Ranking the best bike mirrors for 2022

Experienced cyclists have for years regarded the bicycle rearview mirror as one of those accessories only used by sports enthusiasts and fast riders. It should not come as a great surprise to deny the fact that most cyclists have not thought about what products are best suited for a particular vehicle setup.

We've rounded up the best road bike mirrors to suit the needs of commuters and experienced cyclists alike. The choice between them will depend on which view you prefer, the purpose of your trip (work, leisure or training) and the length of your trips.

What are bicycle mirrors for?

The roads are busier than ever. For us cyclists, this is bad news because, together with pedestrians, we are one of the most vulnerable groups on the road. So it's good to have an idea of ​​what's going on in front of you and behind you and follow some basic safety tips. A collision between a cyclist and a car can be fatal.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, since 2009 there has been an increase in the number of accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians, including cars. In 2018 alone, 857 cyclists died in traffic accidents in the United States.

A bike mirror helps you see what's happening behind you so you don't have to turn around. You will not lose the overview of what is happening, which is extremely important in heavy traffic.

What are

Decide on the type of bicycle mirror

There are 3 main types of bicycle mirrors on the market. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Mirrors for bicycle helmets

For example, bicycle mirrors can be used in combination with any type of bicycle, since they are attached to the helmet itself. The mirror reflects the view depending on how you turn your head. They are compact. They are easy to attach, but their position, alas, is not ideal. They are also sensitive to vibrations.

As the name suggests, bicycle helmet mirrors are designed to be attached to the helmet itself. Bicycle helmet mirror is independent of the type of bike you ride. Use it when riding a road, hybrid, city or commuter bike!

• steering wheel mirror

Is the most popular option. Fastened with rubber gaskets and a pin. At the same time, the pin can be of different lengths, which allows you to conveniently adjust it to any cyclist's height.

• Mirrors at the end of the steering wheel

They belong to the subcategory of bicycle mirrors on the handlebars. The attachment mechanisms are very different. The easiest is to replace the end cap. But there are mirrors with a crossbar; they are fastened with a Velcro strap. Mirrors of this type take up less space than mirrors on the steering wheel. They are relatively stable, but their position is not ideal, especially on road bikes. It is not recommended to use bicycle mirrors for cross-country riding (mountain biking or downhill).

Some bike mirrors come with additional features such as reflective strips that are more visible on the bike when riding in the dark. It is equally important that the bike mirror is made of safety glass, which will not break easily in an accident and the shards will not injure you. Of course, you can resort to anti-reflective coating.

The reflection of the sun or other sources of harsh lighting is sometimes very annoying. The way out will be a coating that reduces reflection, which will not cause vision loss.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a mirror for a bicycle, pay attention to the following details:

• The size. Specifies the width of the rear view. Placement can be anywhere: at the top of your handlebar or your helmet.
  Compatibility.Be aware of bike mirror compatibility as not every mirror will fit a specific frame.
• Information from the manufacturer. Most manufacturers indicate what types of frames and handlebars their mirrors will fit, so read the information for each product carefully.

Best bike mirrors

Hafny HF-MR081L

Bicycle mirror hafny rear view is attached to the steering wheel with several screws. Its installation is quite simple. Its position will remain stable even if you pass road holes and potholes, which is ensured by a fixed lever.

• In the event of an accident, you do not have to worry about injuries due to glass fragments;
• There are reflective elements on the back side, this is done for better visibility and safety at night;
• With the arm and 360° swivel, you can adjust the mirror to suit your needs.

• Not identified

Rockbros FK-271

A flexible bracket, the ability to adjust the position of the mirror lens - all this can be attributed to the advantages. The steering wheel diameter recommended by the manufacturer is 22.1–26.7 mm.

• Excellent build quality;
• Minimum time for installation and placement.

• Does not rotate 360°;
• Cars in the mirror appear further than they really are. However, you will quickly get used to correctly judging the distance.

Z10 RUSH HOUR

The Z10 RUSH HOUR left-hand bicycle handlebar mirror is available in two colors - blue and silver. The first option has 75% of the anti-reflective layer, the second - only 50%. The mirror is aerodynamically shaped so it won't distract you too much from the road at higher speeds. The handle is made from aluminium.You won't be able to bend it. However, it can be rotated 360°.

Bicycle mirrors with turn signals are scratch resistant. According to the manufacturer, they are easily recyclable and environmentally friendly. You can use them on either the left or right side by tilting the handle as you like. Suitable for most commonly used bikes including road bikes, fitness bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, etc.

• Decent build quality.
• You can get behind the wheel immediately after installing the mirror.

• There are none.

WEI JIA DX-2270A

The bike mirror is attached to the helmet. It gives you a complete overview of what is happening behind you. Thus, vibration is eliminated, and it remains in its original position. You can easily adjust the mirror thanks to the auxiliary lever that keeps it in one position. Since it only weighs 0.04 kilograms, you won't even notice that it's attached to the helmet. The product itself is attached to the helmet with straps included in the kit.

Once you attach it, it will not be usable on any other helmet. The mirror is protected by foil - remove it before the first ride. Plus, it offers 360° rotation so you can customize it however you like. The arm is made of aluminum, strong enough to absorb vibrations, yet light enough to keep your neck as comfortable as your back.

• Probably the best option for a bicycle helmet;
• Attached with adhesive tape and easy to use.

• Often lost;
• Removes objects;
• There is no pull-out latch.

TBS cl-0695

The best example of a quality road bike mirror is TBS cl-0695 with a white reflector on the back.This is largely due to its minimalist design, and that you can customize it however you wish. And, of course, a larger viewing angle is included. This solution is suitable for most types of bicycle handlebars.

• Excellent build quality;
• Reliable materials.

• There are none.

STG JY-111

The STG JY-111 bike mirror looks stylish, high quality and compact. The whole set comes with an adjustable handlebar mount, easy to adjust for trouble free use. The accessory provides a wide viewing angle.

Install it on either side of the bike for better visibility. This is a great addition that is compatible with mountain, hybrid, commuter or road bikes. Designed from plastic, nylon and fiber, which are environmentally friendly materials, the body is strong and durable for longevity.

• A fairly convenient type of attachment;
• Looks solid;
• The plastic is durable, you can immediately see what is done soundly;
• Good review.

• There are none.

WEST BIKING YP0720037

Uniquely shaped convex mirror designed to enhance your safety and visibility on the road or trail. Made from aluminium, glass and acrylic with a flexible and fully adjustable stand so you can get the best viewing angle. To keep the mirror in place while driving over rough terrain, the manufacturer has equipped it with two anti-slip rubber pads that fit snugly against the steering wheel. It can rotate 360 ​​degrees. You will need a hex wrench to install it.

• Large display, intuitive;
• Cool green backlight that can be turned on / off both manually and automatically.

• There are none.

ECOS VEL-46

ECOS VEL-46 is a little different from other similar products. You will have to order either left or right because it comes with a steering wheel i.e. it will not be possible to use the same product on both sides. The lens is made of stainless steel, which is harder to break, and glass shards do not shatter. The mirror can be rotated 360 degrees.

As with the materials used in Hafny, ECOS VEL-46 is an environmentally friendly combination of nylon and fiber. You will need a hex wrench to secure the item. Also, you can add some wax to polish it. Of the advantages: a solid frame, no vibration when cycling. True, the objects seem somewhat distorted. And although the angle of rotation makes it suitable for both left and right positioning, in the latter case, you will have to turn the mirror upside down. If necessary, you can buy a right-hand model.

• Very cool bike computer for the price;
• The speedometer is very good in terms of assembly;
• Numbers read well.

• With the magnet included, the speedometer jumps from 15 to 27, although the actual speed does not exceed 10.

Sports glasses with rearview mirror

In the end, I would like to mention one more interesting product that can be useful for people involved in various outdoor sports, including cyclists. TriEye has released a 2in1 accessory - glasses with a rear-view mirror built into the left lens. The latter provides an overview of blind spots, which makes the trip safer.

The cost of glasses is 18,000 rubles.

• Anti-fog coated lenses;
• The frame of sports glasses is made of plastic polymer;
• The product has a low weight and high strength;
• You can choose from two sizes, depending on the interpupillary distance.

• Price.

How should cycling glasses with a rearview mirror be cleaned and cared for?

Just like cycling clothing, glasses need proper cleaning and care. It is very important to know how to protect them, where to put them when we take them off and, above all, how to clean them safely and properly. Let's not forget that in addition to being the main accessory to complete our cycling look, their main role is to protect our eyes from the sun, wind, water, dust and dirt. Follow the tips below for proper care of them.

If this accessory is not used for some time, place it in a case. This way you won't scratch it and it won't get damaged if you drop it. A bag will also work as it helps prevent scratches or bumps from minor drops, but there is a limit to the amount of protection it can provide as it is not as complex as a case. Don't drop them anywhere as soon as you get home - you risk sitting on them or accidentally dropping them while moving other things. A backpack is the best option for traveling, but there are a couple of tricks that can help save space. One is to put them in cycling shoes (although not all cycling goggles fit in shoes); another, more versatile, is a helmet or microfiber cover. If a helmet protects our head, it will also protect our goggles.

Cycling goggles should stay where they should naturally be, i.e. on our face, protecting our eyes, but there are times when, for various reasons, we have to take them off. In this case, place them in the front or rear vents of the helmet. If you have an air helmet and cannot fit your goggles into the vents, wear them as if you had eyes in the back of your head.

When cleaning glasses, make it a habit to wash your hands. Do not use a dishwasher or detergents: they contain solvents and chemicals to remove grease and may damage the lenses. You can use a neutral fragrance-free soap, but we don't recommend it; firstly, because there is a lot of water splashing, and secondly, you may think that your hand soap is safe to use, when in fact it is not. Once all dirt has been washed off the lenses, dry them first to make sure they are clean, otherwise dirt may remain on the lenses and scratch them. Then remove excess water. Use a microfiber or cloth to wipe the goggles, but make sure they are clean.

Do not use paper napkins, toilet paper, cotton fabrics - these fabrics may contain harsh fibers that can damage the glasses. The dirt on the outside is clearly visible, but the slots in the frame where the lenses are inserted can also be full of dirt. We recommend that you remove the lenses, clean and dry the slits, and put them back in. If the frames and temples are heavily soiled, remove the lenses before washing them with soap and water. Put them back in place when you're done. The best way to dry is to use a cold blow dryer.While there are many liquid cleaners available in small bottles that can be used in a variety of ways, do not use them without first rinsing your glasses under running water to remove excess dirt. If a stain remains after wiping, breathe on the lens and wipe it again. This is a classic and effective technique.

What to look for when choosing bike mirrors

Let's take a look at some of the features you should look out for in order to make sure your choice of the best bike mirror makes the most sense financially.

• Right-hand or left-hand traffic

Depending on where you live and which side of the road you're on, the choice of bike side mirror placement becomes obvious.

• Construction and materials

Stainless steel and titanium work well for mounts, while lightweight acrylic or other synthetic materials should be used for the lens. Good builds typically use stainless steel for the hinges, polished steel for the lenses, and lightweight resins or polycarbonates for the mounting brackets.

• Compatibility

All bike handlebars are different, so it's important that your bike rearview mirror be compatible with your bike's handlebar before making a purchase. To be fair, most bike mirrors have plenty of wiggle room, but some oversized or ultra-thin handlebars can push the mirror's compatibility spectrum a bit beyond their comfort zone.

Another thing you need to consider is mounting system compatibility: for racing bikes, you'll need special drop-bar mirrors, while for mountain bikes or commuting bikes, it's best to opt for a handlebar-end placement. Check how much space you have on your handlebars to make sure the mounting mechanism has enough room to securely mount the bike mirror.

• The size

When thinking about size, both the actual reach of the mounting bracket and the diameter of the lens must be considered. For mirrors mounted on the ends of the rod, the length of the bracket is fairly standard, but for center-mounted mirrors, the length can vary considerably. Which mirror diameter is best for your cycling requirements depends on your riding style and the type of vehicle you ride. For daily commuting, opt for larger lenses for maximum field of view, and for off-road driving and road racing, smaller, more compact mirrors.

• Adjustability

Adjustability of a bicycle mirror is an important factor. The more adjustment options you have, the more adjustments you can make to get the perfect position for your riding style. Cheaper models have adjustment only on the base of the mirror.

• Mirrors with mount at the end or in the middle of the steering wheel

The last thing you need to consider before ordering a new bike mirror is whether you prefer a handlebar-end or mid-bar mount system. Both have their pros and cons, but it basically comes down to the type of setup and your driving style.On the other hand, if you've just purchased some nice new enclosed end handles, you certainly don't want to ruin them by making room for the base's end insert locking mechanism. Self-mounted mirrors are also generally more resistant to vibration than their counterparts, making them the best choice for mountain bikers, gravel riders, and generally anyone who likes to spend time on bumpy but less-traveled trails.

Results

On today's busy roads, one of the best pieces of equipment to invest in is a quality bike mirror that provides excellent visibility and visibility. Although racing and mountain biking enthusiasts often turn up their noses at them, there is an undeniable advantage to maintaining good posture when cycling, looking forward.

Find the best bike mirror for your bike to enjoy a safe ride. Consider handlebar size, desired location (e.g. at the end of the handlebar or on the handlebar itself), desired field of view, and ease of connection when shopping for a bike rearview mirror.