For a while I've ridden without mirrors on any of my four bikes. It wasn't a conscious decision and evolved over time, with switching handlebars, updating controls, etc. I meant to reinstall mirrors but learned I hardly needed the rearview vision with my current style of riding: mostly upright bikes with better awareness, on bike paths, rail trails, and dirt roads. Funny thing is, I used to be an advocate of mirrors, but now I'm happier, avoiding contact with automobiles, thus the accessory became unnecessary.
What has been your experience?
While I've definitely acknowledged their utility, I could never really get into bike mirrors. I've used a helmet-mounted one for a few tours, and while it was useful for seeing what's behind me, I found it more distracting than useful, since the way a helmet mirror is set up, one eye always has it in its sight. I feel like I got a few headaches from this, as my eyes were wanting to focus on the road ahead but my left eye was distracted by the view behind. It doesn't seem like a bar-mounted mirror would have the same problem, but I could never figure out a spot to mount one.
ReplyDeleteNow as I get older and more stiff, the "turn around to see what's coming" gets harder, so I should definitely revisit mirrors.
Best,
Shawn
https://urbanadventureleague.wordpress.com/landing-page/
Who knows, maybe I'll revisit mirror use in the future. The only time recently, that I missed a mirror was pedaling an on road segment of the Erie Canal.
DeleteI don't like riding without mirrors these days because if I look back I am definitely in danger of falling off my bicycle
ReplyDelete