Is it weird to get a bike mirror on handle bar?
Posted by Sphere_3N@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 121 comments
I have a ebike that I've been using for commuting/errands to try and not buy another car which should save money if I stop buying a ton of accesories for the bike...
But I was wondering is geting a mirror on the left side will it look kind of like weird or people will think Im like a dork?
I ride in bike lane but I get kind of nervous sometimes not being able to see traffic behind me.
Revolutionary_Fly769@reddit
Get a mirror you like. On my gravel bike the bar end mirrors work for me. Not a great pic but here they are.
LSpliff@reddit
I have a bar end mirror on an emtb, I flip it down under the bar when I hit the trails and flip it out when I get on the road. Multi packs on Amazon are pretty cheap - they break pretty easily though, I usually have to replace once a year.
CommercialSignal7301@reddit
I have both a bar mounted and one that clips to my sunglasses. The bar is for distance and glasses for close.
S0PRAN0OO3@reddit
I love my mirror and could give 2 cents what people think. I also have a flashing helmet with turn signals. My safety is the most important thing.
S0PRAN0OO3@reddit
I love my mirror and could give 2 cents what people think. I also have a flashing helmet with turn signals. My safety is the most important thing.
PSU_Dad_2027@reddit
You could also install a rear view camera which gives a more complete view of what’s behind you. They are relatively inexpensive and easily removable to recharge via USB.
Zenigata@reddit
You'll look a whole lot dorkier under that car you didnt see because you were too cool to get a mirror.
Mirrors are common on utility bikes like cargo bikes and really help you stay aware of your surroundings.
Got them on all my bikes now, feel really uneasy without one.
tedy4444@reddit
right! i bought mine after my first ride. was like nope, i need these.
Shadowsource@reddit
When I first got my ebike, I skipped on the mirrors thinking they could wait a little bit. After 2 days of riding it was evident that I was wrong and put in order. 100% necessary.
I sometimes catch myself glancing down at shopping cart to look in the mirror. Then I remember that I'm shopping, not riding.
Global_Recipe6483@reddit
Honestly I haven’t added them to my ebike I do feel like they mess up that fine design my bike provides😍 but safety is important and is all up to your preference enjoy your mirrors !
godver3@reddit
Why would it be weird? I ride with one and primarily commute by e-Bike.
footsnax@reddit
It's weird not to.
I think it's weird when people put them on their helmets, but even that's just personal preference. I like to not have a permanent blind spot that can move slightly depending on how long my hair is.
Not having a mirror is weird to me. It's so much easier than looking completely backwards over both shoulders every ten seconds. Even just passive awareness, you don't have to look at it to just kinda know that there's two cars evenly spaced 150 feet behind you and one of them really wants to pass the other but is clearly worried about hitting you.
Get a mirror, get lights, wear your helmet. You're gonna look like a huge dork underneath that F350 that didn't glance in your direction at exactly the right time.
FixedMessages@reddit
Helmet mounted allows me to adjust my blind spot by turning my head a little bit. And it doesn't shake to the point of being useless when I ride on rough/gravel roads. (Maybe I just had a crummy handlebar mirror before though.) I much prefer it, even though I hate the way it looks. But as you say, just personal preference. Key is to have good visibility and awareness, however you choose to do it.
footsnax@reddit
Gravel is a totally fair call, I just feel like I don't need to see behind me as often or as accurately on the trail.
But yeah that's totally preference. I just don't like it, I'm just happy you're safe :)
Albatross-Content@reddit
A small mirror doesn’t replace shoulder checks, but it makes everything less reactive you’re not constantly guessing what’s behind you.
FixedMessages@reddit
I wear an orange colored full helmet with visor and have a mirror mounted on it (I prefer helmet mounted because my head doesn't shake around as much as my handlebars, so I feel like I have an easier time seeing, and can shift my head a little to get a fuller view). I think I look dorky AF, so I'm sure other people are chuckling at me. But being able to see behind me, and knowing my head and face are more protected for things going badly (and I've had plenty of close calls with inattentive drivers so I've accepted an 'it's not if, it's when' mindset about that) are well worth suffering with looking dorky.
Glad you got the mirror! Hope it works out well for you.
Additional_Delay_793@reddit
I have one of these. It does not look weird. I think it looks kind of cool.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VC54PJ?th=1
Veggyhed@reddit
I have one of these on both of my bikes on the left side of my handlebars. They work really really well and I feel a lot safer
MildlyAgitatedBovine@reddit
it's not weird
Don't worry so much about being weird
wlexxx2@reddit
i like helmet mirrors more than handlebar
many reasons
mainly they do not vibrate, and give you more of a field of view
OkWord4560@reddit
Do it! You'll never regret it. Early warning for Uber Eats dicks who go flat out past you on either side with no warning.
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
It's not weard at all, I have right and left mirror,and I can say,big help...👍
burieddeepbetween@reddit
We all need to stop caring about looking 'cool'. Not just on bikes, but in all areas of our life.
Gb160@reddit
I have one of those tiny Cateye BM-45 mirrors and it's a lifesaver. The turbulent wind noise whilst riding makes you almost oblivious to traffic coming up behind you, and I found a glance over the shoulder to be bloody dangerous on occasion.
Now a quick half second glance down and I know the situation, and I don't think I could ride on roads without it anymore.
AmazedAtTheWorld@reddit
I must be a dork. I just installed one yesterday.
Cardabella@reddit
What's cool is keeping yourself safe, for your own sake and the sake of those that love and depend on you.
What's not cool is dying for a really stupid and avoidable reason: such as vanity about the momentary impression of hypothetical strangers who didn't even notice you. Especially traumatising the innocent person whose wheels you pulled out under because you were too cool to give yourself a good view of oncoming traffic.
Wear your helmet, reflective stripes stripes and patches, and equip your bike with lights and mirrors. And don't ride impaired.
frank_be@reddit
It’s not wierd here in Europe, even mandatory for speed-pedelecs ;”class 3” in the us).
Had one on my non-e-bike, (less common), it broke off and I really miss it ;) I do live in a city
Ro-54@reddit
If it helps with your safety and you’re okay with it then let it be weird
neomoritate@reddit
Get a mirror if you want a mirror.
It doesn't matter if redittors think it's weird or not.
Neenknits@reddit
My mirror is one I clip to my glasses. But ALL bikes if any sort need a mirror!
lFightForTheUsers@reddit
Mirrors are probably my sole best upgrade to my bike for riding in roadway. Get some. Personally I really like my "bar end" mirrors off Amazon that screw into the ends of the handlebars, folded out of the way when not needed and there when I do need them. Big enough to use but not so obnoxiously big to look like motorcycle mirrors.
i__hate__you__people@reddit
I recently added this mirror to my ebike for commuting, and now I wonder how and why I ever lived without it. Honestly, it’s the best mod I’ve ever done to a bike. (And I’ve done a lot)
Get the mirror. It’ll change your life
cash_jc@reddit
I went without one for a year but it was much more convenient just to get one. There’s way too many people who can’t be counted on to make smart choices when riding so you got to cover your bases.
Stankbananas@reddit
I don't think it looks weird at all. It's really inconvenient when you're riding and can't see the traffic behind you. The rearview mirror is there to help you keep an eye on the road behind and stay safe. It's not some random quirky decoration.
oldfrancis@reddit
It's only weird if you care about what other people think.
What are the most valuable skills that you can obtain as a bicyclist is to not give a good goddamn what people think about your bicycle, what you're wearing, where you're riding and who you're riding with.
mattpanico@reddit
https://youtu.be/bSJoD3YQenE?si=RwyrZNIhkq8xJajE
This video from 16 years ago (oh god, I’m old) says it best
stephenmakesart@reddit
Amen
green_sky74@reddit
That is,a like skill, not just a biking skill. "The fine art of not giving a shit."
oldfrancis@reddit
Totally
TRAKRACER@reddit
Word
Odd-Lime-2738@reddit
Tall_0rder@reddit
I mean I’ve got mirrors on both sides. Rather look like an alive dork than a dead cool guy. 🤷🏻♂️
Shilvahfang@reddit
Get what you need for your bike.
That's the rule of biking.
Anyone who critizises your bike is a loser.
jazzyl2025@reddit
I have a decent sized mirror on my handlebar. I've had comments and little digs about it. But more importantly I've seen a lorry behind me in it so I could know to move aside and let him pass. (Country lane). I also had a basket at one point. Whatever you do someone's gonna whine about it. Ignore them, anyone who mocks something used to keep you safe is a moron. Get the mirror.
ipercepti@reddit
Some people think riding an ebike is dorky. You've already crossed the line with those guys so you might as well embrace it for the sake of safety.
WattsAGigawatt@reddit
My 13 year old son thinks e-bikes are for lazy people. He came home from school, got off his bike, and asked if he can try my GoMad. I set it to Class 1 Eco and 12 MPH limit and let him have fun. Then I gave him a bit more fun and changed to Class 2 Trail still 12 MPH and he was smiling so much he changed his mind.
Continuing with the dorky theme, I thought I’d be dorky on the GoMad but I really love the fatty tires and how much more stable I feel. I’ve also been considering mirrors because I can’t always turn my head around to look. I’d rather have the mirrors than wish I needed them and be too late.
imakittycatmeowmeow@reddit
people dont realize you’re still working out, but the power you put in is basically tripled to where you can go so much further than a normal bike. i hate when people say im cheating with my ebike
imakittycatmeowmeow@reddit
i got one after two years of not and i wish i did it sooner, its s o nice
ProgenitorOfMidnight@reddit
I have a mirror on my left to watch for traffic on my ebike and my road bike.
Intelligent-Pen-2479@reddit
You mean dorks like the Vespa Mod culture?
Can't be safer than this :)
Intelligent-Pen-2479@reddit
I've been riding bikes and motorcycles for decades.
I also bike commute for errands which means I use roads shared with motor vehicles. The side mirror (left in our country) is the best investment for my safety (aside from helmet)
It is far easier to look at the side mirror than turning your head only to see partial peripheral view of the back. I bought the concave mirror so it shows a wider angle than regular ones.
It doesn't look weird but even if it does (to others) I don't care. It's for my own safety.
Imagine riding a motorcycle or a car without side mirror.
So... It's good you bought already. Ride safe always!
PS: I had to buy several side mirrors because the first one I bought had shorter stem and didn't offer a wide view of the back. So I opted for a mirror with longer and taller stem with concave mirrors.
TaxMountain3137@reddit
Is it weird for a car to have a review mirror, or side mirrors? No.
Why would it be weird for someone who isn’t protected by a 1.5-5k lb pile of steel, plastic, fiberglass, and aluminum, to be able to see when that pile is speeding up on their a** very fast, and halfway in the bike lane?
Protect your life, screw your self image.
Sigma-8@reddit
I have two mirrors
Writing_Particular@reddit
I got one that attaches to my helmet. Got less concerned with looking dorky after I had a minor “incident” with a slow-moving car that I didn’t see coming up behind me.
Powerful-Ice-4579@reddit
I go in and out of a sliding glass patio door, also keep in my living room. Any available that adjust to that easily? If someone knows please tell.
Existing-Decision-33@reddit
It's your bike and money .
donaldgoldsr@reddit
I have one coming out of my handlebar on the left side. It's super handy for traffic.
rshetts1@reddit
Don't worry about what other people think. Worry about being safe when you're out on the road. If you think mirrors look weird then get a Garmin radar. They are a bit pricey but so is a visit to the ER. Either way, when you're on a bike it's always good to cover your butt. If you're interested the Garmin RTL515 is on sale right now pretty much everywhere.
Cargobiker530@reddit
I have a left side mirror on all my bikes. It's weird to trust in luck to monitor passing traffic.
The_walking_man_@reddit
I rode a normal pedal bike with a mirror. It adds a lot of safety to be able to see cars coming up on your left.
MissaLynn_@reddit
I know i look like a dork w my stupid helmet and left side mirror and idgaf lollll I use it 100% and rely on it just like in my vehicle.
jolard@reddit
First purchases after my e-bike were a new bell and a handlebar mirror. I use it constantly to check behind me as I ride along side traffic. It is an important safety feature in my mind.
Brewna@reddit
I have two mirrors lol. I don't care if ppl think I look like a dork, at least I ride around safely and can actually see around me! All that matters
First-Text3374@reddit
I find having a mirror to be literally lifesaving.
stephenmakesart@reddit
I have a mirror. It helps me if I ride on the road to see cars coming up behind me so I don't have to try and look over my shoulder. It helps me stay safe.
porkchop_d_clown@reddit
Late to the party - but I use a mirror on my helmet because I can see more of the road behind me as a I turn my head from side to side, and because I had a bad habit of knocking my handlebar mirror into things.
BadAngler@reddit
Dumb question. /s
WeazelGaming808@reddit
I use a pedal bicycle. And now I can't live without a mirror. Having one helps a lot.
SSPYoda@reddit
I'd focus more upon avoiding getting injured or killed than on what anyone thinks, tbh
16tontovarish@reddit
Now I have mirrors I can't go back.
greybeard1363@reddit
I have had a CDL for 50 years. I cannot be without my mirrors. I have two ebikes, each has a mirror on the left side of it's handlebar. The stress is just too high riding in traffic without it. I respect people more who know how to use mirrors.
tantalor@reddit
It's weird to worry what other people think about you.
Lordly_Lobster@reddit
I have one and see a lot of people with one. You won't catch a roadie using one (they probably have radar) but it really is a helpful thing to see what is coming up behind you without turning your head.
toaster404@reddit
I think you're a dork already.
Get the mirror. I have a big one.
bipolarpsych7@reddit
Its weird seeing so many bikes with bar mirrors and not bar cap mirrors... I never understand how people see anything other than their own shoulders with mirrors on bars.
Id recommend a good set of bar end mirrors or get really comfortable looking behind while riding.
ellipticorbit@reddit
A mirror is useful. Especially in congested areas. You can still turn your head to look behind you, which is also a good idea due to blind spots. But being able to monitor traffic behind you without taking your eyes off the road in front of you is very useful.
As too looking like a dork, that's the least of your concerns. A good percentage of the motorists out there actively hate bicyclists of all sorts and do not want you on the road at all. Some will commit violence against you just for existing.
Ok-Neat-4113@reddit
Really? Who cares?
stilldeb@reddit
I ride with a mirror on each side so I can see,
FjordExplorer@reddit
I love having one, when I ride my regular bike I miss it greatly. Used to have two, but I'm ok with just one on the left.
TRAKRACER@reddit
It took me awhile before i found the right ones with minimal vibration., finally copped one
Ancient-Chinglish@reddit
why would it be weird or dorky to be aware of what’s behind you
TheHedonyeast@reddit
i got myself one of the ones that goes on the lower fork and i love it. i dont like the ones on the handlebars as they really feel like they make my bars so much wider (even if they dont actually make much difference)
LedZeppole10@reddit
Who cares about anything other than what works for you
Ok-Type-8917@reddit
I use bar end mirrors because my body doesn't block them. I wouldn't ride without out them, cars coming up behind me have always startled me when unexpected. I even have rear radar. I'm 64 years old and when I was a kid if someone told me I'd be wearing a helmet I would have been worried about being a dork. There is no overdoing safety.
huenix@reddit
That mirror can save you from getting plowed over on the street.
Exciting-Peak70@reddit
First NEVER consider "looks", it's always function over form especially when it's a piece of safety equipment. All bikes, including e-bikes should have a left side (US, right side UK) mirror to check for traffic when crossing the road. I like my mirrors to be convex to get a broader view.
nazz_aar@reddit
i have a left mirror and it’s made riding feel much easier and safer
TopRepulsive4766@reddit
You mean like this? And honestly I don't give a shit what other people think. I do what I want. I don't go riding to please other people. And I do like being able to see behind me.
But I do see many people riding with handle bar mirrors. So it's not uncommon (at least not here).
Betterwithfetter@reddit
Just get one… I did and it’s a life saver.. literally.
sanfran54@reddit
I've been using a Mirrycle type mirror on all my bikes for some 30 years.
not_productive1@reddit
I have two mirrors on my bike and I love them. I use them all the time and they make me feel much safer and more aware, especially in traffic. Do they make me look like a dork? Maybe. But I wasn’t beating the dork allegations anyway.
OlDirtyBaskets@reddit
One bar-end mirror is good
Ok-Impression-4766@reddit
buy the Hafny Mirror right side and mount it upside down on the left, works great!
stormdelta@reddit
A mirror on the handlebar is practically a requirement for riding in bike lanes / roads, it would be weirder to not have one IMO.
You want one that goes into the end of the bar, don't get the kind that slides onto the handlebar as they can't reach far enough to have good visibility.
I use a Mirrcycle model that's made by a Colorado-based company.
Academic_Deal7872@reddit
I don't care it's weird, I like having it there. I still look behind me, but it's great to have.
jnyc777@reddit
First thing I do when I build any bike is put a bar mirror !! Maybe it’s from my days of ridding motorcycles but I like to see if a cars coming for me !
gallandof@reddit
Just got one for my bike, I am not a fan of the helmet mounted ones, and riding in Boston, I need to constantly check the mirror to make sure no ones coming up my ass
El_Guap@reddit
Not having a mirror on an e-bike is weird. It's like seeing a squid on a motorcycle with nothing but cargo shorts and flip flops.
Since e-bikes can't keep up with the speed of traffic in most cases, having a helmet and a mirror on the left is the minimum you should be riding with for basic safety.
DonnPT@reddit
I mostly agree, but just want to point out it's at least as useful if you are keeping up with traffic.
Few-Helicopter-2943@reddit
A tip that works well for me - you might have better mirror visibility if you mount it under the bar, rather than above it. When it's above, I have to move my arm out of the way.
Scrounger888@reddit
It's a really good thing to have so you can be aware of traffic, whether bike or car, especially if you ever have to cross a road or change lanes. They make you safer. Better to have someone think you're a dork (they won't) than to be hit by a car or faster bicyclist coming up behind you. That will make you look much worse. Choose safety over what others may think.
wealthe1@reddit
Surronster used to have one mirror on left handle
DoTheRightThing1953@reddit
Some manufacturers don't include a mirror because it saves them a couple bucks. You absolutely should add one.
Quercus408@reddit
People say wearing a helmet is weird but I don't like skull fractures as much as they apparently do.
Safety looks weird, till you need it.
"What's with all these life boats clogging up the Promenade Deck?" Remember how that went?
Ravio11i@reddit
Very common, not dorky at all
RichGuarantee7482@reddit
its less weird to get hit by a car
abercrombezie@reddit
For roadies in Spandex, they judge each other‘s drop bar bikes but for commuter e-bikes it seems normal.
Significant-Pen-6049@reddit
All my e-bikes have mirrors and should be required to have them in my opinion. I've dodged so many cars coming up behind me.
miknob@reddit
Mine fits into the bar end. I would hate to ride without it.
Ok-Conversation-7292@reddit
It's how my bike is set up, i don't think it's weird at all.
SwollenMexican@reddit
I have my action cam facing to the rear and a live view function from the app so I use that as rearview.. also have bar end mirror too just in case I dont have the camera
dinglehead@reddit
lol look at all the dorks defending basic safety gear in this thread.
FL-Cracker@reddit
Look like a dork? Do you really care that much what other people think? You absolutely need a rear view mirror.
Odd-Lime-2738@reddit
2 Bar end mirrors and a glasses mounted one. The glasses mounted one gets the most use, bar ends are there for extra. Glasses mount takes a little getting used to, but when you do, it’s like another eye.
Pro tip - don’t give a rats arse what people think you look like just as long as you’re still breathing.
m2keo@reddit
Yeah dude. People gonna laugh and clown on u big time!..
Most embarrassing thing I ever did. lol. j/k.
PacNWnudist@reddit
Who cares what other people think about them? Do what makes you safe.
RecordDense2459@reddit
It seems weird to NOT have a mirror on a commuter bike
ihavenoideia@reddit
I use it on my cargo bike (actually one in each side), and even on the roadbike i have a small one on the drops. It's really a game changer. No one will bat an eye about your mirror, but it will make a ton of difference to you for sure.
squishyliquid@reddit
I feel so much safer having mirrors.
On my one bike I put "normal" mirrors. They are great but with the stuff on the handlebars I was limited as to where I could put them.
On the other I put cheap bar end mirrors. Those are definitely better situated, but the mirror is small and not very clear.
BoringBob84@reddit
A rear view mirror is a good idea - not weird at all. You are safer when you can easily see what is coming up from behind. It is a matter of preference whether you put the mirror on the helmet or on the bike.
tedy4444@reddit
amazon bar end mirrors are like $20 and i feel are a necessity on a bike. super easy install too.