Hi guys, this isn't a comprehensive guide but I wanted to share some of what I learned when hanging out with Chris Nolte at Propel, talking about rear view bike mirrors. As always, I welcome your input and elaboration on what's in the video, what you have experienced yourself, and what you think would work well or are excited about in the coming years. I haven't used bike mirrors a lot, and have actually been annoyed with them at times because the demo bike wasn't setup right... they seem like a precision part that really needs to be dialed in to work. And, maybe I just need to get used to them? Anyway, they do seem like a good idea as long as they don't compromise your steering or just end up being distracting.
In some parts of the world, bicycle mirrors are actually a requirement. Germany requires them for Class 3 speed pedelecs, for example. I had never really explored the options or learned how to use a bike mirror before this, but I see the value in keeping track of your surroundings. Many people use ebikes as a means of transportation in the city and I have used them for commuting to work. Sometimes you really need to be focused ahead vs. looking back over your shoulder, and that's when a mirror can help. Most of them are small, adjustable, and mounted to the bike handlebar... but some options can mount to your helmet.
The mirrors that we looked at in this video guide include:
Some mirrors mount into the end of a bike bar, others clamp onto the outer portion of the bar and can be positioned above or below, inside or outside of the grip. It's a good idea to simulate turning with a mirror before actually riding a bike, so you know that it won't hit your knee or thigh. It's possible to mount two mirrors, as we see with motorcycles and some Vespa type scooters, but since ebikes do not generally ride in traffic, most only utilize one side mirror. In terms of pricing, it seems like bike rear-view mirrors range from $20 to $50 depending on the features and quality. You can see a full list of Busch & Müller bicycle mirrors at their official website here: https://www.bumm.de/en/products/ruckspiegel.html
In addition to the bike-mounted rear view mirrors that we explored, there are also helmet-mounted mirrors. Apparently they can work pretty well, but it can create a bit of wind noise and get bumped easier when you take the helmet off. I haven't used this type of mirror myself but you can explore a bunch of options here: https://amzn.to/2AysoVF and finally, there are even sunglass mountable rear view mirrors that are removable. These are the smallest option of the bunch and might stay in position the best, but could add some ear and nose weight, especially if it's windy out or you're riding fast: https://amzn.to/2KmoqPm Here's another thread about bike mirrors that I found in the forums that talks about bike mirrors.
In some parts of the world, bicycle mirrors are actually a requirement. Germany requires them for Class 3 speed pedelecs, for example. I had never really explored the options or learned how to use a bike mirror before this, but I see the value in keeping track of your surroundings. Many people use ebikes as a means of transportation in the city and I have used them for commuting to work. Sometimes you really need to be focused ahead vs. looking back over your shoulder, and that's when a mirror can help. Most of them are small, adjustable, and mounted to the bike handlebar... but some options can mount to your helmet.
The mirrors that we looked at in this video guide include:
- Busch & Müller 701 Mirror: this mirror is fairly large, offers fine tune adjustment after being mounted, fits into the end of the handlebar tube, and has a spring loaded fold-in feature to reduce damage if you bump a sign post, automobile, or other obstacle when riding in tight spaces. The fold-in feature might also keep your bike handlebar from turning and causing an accident if you do make contact... it's a very cool feature. I didn't see the mirror listed on the official B&M website but here's a link to Propel: https://propelbikes.com/product/busch-muller-701-mirror-e-bikes/
- Busch & Müller 901 You See Cycle Star: this mirror is medium sized and round, offers a bit of fine tune adjustment after being mounted, and fits into the end of the handle bar tube, and also folds in but does not spring back out on its own. You can see this mirror at https://amzn.to/2OCyHu9 and since it's compact, it might be good for smaller ebikes that fold.
- Ergotec M-99: this mirror is fairly large, offers fine tune adjustment after being mounted, clamps onto the handle bar, and does not appear to have a fold-in feature. You can see more details about this bike mirror at their official website here: https://www.ergotec.de/en/products/spiegel/sub/ruckspiegel/produkt/m-99.html this one is made for e-bikes and rated for 45km/h speeds.
- Ortlieb UltraLight Bike Mirror: this mirror is fairly large, offers fine tune adjustment after being mounted, clamps onto the end of a handle bar, does not have a fold-in feature but also does not stick out. You can see more details on the official Ortleib website here: https://ortliebusa.com/product-category/ultralite/ it's a good option for lightweight road bikes.
Some mirrors mount into the end of a bike bar, others clamp onto the outer portion of the bar and can be positioned above or below, inside or outside of the grip. It's a good idea to simulate turning with a mirror before actually riding a bike, so you know that it won't hit your knee or thigh. It's possible to mount two mirrors, as we see with motorcycles and some Vespa type scooters, but since ebikes do not generally ride in traffic, most only utilize one side mirror. In terms of pricing, it seems like bike rear-view mirrors range from $20 to $50 depending on the features and quality. You can see a full list of Busch & Müller bicycle mirrors at their official website here: https://www.bumm.de/en/products/ruckspiegel.html
In addition to the bike-mounted rear view mirrors that we explored, there are also helmet-mounted mirrors. Apparently they can work pretty well, but it can create a bit of wind noise and get bumped easier when you take the helmet off. I haven't used this type of mirror myself but you can explore a bunch of options here: https://amzn.to/2AysoVF and finally, there are even sunglass mountable rear view mirrors that are removable. These are the smallest option of the bunch and might stay in position the best, but could add some ear and nose weight, especially if it's windy out or you're riding fast: https://amzn.to/2KmoqPm Here's another thread about bike mirrors that I found in the forums that talks about bike mirrors.
