Bicycle handlebar mirror

The choice of a bicycle handlebar mirror is important, it is one of the essential bicycle handlebar accessories to ensure your safety and improve your visibility. Here is a guide to help you choose the right mirror based on your needs and type of bike.

1. Type of bike:

• Road bike: Compact and aerodynamic mirrors are best suited to not weigh down or unbalance the bike.
• City bike: A larger rearview mirror can be useful for better vision in a dense urban environment.
• All-terrain bicycle (MTB: Choose a sturdy and stable mirror that resists vibrations on rough trails.

2. Type of attachment of the bicycle handlebar mirror:

• Rear view mirror attached to the handlebar: This is the most common type. It attaches to the end or middle of the handlebars and is compatible with most bikes.
• Mounting on the end of the handlebar: Discreet, but offers a slightly limited field of vision.
  Attachment to the stem or in the center of the handlebars: Offers better visibility but can clutter the handlebars.
• Rearview mirror attached to the helmet: It mounts directly on the helmet. It is light and offers stable vision, but requires some time to get used to it.
  Rearview mirror on the glasses: This model is more compact and discreet. It attaches to cycling glasses, ideal for cyclists who want to limit equipment on the bike.

3. Field of vision of the bicycle handlebar mirror:

• Large mirror: Offers a wider field of vision, ideal for city trips with heavy traffic.
• Convex mirror: Convex mirrors are curved and widen the field of vision, but objects may appear farther away.
• Small mirror: More discreet and often preferred for road bikes, but the field of vision is reduced.

4. Material and robustness:

• Plastic: Lightweight and affordable, but less resistant to impact.
• Glass mirror: Heavier, but offers better image quality and is more scratch resistant.
• Shockproof material: Recommended for mountain bikers or cyclists riding on rough roads.

5. Adjustability of the bicycle handlebar mirror:

Opt for an adjustable mirror with multi-angle articulation. This makes it easy to adjust the mirror to your preference or driving position.

6. Ease of installation and removal:

Some models can be installed or removed quickly without tools, which is convenient if you need to store or change the mirror frequently.

7. Design and aerodynamics of the bicycle handlebar mirror:

For speed-conscious cyclists, a compact and aerodynamic bicycle handlebar mirror will minimize wind resistance. For urban cyclists, a wider but stable design is often preferable for maximum vision.

Additional Tips:

• Night visibility: Some mirrors have reflective strips for better visibility at night.
• Compatibility: Make sure the mirror you choose is compatible with the diameter of your handlebars or helmet.

Popular brands:

• Zefal: Known for its robust and versatile mirrors.
• Mirrycle: Appreciated for its compact and efficient models.
• CatEye: Specializing in bicycle accessories with lightweight and efficient mirrors.

8. Compatibility of a bicycle handlebar mirror:

The compatibility of a bicycle handlebar mirror depends on several technical criteria, in particular the type of mirror and the specifics of the handlebar. Here are the key things to consider to ensure the mirror you choose is compatible with your bike:

A. Handlebar diameter:

• Handlebar End Diameter: Most mirrors that attach to the handlebar end are designed to fit a standard diameter. Road bike handlebars typically have a diameter of 22.2mm, while mountain bike and city bike handlebars can vary between 22.2mm and 25.4mm.
• Universal Compatibility: Some mirrors include adapters or adjustable mounting clamps to fit different handlebar sizes.

B. Handlebar shape:

• Straight Handlebars: Typical on mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, these are often compatible with a wide range of mirrors that attach to either the end or mid-section.
• Drop bars: These handlebars, common on road bikes, are narrower and often require specially designed mirrors to attach to the end or bottom of the bend. Make sure you choose a model designed for this type of handlebar.

C. Type of attachment of the bicycle handlebar mirror:

• Internal mounting (in the handlebar end): Some mirrors fit directly inside the handlebar end via a plug that expands to ensure a secure fit. Check that the inside of the handlebar is not obstructed or too narrow.
• External mounting (around the handlebar): Other mirrors attach around the handlebar with a collar or clip. In this case, you must ensure that the diameter of the clamp is compatible with the section where you want to attach the mirror.

D. Accessories already present on the handlebars:

If you already have accessories like a speedometer, bell or ergonomic handles, you need to make sure there is enough room to install the mirror without obstructing other equipment. Mirrors with adjustable collars can be a good solution in these cases.

E. Compatibility with integrated gear systems:

    For bicycles that have gear levers integrated into the handles (such as city bikes or certain mountain bikes), it is important to check that the bicycle handlebar mirror does not interfere with the operation of the controls.

F. Rearview mirror type:

Handlebar-mounted mirrors: These are the most common and fit most bikes. Just make sure you choose a model compatible with the diameter of your handlebars.
Helmet or goggle mirrors: If you have incompatible or cluttered handlebars, helmet or goggle mounted mirrors can be an attractive alternative.

G. Adjustable mirrors:

    Choosing a bicycle handlebar mirror with an adjustable arm or a ball joint allows you to better adapt it to the shape and position of your handlebars, even if the latter is curved or atypical.

To ensure compatibility of a mirror with your bike's handlebars, measure the handlebar diameter and check if the mirror installation is intended to accommodate that diameter. Also consider the shape of the handlebars and the presence of other accessories that could limit the available space. If you are in doubt, opt for mirrors with adjustable or universal mounting systems.

Conclusion:

The choice of a bicycle handlebar mirror depends mainly on your type of bicycle, the type of attachment desired and your visibility needs. If you drive in town, choose a rearview mirror offering a wide field of vision. If you are a road cyclist, opt for a lighter and more discreet model.