirrors. However, they normally run into one major problem: extension arm length.
Hafny made these arms extendable and moveable from two different joints to combat this issue.
While you do have to purchase them individually, it’s very much a quality over quantity type of mirror. Between the automotive-grade glass, dual mounting options, and compatible clips, Hafny has hit the nail on the head.
Pros
Automotive Grade Glass: Hafny uses the same glass that you’ll find in automobile side view mirrors. These convex mirrors are designed with complete blast resistance, preventing cracks from basic shock and low-level damage.
Highly Compatible Clips: With a 21 mm to 26 mm range, the mirror clamps are capable of fitting a multitude of handlebar sizes. It sounds like a small range, but handlebars don’t typically vary in size by all that much.
Above or Below: Some cyclists prefer to mount their mirrors so they hang underneath the handlebars, not over them (normally due to hand room restrictions). You can safely mount these mirrors above or below with no trouble.
Cons
Expensive: These mirrors are made with durability and reliability in mind, but they’re not cheap. In fact, one of these mirrors often averages the same cost as the BriskMore two-pack we just reviewed.
Reflector is Printed On: Reflectors work best when they can actually reflect light properly, and print-on reflectors aren’t known for that. Hafny puts print-on reflectors on the other side of your mirror and sells this as a bonus, however, they’re very lackluster.
MEACHOW is back with another excellent mirror. This one includes a hexagon frame that houses blast-resistant glass and an easily adjustable arm that extends over your handlebars. While the mounting system requires some extra turning to secure it, you can get a stable fit.
However, MEACHOW doesn’t include an Allen wrench in the box with the mirror, and it’s a very specific one that you need. The mirror is housed within a raised bezel, making it a little safer than round or exposed convex mirrors.
Overall, it’s a solid choice with just a few grievances that you should know about before buying.
Pros
Aluminum Alloy Clamps: Aluminum beats plastic, especially for mounting hardware These clamps won’t quit on you for any reason.
Eco-friendly Nylon Frame: Each mirror frame is constructed of highly durable, completely eco-friendly nylon.
Blast-resistant Glass: Small impact and light-level damage won’t immediately damage or destroy your mirror glass.
Cons
Vibration Issues: While we like the aluminum clamps, they may be a little too good at converting vibration from the bike into the mirrors. This can lead to shaky or unsteady images and make your mirror feel more like a hassle than anything else. This is case-specific and installation may impact this as well.
Incorrect Color: The marketing material has been color adjusted. The actual product isn’t blue nylon, but rather black with a bluish tint to the mirror. Don’t try to color-match it to your bike.
Inexpensive mirrors are bound to come with some trade-offs, and LWPITTY’s bar-end mirrors are no different. These relatively short mirrors are designed to offer a cheap solution, not a long-term one.
The mirrors are a little fragile and the housing is a cheap ABS plastic, so one impact could be all it takes to break them. However, they’re meant to prevent an accident, so it’s certainly better than riding without any mirrors.
Pros
Wide Compatibility: As long as the interior dimensions of your handlebars are between 17.4 mm and 22 mm, you’re good to go.
Cheap Two-pack: Ifyou need two mirrors and you’re on a budget, this is the lowest price you’ll find for two mirrors, so long as you aren’t picky about frame material or length.
360 Degree Rotation: Maneuver your mirrors in any way that you like. While you won’t need all 360 degrees of rotation, the ability to adjust them as you see fit is nice.
Cons
Difficult Installation: It really shouldn’t be hard to install a bar-end bicycle mirror, yet the expansion runs into problems. When you tighten the expansion it moves very slowly and requires a lot of force, making the installation take longer than it needs to.
Odd Instructions: They boast a protective film on the mirror, yet request that you remove it prior to use. This implies that it has a permanent protective coating on the glass and doesn’t come across as clear marketing.
Hafny is back, but this time with a much more cost-effective option. Made with a stainless steel lens instead of glass, this ultra-durable bar end mirror provides more durability than you’d find with most manufacturers.
You can completely bend these mirrors to fit underneath your handlebars for tight squeezes or off-road use. While they’re on the small side, the durability and ease of installation speak for themselves.
Pros
Foldable Frame: You can fold the frame of your mirrors so they tuck underneath your handlebars. If you have a cross-country bike, you can simply flip these up when you’re on roads, and hide them when you go through off-road trails to protect them.
Stainless Steel Lens: Instead of having fragile glass for the mirrors, this has reflective stainless steel. This ups your durability and means your mirrors are still usable after light impact.
Easy to Tighten: Some mirrors are so difficult to apply pressure to and secure on your bike. You can adjust the clamp or the mirror angle with ease.
Cons
Distracting Branding: Bike mirror brands aren’t household names. When we see Schwinn put their name on the frame of the bike, it makes sense. The branding on this mirror is a little distracting.
Small: Mirrors are finicky—we don’t want them too big or too small, we want them all to be just right. This mirror is on the smaller side, making it less useful if you have a large personal frame or can’t use the angles properly.
Bike Mirrors FAQ
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions regarding bike mirrors.
Are bike mirrors a good idea?
Bike mirrors aren’t just a good idea, they’re a necessity and a safety concern. When we cycle, we can easily get lost in the destination or the sights ahead and lose awareness of our surroundings as we ride.
This is especially true if you’re on a mountain bike, sidewalk, or simply riding down the lane in a low-traffic area. You should install bike mirrors for the following reasons:
Visibility: Simply put, how else are you going to know when there’s a car coming down the road behind you? Compact cars can be quiet, especially with added background noise or music from a pair of headphones.
Safety: Never assume that any driver (or any other cyclist, for that matter) is being perfectly safe. All other forms of traffic should be treated as if they’re not paying proper attention to where they’re going. Mirrors help you keep your eyes on everyone else
Insurance Assistance: Bicycle insurance is a real thing. If a driver hits you, they’re at fault, however, their insurance company will do everything they can to pass the blame on to you. Having mirrors on your bicycle shows that you care about safety and the rules of the road. This can help you in the event that you need to prove your innocence regarding an accident.
Many cyclists complain that mirrors look goofy or unnecessary. At the end of the day, safety is the primary concern.
Thankfully, the mirrors we’ve selected for this list are low-profile and don’t add much bulk to your bicycle, so if aesthetics are a concern of yours, you’re in luck.
Should a bike mirror be on the left or right?
This all depends on your geographical location. If you’re in the UK or AU, drivers are on the left side of the road, so it makes sense to put your mirror on the right. In the US, drivers are on the right, so you’ll want your bike mirror on the left.
Ideally, you should put two mirrors on your bicycle handles. Think about niche situations where there’s construction taking up a sidewalk on one side of the road, or there are no sidewalks at all on the road’s edges, so you have to ride on whichever side has less traffic.
We urge you to consider buying two mirrors if your budget allows it. You can purchase one large mirror for your dominant side, and a smaller auxiliary mirror on the opposite side if it won’t be used frequently. Always err on the side of caution.
Where should I place my bike mirror?
Every rider has a different height and a different way that they position themselves on their bicycle. That being said, your bike mirror’s adjustments in that instance will only vary slightly.
You should position your bike mirrors so that while riding in a comfortable position, your view on the mirror shows about 75% of the space behind you, while the other 25% of the visible space is taken up by you.
This will usually show from your shoulders down, otherwise, it may be angled too high.
Your bike mirror will achieve this angle on your handlebars between the center and your grips. The adjustable arm found on your mirror will bend in the direction of your handlebars, placing the mirrors 6–8 ” above where your hands rest.
Keep a few things in mind when determining where to place your mirror:
Arm Length: Is the extendable arm length the right fit to reach just over your handlebars? Measure the length of the extendable arm and the width of your handlebars to know exactly where to place it.
Proper Space: Bigger mirrors need to be raised up a little bit more than you might first think. The larger the mirror, the closer your extendable arm will be to your handlebar to account for the distance between your hands and the bottom of the mirror.
Glove Use: Do you use gloves when you ride? Some gloves can add a little bit of bulk to your hands. When you raise your hand up off the handlebar, make sure that you have enough clearance so you don’t scrape the bottom of your mirror and misalign or damage it.
Which type of mirror is used in bike mirrors?
Convex mirrors. These mirrors bulge out very slightly, giving a domed exterior to the mirror’s surface. This is opposed to concave mirrors, which buckle in slightly to provide a slight fisheye lens effect.
These are specifically used in bicycle mirrors because they allow you to see slightly higher than the mirror’s height. The convex surface means that when you look down at the mirror, the angle bends slightly to give you a better line of sight.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the most important factor to consider is safety and what you value the most in your bike mirrors. Keep in mind that everyone’s sight is different, and one set of mirrors that works for another person, may not work for you.
Take your bicycle model, frame size, and feel into account before you buy a pair of mirrors. It’s best to get the dimensions of each mirror and measure where they would go on your bicycle handles if you have the opportunity.
That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect when your package arrives.
Matthew Carpenter began riding bicycles later in life than most, but when the wheels started turning, he took off and never looked back. Destined to find you the best way to use a leisurely, commuting, or athletic bicycle to better your lives and reduce your carbon footprint in the process, Matthew tears through popular bike brands, bike models, and reviews them all to give you the best bang for your buck. Getting a high-quality bicycle has more working gears to it than people think: Matthew has the scoop for you.
