Tis better to have mirrors than not.
- Thread starter February
- Start date
lnanek
New Member
- Region
- USA
I had mirrors on my ebike and broke my right hand on one of them in my first crash. Made recovery a lot worse because I also had a broken hip, but couldn't use crutches because of the broken hand. I went flying over what I crashed into otherwise, so my hand probably would have been fine without the mirrors.
February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
Can I ask if you were cruising/commuting or off road? No judgements, I'm just curious. For Me, they are heaven sent, no more looking over my shoulder. It gives me the freedom to ride the full car lane when open and allows me to communicate with motorists and merge better into/through traffic. Lot less anxiety here.
Lol, I still had to yell, "On your left!" the other day.
February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
Yeah about 40 miles from where I live Some lady in a jeep, ran over 2 bicycling Amish, at 5 pm, in the middle of summer, no traffic, not a cloud in the sky. I've had a few ragers, but they never get too close. Just waiting to get coal roled, I know it's coming, Murica... But yeah I'm going to wear a helmet, but I figure If I get hit, I won't be getting up from the accident.
lnanek
New Member
- Region
- USA
Was doing cruise control at ~30mph on a street around 5am in the morning and looked down to adjust a USB light. Had my Grin controller set to maintain throttle after keeping it blipped for a few seconds.
Crashed into a dark blue steel trash can in the middle of the bike lane. Not much use for mirrors here since my entire 20 mile commute has bike lanes anyway. I don't really ride anywhere different if there's a car behind me or not. I do regret disconnecting my main battery powered lights in favor of the USB rechargeables, though.
Crashed into a dark blue steel trash can in the middle of the bike lane. Not much use for mirrors here since my entire 20 mile commute has bike lanes anyway. I don't really ride anywhere different if there's a car behind me or not. I do regret disconnecting my main battery powered lights in favor of the USB rechargeables, though.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
The mirrors as used by February are installed up and outwards. Mirrors that many of us use (Mirrycle) are best installed below the handlebar grip and inwards. No danger to break your hand during the OTB. Actually, the mirror is protected and wouldn't break, either.
I agree having a mirror (I think mirrors on both sides are an overkill) is better than having none. Not sure what the Walmart mirror cost but a Mirrycle sells now for $18.12 on Amazon.
I agree having a mirror (I think mirrors on both sides are an overkill) is better than having none. Not sure what the Walmart mirror cost but a Mirrycle sells now for $18.12 on Amazon.
February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
I'm rural, but live near a cluster of small towns. I decided not to mod out my bike other than new handle bars and a new light down the road. Even when I did gas builds, I still used these type of mirrors with no issues. This cruiser of mine has a limiter at 20 mph or 22 in cruise, but on average I'm riding it around 15 to 18 mph. It's also a fair weather bike. Unfortunately there is no way I can avoid sharing the road with motorists. I respect your decision, but I'm going to stick with mirrors.
February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
Agreed. I didn't relly need the right mirror.
Slaphappygamer
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Aptos
I believe a mirror is very necessary for someone commuting. For a downhill eMTB’er, not so much.
Jeremy McCreary
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
And not just commuting. Anywhere you could cross paths with people, bikes, motor vehicles, dogs, killer bees...
I've rode motorcycles, and now motor scooters, since I was 12 years old. I have to know whats behind me! Rear view mirrors are a must have for me. Maybe its all the motorcycle riding, or maybe I'm just paranoid, but I have a hard time not having a rear view mirror. God forbid a side mirror gets broken on one of my cars. I get those fixed asap. When I had my 2001 Ford Ranger I had a box of 4 extra drivers side mirrors in a box on standby because I parked it in the street and that mirror got broken at least 3 times a year minimum. My Honda Fit has yet to get its mirror clipped but it now holds down the Rangers old parking spot.
Aushiker
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Australia
- City
- Walyalup, Western Australia
Whereas I do
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
My recipe for anyone who has to temporarily switch from the right-hand to the left-hand traffic is:Whereas I do
'The side of your hand closer to your heart is the RIGHT. The other side (with the hand dominant for most people) is the LEFT'
Helped me to drive and ride in the UK (and Ireland) for so many times
By this convention @Aushiker you are relying on the LEFT side mirror
February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
I'm nearing 50. Rode motorcycles and scooters since I was 16. I don't ride motorcycles anymore, too dangerous these days(between distracted drivers and White tail deer, I have decided not to ride motorcycles anymore), but like you, once you get used to having the situational awareness of a motorcycle operator, it's hard to go back to no mirrors. I love the new mirrors. Can't imagine sharing the road with cars without them.
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I have used this eyeglass mirror for years, dont leave home without it. I paid $13 for it and if it broke I would pay the $18 it costs now.
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February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
All I have left to do to this ebike:
Switch out stem and handle bars to proper cruiser length with 30" Walds touring handle bars,
Upgrade light, the one I want cost as much as the entire ebike,
Install turn signals
Install new handle bars, right will be full throttle instead of half and they will be classic tube shaped, not the funky ergo ones I have.
Acquire a really nice case to store extra batteries on back of bike.
Switch out stem and handle bars to proper cruiser length with 30" Walds touring handle bars,
Upgrade light, the one I want cost as much as the entire ebike,
Install turn signals
Install new handle bars, right will be full throttle instead of half and they will be classic tube shaped, not the funky ergo ones I have.
Acquire a really nice case to store extra batteries on back of bike.
February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
I've seen them, but I'm planning on buying a bike helmet off ali express with a full face visor.
Slaphappygamer
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Aptos
Cool. I’m curious how you are going to install turn signals. I got a kit and then installed front turn signals. I use the all them time.
PsychoBilly
Member
- Region
- USA
Hopefully you make a full recovery.
February
Active Member
- Region
- USA
As the weather turns, I lucked out and found a nice vitamaster 40c for $15 on craig's list. Needs a new seat and again, to make it a proper cruiser bike, will need new stem and handle bars. I think I am going to start looking for these antique stationary bikes to restore and possibly resell. I'm sure I'm not the only one with shoulder injuries who requires a cruiser set up to take pressure off the shoulders and elbows.
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