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I researched bike mirrors from A to Z, and I was surprised how complicated it may be to choose the best bike mirror. Are you confused as well? After reading this article, you won’t be.
These are the best bike mirrors from every category:
Below, you will learn why these are the best mirrors, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bike mirror, and what bike mirror is the best for your bike and riding style.
The Best Handlebar Bike Mirrors
1. Hafny Handlebar Bike Mirror
The Hafny mirror is mounted to the handlebars with a few screws. Its installation is very easy. Thanks to the fixed arm, the mirror’s position won’t change even if you drive through potholes. In case of a crash, you don’t have to worry about injuries from glass fragments. The lens is made from a shatter-proof lens.
With the help of an arm and a 360° swivel joint, you can adjust the mirror to an angle that suits you. And thanks to the 5.5″×2.45″ mirror surface, you will get a wide view behind you. There are also reflective elements on the back of the mirror for your higher visibility and safety at night.
You can get the Hafny handlebar bike mirror in two different versions. One contains an ‘Anti-Glare Blue Glass Lens’ layer, which ensures less light reflection. The second (cheaper) version does not. At the same time, the mirror is available in left and right variants.
2. DRCKHROS Handlebar Bike Mirror
Although this bicycle mirror is strangely named (DRCKHROS), don’t worry. Its name does not affect functionality. It is a minimalist mirror with a flexible arm, thanks to which you can easily adjust the mirror lens position.
Unlike the previous mirror, this one does not allow you the 360° rotation. Yet, you can slightly tilt the lens itself. A possible disadvantage may be that the cars in the mirror seem to be further than they really are. I believe you will quickly get used to estimate the right distance.
You will be able to attach the mirror to handlebars 0.87 – 1.26 inches (22.1 – 32 mm) in diameter. However, the manufacturer recommends the 0.87 – 1.05 inches (22.1 – 26.7 mm) diameter handlebars.
3. MEACHOW Handlebar Bike Mirror
The MEACHOW mirror is very like the first mirror in this section. It is also available in left and right variants. There are also 2 types of lenses – blue and silver. The blue lens contains a 75% anti-reflective layer, the silver only 50%.
The mirror has an aerodynamic shape, so it will not slow you down too much at higher speeds. The arm is made of aluminum, which is light but strong. Unfortunately, you can’t bend the arm in any way. However, the lens is rotatable through 360°.
The mirror lens is resistant to scratches and possible breakage. You can attach the mirror to handlebars with a diameter of about 0.87 inches (22.2 mm).
Did you know there are also rearview bike radars? Check the most popular one from Garmin Varia RTL515.
The Best Bar-end Bike Mirrors
1. Hafny Bar-end Bike Mirror
The mirror by Hafny is on this list for the second time. This time in the bar-end variant. The mirror is available in 2 sizes (62 or 68 mm diameter). Under this link, you will also find variants with a blue and silver glass finish, which differ in the reduction of light reflection (75 vs. 50%).
You can use the mirror if your handlebar has a diameter of 0.58 – 0.89 inches (14.8 – 22.5 mm). The mirror’s advantage is that you can tilt it to avoid damage when going through very narrower spaces. Undoubtedly, you will also appreciate the possibility of using the mirror on the left or right side thanks to 360° rotation.
According to the manufacturer, the mirror should be easily recyclable and environmentally friendly.
2. Mirrycle Bar-end Bike Mirror
The Mirrycle bike mirror is my favorite. It is cheap, easily adjustable, and it offers a great view behind you thanks to its convex lens. However, the cars may seem further away than they really are. But you will get used to it.
You can use it on both the left and right sides because you can tilt the lens as you need. The only downside is that the bike mirror is made of glass and not plastic. This means it can break more easily, so I don’t recommend using it in rough terrain.
Mirrycle bike mirror is designed to fit 0.54 – 0.875″ (13.75 – 22.5 mm) handlebars. It is suitable for most commonly used bicycles, including road, fitness, hybrid, mountain, etc.
3. Sprintech Bar-end Bike Mirror (Best Bike Mirror for Road Bikes)
The Sprintech road bar-end bike mirror is iconic for its design. It is aerodynamic so that it won’t slow you down during your ride or even a race. Yes, you read correctly. With this bike mirror, you will know exactly what is happening behind you during a road race!
Its installation is also super easy. Just remove the end plug and put the mirror inside the bar end. Feel free to adjust it as you need to get the best view possible.
Compared to the other bar-end bike mirrors, the Sprintech mirror is the best road bike mirror out there. The other alternatives won’t provide you with as good and large a view angle as this Sprintech mirror.
Feel free to choose from 6 colors (black, green, red, white, yellow, and blue) to match your frame’s paint.
The Best Bike Helmet Mirrors
1. EVT Bike Helmet Mirror
This is a round mirror that will give you an overview of what is happening behind you. The mirror is 2.2 inches in diameter, and it has a solid construction. So, it will not vibrate much and will stay in pretty much the same position.
You can easily adjust the mirror thanks to the auxiliary arm that holds it in one place. Since the mirror weighs only 0.1 lb, you won’t even realize that you have a mirror on your helmet.
The arm is attached to the helmet with straps that are included in the package.
2. Cycleaware Bike Helmet Mirror
The Cycleaware bicycle mirror has a simple shape. It offers enough field vision thanks to a flexible arm and a possibility of 360° rotation.
In case you get irradiated by the reflection of the sunshine, you can easily rotate the mirror. It can be especially useful if you are in a forest or on quiet roads. A very effective suction cup that is in the package resists wind and rain.
The downside is that the mirror has to be stuck on your bicycle helmet, so you can’t remove it and use it somewhere else.
3. Life On Bike Helmet Mirror
The Life On bike mirror is the “stick it on your bike helmet” type of mirror. Once you attach it, you won’t be able to use it on another helmet.
The mirror comes with foil protection so make sure you take it off before your first ride. This mirror offers 360° degree rotation so you can adjust it as you want.
The arm of the mirror is made of aluminum that is strong enough to absorb vibrations, yet light enough so won’t experience neck pain.
The Best Sunglass & Eyeglass Mirrors
1. Bike Peddler Eyeglass Mirror
The Bike Peddler eyeglass mirror is one of the most popular eyeglass mirrors on the market. All you have to do is attach it to your glasses with the clamp, and you’re ready to go. Of course, you can attach the mirror to the left or right side of your eyeglass. Some riders also prefer to attach the mirror to the bike helmet’s sun visor.
You can adjust the mirror as you need. It will provide you with a good overview of what is happening behind you. It is available in 2 sizes (Compact and Original). These vary in the size of the lens.
The Compact is smaller – 1.46 × 0.79 inches (37 × 20 mm) with 1.81 inches (46 mm) armature. The Original is slightly larger 1.46 × 1.10 inches (37 × 28 mm) with 3.19 inches (81 mm) armature.
2. Third Eye Eyglass Mirror
If you are looking for an eyeglass mirror and don’t like the Bike Peddler Eyeglass Mirror, you will likely end up with the Third Eye Eyglass Mirror.
The mirror is made of plastic, and it has a different design. The lens is round and offers a diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm). The clamping mechanism is the same as for the Peddler Eyeglass (clamp), and you can adjust the mirror as you need.
However, this mirror may not suit everyone due to the relatively short arm, as it is relatively close to the eyes. In addition to using the mirror on the bike, you can also use it when walking the dog or on a walk. Just pin it to your cap and head out.
My Verdict
The following mirrors are the best you can get from each category.
I like the EVT bicycle helmet mirror in the bike helmet mirrors category because it provides enough view surface. It is easily adjustable, sturdy, and thanks to attachment strips, it stays in place. It is very light, which is very important for a bike helmet mirror (otherwise, you can experience neck pain).
My favorite bike handlebar mirror (and also the best overall) is the one from Hafny. It is very well built and sturdy. You can choose from a left or right variant. There are also 2 light reflection options. And, your safety at night will improve thanks to the printed reflector on the rear side of the mirror.
As the best bar-end bike mirror, I consider the one from Mirrycle. I like its minimalistic design and the fact that you can adjust it almost as you want. The lens is made of convex glass that provides a larger viewing angle. It is suitable for most types of bicycle handlebars.
If you look for an eyeglass mirror, there are not too many options available on the market. My winner is the Bike Peddler Eyeglass Mirror. It is lightweight, available in 2 sizes, and easy to attach. It does its job pretty well.
Why Use Bike Mirrors?
Roads are busier than ever. For us, cyclists, it is bad news because, together with pedestrians, we are the most vulnerable groups in traffic. It is good to have an overview of what is happening in front of you and behind you and follow some basic safety tips.
A crash of a cyclist with a car can be fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the crashes involving bicyclist or pedestrian, and a car has been increasing since 2009 in the US. In 2018 alone, 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the US. That may seem like a low number, but it is not.
A bike mirror is a cheap accessory, the added value of which far exceeds its price. The bike mirror will help you find out what’s going on behind you, so you don’t have to turn around. You will not lose an overview of what is happening, which is extremely important in heavy traffic.
Turning behind you on a bike can also lead to loss of balance and a subsequent fall. Thanks to bike mirrors, you can easily avoid these problems.
How to Choose the Bike Mirror Type?
There are 3 basic types of bike mirrors on the market. Each of these types has its advantages and disadvantages. You can compare them in the table below.
| Type of Mirror | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet Bike Mirrors + Sunglass & Eyeglass Mirrors | They stay in your field of vision all the time. They can be used in combination with any type of bike because they are attached to a helmet. | The mirror displays the view based on how you rotate your head. They tend to be small. |
| Handlebar Bike Mirrors | They are easily adjustable. They tend to be larger than bar-end bike mirrors. | They take up more space. They may become unstable on a rough surface. |
| Bar-end Bike Mirrors | They take up less space. They are easily attachable. | Their position is not ideal. They tend to be small. They are sensitive to vibrations. |
Pros and Cons of Different Bike Mirror Types
Bike Helmet Mirrors
As the name suggests, bike helmet mirrors are designed to be attached to your helmet. There are 2 main mounting systems.
- The mirror is equipped with a screw clamp. You can attach the mirror to your helmet almost anywhere.
- The mirror has a glue patch. This means you can stick it to the flat surface of your helmet.
The bike helmet mirrors are independent of the type of bike you ride. So you can use it on road, hybrid, city, or commuter bike. But, their disadvantage is the mirror view changes as you turn your head.
Handlebar Bike Mirrors
The handlebar bike mirrors are the most popular type of mirrors. They are very easily adjustable so that you can use them on different types of bikes. They are big enough to provide you with enough surface to see clearly, what is happening behind your back.
Before you buy this type of bike mirror, make sure you double-check its compatibility with your handlebar (eventually your frame). The last thing you want to order a bike mirror that won’t fit your bike.
Bar-end Bike Mirrors
These mirrors are a subcategory of handlebar bike mirrors. They are designed to be attached to the end of your handlebars. There are different attachment mechanisms. The most simple one is replacing the end plug. But there are also bar-end mirrors that are attached with a velcro strap.
Bar-end bike mirrors tend to take up less space than handlebar mirrors. They are relatively stable, but their position isn’t ideal – especially on road bikes.
Sunglass & Eyeglass Mirrors
Sunglass & eyeglass mirrors are like bike helmet mirrors. The main differences are that they are attached directly to your sunglass or eyeglass, and the mounting mechanism is also slightly different.
Otherwise, they offer the same pros and cons as the bike helmet mirrors (read more).
Bike Mirrors Features
Every bike mirror has its features. Before you buy the bike mirror, it is good to know what you can expect from it. Once you understand the features of bike mirrors features, it will be easier for you to make the final choice.
Compatibility of Bike Mirrors
The compatibility of your next bike mirror is the first thing you should consider before buying it. You don’t want to open the box and find out that the mirror won’t fit your handlebar.
So, make sure that the attachment mechanism provides you with enough flexibility to fit different diameters of your handlebar, eventually the frame.
TIP: I don’t recommend using bike mirrors for riding in rough terrains (mountain biking or even downhill). There are a lot of shocks, which can cause the mirror to break. And let’s be honest, the mirror is completely useless in this case.
Size of Bike Mirrors
The larger the mirror is, the better – right? Well, not exactly. Be careful with choosing the size of the bike mirror. The bigger bike mirrors can break more easily.
Furthermore, a bigger mirror can reflect more sunshine which can temporarily blind you. Choose the golden mean, or choose one of the best bike mirrors on the market from the list above.
Tiny bike mirrors may be a bad choice too, because they won’t provide you with enough visible field. This is especially true for bar-end mirrors.
Adjustability of Bike Mirrors
Adjustability is one of the most important features that the bike mirror offers. If the mirror won’t allow you to adjust it, it is far from useful.
Each cyclist rides in a slightly different posture and on a different bike. Every cyclist is also differently tall. To see anything in the mirror at all, you need to be able to adjust it.
Handlebar and helmet mirrors can usually be adjusted relatively easily, but this may not be the case with bar-end mirrors.
Left vs Right-Sided Bike Mirrors
Most countries respect the right-hand side driving standard. If you live in the UK, India, or Australia, for example, make sure you buy the right-sided bike mirror.
There is nothing wrong with investing more money and buying a mirror for both sides, but it is unnecessary.
Other Features
Some bike mirrors also have extra features like reflective strips, so you will be more visible on your bike while driving in the dark.
It is also important that the bicycle mirror is made of safety glass. The safety glass won’t break so easily in case of a crash, and the shards won’t hurt you.
You can also take advantage of the anti-glare coating. The reflection of the sun or other sources of sharp light can be really annoying. The coating reduces the reflection so that you won’t experience temporary blindness.
Bike Mirrors FAQ
This post is regularly updated to provide you with the most up to date tips on products. If you find a product that is not up to date, please, contact me.
