The main "colleagues" in road traffic for the bicycle - cars - are equipped with mirrors in mandatory... Any changeover, movement and even parking is confirmed by the drivers by checking the situation in the mirrors.
Why is a cyclist worse? Let's consider what mirrors are usually used by cyclists, what are their features in relation to stationary devices on cars and whether they are really needed.
Mirrors: pros and cons
Review is safety most important. But why then are bike mirrors so rarely used by cyclists?
Here are the most popular cons:
- You have to buy and install them - probably the most popular “minus”. Another accessory costs money, needs to be fixed, etc. - for the most part people are not at all keen on tuning and decorating their bikes, but want to “just ride”.
- Broken glass if dropped can cause serious injury.
- Distracting attention to the mirror can often be detrimental, since the habits of cycling are very different from those of motorists.
The efficiency of using mirrors is indeed questionable. In addition to the disadvantages described, most of the accessories sold are not very conveniently attached to the handlebars, and provided that the cyclist can ride in various positions, you have to constantly pay attention to the position of the rear-view mirror.
In addition, bumps, light collisions and other excesses necessarily touch a fragile and large element on the handlebars or helmet - with consequences that are not the most convenient for the rider.
Fastening
Several types of such accessories are produced in terms of size and method of attachment. The main thing is not even the method of fastening, but its point. The locations can be amazing! For example, mirror wheels, which are more of a decoration, and should be described in this article.
On the steering wheel
Of course, the standard mount is on the bike itself, and specifically on the handlebars. A rubber-seated clamp, a small pin and a mirrored surface on it are a standard accessory. There are several layouts:
- standard - the pin is small, holds firmly on the steering wheel, does not move without human intervention;
- high - by analogy with motorcycle choppers, the mirror for the bicycle is moved far up or back, so that it is more convenient to look at it. The pin is longer, but there are no special differences from the previous version;
- suspended - the led mirror hangs on a free hinge under the steering wheel, and not above it. An interesting solution, which, nevertheless, is usually very poorly implemented - it is very difficult to look into a free-hanging mirror because of the constant movement and inconvenient angle of inclination.
It happens that the glass is attached not to the steering tube itself, but to its end. This is more dangerous for the device itself - it is easier to break, touch something, but for a cyclist, everything is much better - in any dangerous situation, the chances of running into fragments are minimal.
On the helmet
Small mirrors are often hung from the helmet. Some "elite" helmets even come with this accessory initially.
Indeed, it is convenient. By adjusting the position and tilt once, we get good overview back ... But we lose it forward! This and the additional weight of a helmet that is not always comfortable - these are the main disadvantages of such a mirror.
An additional disadvantage, of course, is safety - the glass that can break and the bracket next to the eyes are not the best solution for emergency safety, no helmet will give full protection.
On the body
An interesting but rare placement option is on one of the items of clothing. Bracelets and watches with mirrors, additional holders for a backpack strap or shoulder.
Exotic, interesting, but practically not used by anyone - too much hassle.
Some people try miniature versions for sports glasses or in the form of a clip on a bandana. But it is unrealistic to find convenience in such devices, which is why they remain exotic.
Materials and prices
Due to a too narrow market, "serious" manufacturers usually neglect this accessory, which leads to the appearance in stores of many unnamed Chinese models, occasionally mixed with brands of medium and low level - Larsen, STELS, Topeak.
Most often, accessories are mounted on a plastic bracket, occasionally - on a custom one, i.e. including several pivot points for customization. Such options are usually more massive and, despite the target scenario of "tuning", are used more heavily.
Manufacturers are trying to popularize their products, but have not yet achieved much success. Therefore, the price of the devices remains very low - from 300 rubles. However, there are design solutions(for example, a micromirror for glasses), which are issued through crowdfunding platforms and can cost $ 100 each.
DIY mirror
Not everyone will want to spend money on such a risky accessory, and this may be correct, because a mirror for a bicycle can be made by hand.
The easiest way is to make a hanging mirror from a tin plate and a small female mirror and attach it to the steering wheel. For manufacturing you need:
- Tin strip or galvanized sheet (can be cut from the profiled sheet).
- Double sided tape.
- Makeup mirror (or just a cut out piece).
From tools: sewing meter, ruler, pencil, metal scissors, pliers. The rest is optional.
We work:
- Measure with a meter required dimensions- steering wheel circumference, overhang length.
- We mark on a metal sheet a strip of the required length so that you can wrap the steering wheel with it and hang it to the height of the bottom of the mirror on both sides.
- Cut out the strip using metal scissors.
- Gently wrap it around the steering wheel, cutting the corner under the steering tube with pliers (you can put a rubber or plastic insert so that the iron does not scratch the steering wheel).
- We glue the two sides of the iron strip with double-sided tape.
- We glue the glass on the resulting base.
It is not difficult and inexpensive to install a hanging rear-view mirror on the bike!
Conclusion
Bicycle mirrors are an unpopular and controversial accessory. You should seriously consider whether it is worth using it. And if you decide to install, you can always make a "test" version with your own hands. Its installation is very simple. The main thing is to keep your attention on the road and remember that safety is primary and accessories are secondary.
You may not need a mirror when riding in the woods or on sports trails, but if you are using a bicycle as a vehicle, you should consider purchasing one. I want to say right away: the presence of a mirror will not relieve you of the obligation to look around and turn back to assess the traffic situation. However, it will allow you to get some information about what is happening behind your back.
Mirrors differ primarily in the mounting option
Frankly speaking, not the most convenient type of fastening. With insufficient length or insufficient bend of the mirror leg, in its reflection you will see only your hand. Especially if the handlebar grip is solid and you don't want to shorten it. The side-clip grips can simply be pushed closer to the center of the handlebars and the mirror mounted on the edge of the handlebar.
Again, if the grip is solid, you will have to cut off the edge to gain access to the end of the handlebar. With this type of attachment, nothing will interfere with the view, because the mirror will protrude beyond the dimensions of the bike. The mirror is kept inside due to the plastic spacer.
Helmet mount
The mirror is attached to the helmet either with glue or with Velcro. It is a small mirror with a long stem. Interestingly, such mirrors have become widespread when driving on a highway, where the speed of movement increases both for a bicycle and for cars. This can be explained by the fact that at a speed of about 40 km / h it is unsafe to constantly look back - you can lose concentration and pull over to the side. The problem with these mirrors is that they are very small and only give a rough idea of what is happening behind you.
Exotic mounts
For example, on the arm or on the strap of a backpack. Interesting, unusual, but useless. The mirror will constantly move out, you will correct it and you will get nothing but a hassle.
Another important difference is the display option
1. the size of the items. This is both a plus and a minus. The plus is that you can accurately determine at what distance this or that object is from you, it is easy to understand the dimensions of the vehicle and the lateral interval with which you are overtaken. The downside lies in the dependence of the information content of what is happening behind the size of the mirror. Still, this kind of mirror must be quite large.
(parabolic) is great because it gives a lot more information at the same dimensions. The main disadvantage is the distortion of objects and the difficulty of determining the same lateral interval. For girls, looking in such a mirror, it will not be very convenient to tint their lips. I must say that the operation of such mirrors is a matter of habit. On some cars, such mirrors have become commonplace.
The main disadvantage of mirrors is that none of the mounts will provide you with 100% rigidity. A very topical moment on the roads or sidewalks of our country. Not only is the mirror itself not very large, but also when shaking it is very difficult to see something in it. However, if everything is fine in your city with a road surface, then a mirror will be a very useful accessory.
When riding a bike along the road in the same direction, you often have to turn your head back. Especially before making a maneuver. It is very uncomfortable.
Therefore, mirrors on a bicycle are a really convenient thing.
But it should be noted that not all mirrors are. For example, those sold on Aliexpress are a complete mess, for the simple reason that they are not spherical, not panoramic. At least, those that I ordered were ordinary mirrors. This is the first thing.
Secondly, some of the mirrors offered on aliexpress are not only not spherical, but also very small.
Today I will tell you how to make a really "working" mirror, and cheaply. It will look something like this:
It is worn on the edge of the grip:
For this we need:
The mirror itself is an additional view mirror, which is molded on double-sided tape on the side mirrors of the gazelles. You can buy it at any car dealership. Today I bought one for 90 rubles. But it's expensive. In the previous 2015, I bought a pair, like for 30 rubles.
Mount from a reflector. My previous great came with regular reflectors: red and white.
About this, the photo is not mine.
They were on a removable mount.
Also - the left photo.
If there is no such reflector, you can buy an adjustable bolt-on reflector. I bought this for 50 rubles. We only need a mount from him.
This riveting is worse. First, the extra knot is the bolt. Secondly, it is heavier.
An important point - before gluing, you should decide for which side this mirror will be intended. Since you need to glue the mirror not in the center, but slightly offset to the side. In this case, I will make a mirror for right side... Therefore, I will move the mirror to the right. If this is not done, the mirror will be carried out less to the side and will take up more space on the grip. The second photo shows that the mirror is slightly shifted to the left.
So we clean it up.
Apply glue in a thin layer.
We are waiting for 10-15 minutes and press hard.
It looks terrible, but there are options: either glue it more accurately, or find colorless glue, or clean it and paint it black. Personally, I will most likely do the latter.
After the mirror dries up, it is simply put on the edge of the creeps.
There is no point in screwing it there. The mirror is held firmly enough. By the way, another drawback of some aliexpress mirrors that are attached to the grip is shaking. Because they are attached with a rubber mount, shaking them when moving, from which, of course, the whole picture trembles.
In such a mirror, everything is clearly visible. And so good, through the right mirror you can see left side roads.
This is my old left-hand mirror.
It's the same.
Question 1 of 15
1 .
Are the Rules violated in the situations depicted?
Right
f) tow bicycles;
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
d) while driving, hold on to another vehicle;
f) tow bicycles;
Question 2 of 15
2 .
Which cyclist doesn't break the rules?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
b) move on highways and roads for cars, as well as on the carriageway, if there is a nearby Bike Lane;
Question 3 of 15
3 .
Who should make way?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists are obliged to give way to others. vehicles moving along the road.
Question 4 of 15
4 .
What kind of cargo is allowed to be carried by a cyclist?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
22. Shipping
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.4. The cyclist can only carry such loads that do not interfere with the ride of the bike and do not create obstacles for other participants road traffic.
22. Shipping
22.3. The carriage of goods is permitted provided that it:
b) does not violate the stability of the vehicle and does not complicate its management;
Question 5 of 15
5 .
Which cyclist violates the Rules when transporting passengers?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
e) carry passengers on a bicycle (with the exception of children under 7 years old, carried in an additional seat equipped with securely fixed footrests);
Question 6 of 15
6 .
In what order will vehicles go through the intersection?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Not properly
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of their direction further movement.
16.12. At an intersection of equivalent roads, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
Tram drivers should also be guided by this rule. At any unregulated intersection, a tram, regardless of the direction of its further movement, has an advantage over non-rail vehicles approaching it on an equivalent road.16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed by each other and drivers driving on secondary roads.Question 7 of 15
7 .
Cycling on sidewalks and footpaths:
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
c) move along sidewalks and footpaths(except for children under 7 years old on children's bicycles under the supervision of adults);
Question 8 of 15
8 .
Who has priority when crossing a bike path?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists are obliged to give way to other vehicles moving along the road.
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists are obliged to give way to other vehicles moving along the road.
Question 9 of 15
9 .
What is the distance between groups of cyclists moving in a column?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Not properly
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.3. Cyclists moving in groups should ride one after another so as not to interfere with other road users. A column of cyclists moving along the carriageway should be divided into groups (up to 10 cyclists in a group) with a movement distance between groups of 80-100 m.
Question 10 of 15
10 .
Vehicles will pass the intersection in the following order
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
Not properly
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.13. Before turning left and making a U-turn, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving along an equivalent road in the opposite direction, straight or to the right.
Question 11 of 15
11 .
The cyclist will pass the intersection:
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Not properly
8. Traffic regulation
8.3. The signals of the traffic controller have priority over the signals of traffic lights and the requirements of road signs and are mandatory. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow one, take precedence over road signs priority. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with additional requirements of the authorized official, even if they contradict traffic signals, road signs and markings.
16. Passage of intersections
16.6. When turning left or turning around at the green signal of the main traffic light, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving in the opposite direction straight or turning right. Tram drivers should also be guided by this rule.
Question 12 of 15
12 .
Flashing red signals of this traffic light:
Right
8. Traffic regulation
Not properly
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.6. To regulate traffic at level crossings, traffic lights with two red signals or one white-lunar and two red signals are used, having the following meanings:
a) flashing red signals prohibit the movement of vehicles across the level crossing;
b) a blinking white-lunar signal indicates that the alarm is operational and does not prohibit the movement of vehicles.
At railway crossings, simultaneously with the prohibitory signal of the traffic light, the sound signal, additionally informing road users about the prohibition of movement through the crossing.
Question 13 of 15
13 .
Which vehicle driver will pass the intersection second?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed by each other and drivers driving on secondary roads.
Not properly
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed by each other and drivers driving on secondary roads.
16 Passing intersections
Not properly
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.3. Traffic signals have the following meanings:
A signal in the form of an arrow, allowing a left turn, also permits a U-turn, if it is not prohibited by road signs.
A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional (additional) section (s), included together with a green traffic light signal, informs the driver that he has priority in the direction (directions) of movement indicated by the arrow (arrows) over vehicles moving from other directions;
f) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two red flashing signals prohibit movement.
A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in an additional (additional) section (sections), together with a yellow or red traffic light signal, informs the driver that movement is allowed in the indicated direction, provided that vehicles moving from other directions are allowed to pass unimpeded.
A green arrow on a plate installed at the level of a red traffic light with a vertical arrangement of signals allows movement in the indicated direction when the red traffic light is on from the rightmost lane (or the leftmost lane on one-way roads), provided that the traffic advantage is given other participants moving from other directions to a traffic signal allowing movement;
16 Passing intersections
16.9. While driving in the direction of the arrow included in the additional section simultaneously with the yellow or red traffic light, the driver must give way to vehicles moving from other directions.
While driving in the direction of the green arrow on the table set at the level of the red traffic light with vertical signals, the driver must take the rightmost (left) lane and give way to vehicles and pedestrians moving from other directions.