When buying a bicycle or electric bicycle , it generally does not have a mirror. This accessory can be essential for even more safety and visibility on the road. Especially if you drive around town every day.
Commuters are the biggest users of bicycle mirrors today. If you want to buy one, Weebot advises you in this very useful purchase.
Why use a bicycle mirror?
In town, but not only, it is not rare that motorists are not very attentive to cyclists. These can turn at an intersection without looking at their blind spot, for example. But this is unfortunately not the only fear to have when cycling in the middle of traffic.
Several accessories can allow you to be better seen on the road. We are thinking in particular of light signals , reflective vests or even an audible warning device.
But how to anticipate and watch your back?
It is very useful to be able to look behind you when you are on the cycle path. With the increasing influx of cyclists and electric scooters in urban areas, having a bicycle rear-view mirror helps to avoid accidents.
If a cyclist with a higher gear than yours tries to pass you, the mirror will allow you to fold down to let them pass with courtesy.
At Weebot we think about the safety of each of our customers. That's why we offer a mini mirror in our electric scooter safety pack . A particularly useful accessory for many users.
Choosing your electric bike mirror
There are many models of bicycle mirrors and this buying guide tells you how to choose the right one for you. What is the best position to install a bicycle mirror? How to install it?
Discover the selection criteria whether for mechanical bike or electric bike in order to have good visibility on the road.
Be careful, because if the presence of a mirror helps with safety on a bike, it does not dispense with a second check by turning your head if necessary . Like on a car, your bicycle mirror also has a blind spot!
For what use?
In the choice of a bicycle mirror, it is imperative to know the use that one has of his two wheels. Are you an urban cyclist? With occasional or daily use of your bike?
These selection criteria allow you to make the right choice when buying your bicycle mirror.
Fixed or adjustable mirror?
Different types of bicycle mirrors are available. Some users prefer a fixed mirror with a long foldable or non-folding stem , others are more accustomed to the adjustable mini-mirror to be placed under the handlebars.
If the rod is mounted on ball joints, it is adjustable and allows a perfect fit in all circumstances .
Remember to check the strength of the binding. Especially if you ride an electric bike, the speed will tend to create vibrations that could eventually disrupt your rear view mirror. For this, it is preferable to opt for an adjustable bicycle mirror. The latter will be easier to position, even in the middle of the course, to have the right angle on the rear view.
Does not interfere with the position of the hands
For comfort, it is also necessary that the installation of a mirror does not interfere with your grip of the hands on the handlebars. Not all bikes have the same handlebars. Depending on their characteristics, take into account where you can attach this security accessory.
Depending on your driving position, the mirror should give you good rear vision. At a glance, it should give you the right information about the intentions of other road users.
How to install a bicycle mirror?
The vast majority of mirrors have the same type of attachment to the handlebars. It attaches to your bike using a screw-on clamping ring system to "bite" the handlebar tube. If the plastic and the clamping screw are strong enough, the mirror will not move.
Bicycle mirror on the handlebar
This is the primary means of attaching a bicycle mirror . The mirror on the handlebars has the advantage of being practical and easy to install. There are plenty of very different models with attachment to the end of the handlebars, in lugs to add to your handlebars, or simply to attach to the center of the handlebars.
If you have a VTC or are a fan of cycle tourism, opt for a large rear view mirror with a large mirror . This way you will have the best rear vision without having to turn around regularly.
If you choose a mirror that attaches to the end of the handlebars of bicycles, remember to check if it can be folded down easily. Whether in the event of a fall or when the road in front of you is not very wide, it is useful to be able to gain a few centimeters by folding up your mirror temporarily.
Some mirrors have a larger axis of rotation. Whether on 2 axes, 3 axes or on a 360° ball joint (like the Steel mirror ), the mirror can also be convex to offer a greater field of vision.
Bike mirror on the helmet
Thanks to Velcro fasteners, it is quite possible to attach a bicycle mirror to your helmet. Lightweight and easy for the rider to adjust, the mirror helps maintain the same rear viewing angle regardless of your head movement .
Be careful, however, not to be too distracted by these mirrors which are always present in your field of vision. The mirror of these mirrors is, moreover, very small. It is also unlikely to go unnoticed with this kind of bicycle mirror by others on the road.
It also requires you to wear a helmet . He who is not mandatory but only recommended for cycling.
On which side to install a bicycle mirror?
Being generally placed on the right side of the road on the cycle path, it is advisable to place your mirror on the left side of your bike . It will allow you to have rear visibility when changing direction to the left.
Weebot's advice
If you practice mountain biking (mountain biking), we do not recommend that you add a mirror to your bike . Unlike a city cyclist, the rearview mirror could be counterproductive here. This one could take the branches of your route or different obstacles in your way.
There is therefore little point in owning this mountain bike safety accessory because at all speeds, the visibility you need is in front of you.
