When I first considered Using Motorcycle Bar End Mirror for Bicycle, it felt a little unconventional. Yet, after testing it, I realized that it greatly improved my awareness of the road and my surroundings without being as cumbersome as I initially feared. Even though it’s designed for motorcycles, the mirror is surprisingly small and light, which makes it practical for commuters or touring bikes. Its placement at the bar end means I no longer have to turn my head constantly, reducing the risk of missing what’s ahead.
It helps keep the focus on the road, which boosts overall safety and awareness of potential blind spots. Compared to traditional handlebar mirrors, this option offers some unique pros, like maintaining the sleek style of the bike, without looking unsightly. The only cons I found might be that it could take precedence over the classic design of bicycle mirrors, but in terms of practicality, it wins. Whether you’re a casual rider or enjoy fast-paced rides, this mirror helps to improve your biking experience, without compromising on speed.
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Bar end road bike mirrors
Best view without interference
1. Cateye BM45 Bar End Mirror
Best view without interference
Specifications:
- Size: 44mm diameter as tested
- Weight: 35g as tested
- Available deals on Amazon and Tredz Limited
Reasons to buy:
- Glass curvature optimizes your view
- Easy fitting and adjustment for quick installation
Reasons to avoid:
- The ball and socket joint can separate if knocked
The Cateye BM45 Bar End Mirror is a great addition to any bicycle, whether you have flat or drop handlebars. This neat, round, adjustable mirror fits perfectly into the bar end, staying out of the way while offering an excellent view behind. Even though it’s quite small compared to other mirrors we’ve tested, its curved glass surface provides a better view than some larger mirrors we’ve tried. It works especially well on drop bars, where it gives a long and clear view of what’s happening behind you.
Fitting the mirror is easy thanks to the 3mm hex key and expanding bolt system that come with it. The ball and socket joint makes adjustment simple, even when you’re riding. Despite being easy to adjust, the joint stays tight and secure, with no issues of moving out of position during testing. On one occasion, while parking the bike, the mirror got a good thump and the joint popped apart, but it was easy to reattach and has been perfectly fine since.
Best small mirror with big view
2. Zefal Spin 15
Best small mirror with big view
Specifications:
- Size: 60mm (w) x 28mm (h) as tested
- Weight: 49g (as tested)
Reasons to buy:
- Fold-away design for easy storage and added protection
- Horizontal shape and curvature maximize your road view
Reasons to avoid:
- Relative weight might be a bit heavier compared to other options
The Zefal Spin 15 stands out from many other mirrors due to its rectangular shape, which provides a key advantage when it comes to maximising your view. Unlike round mirrors, it helps you see more of the width of the road and the lanes of traffic behind. The curvature of the mirror further expands your field of vision, offering excellent coverage. It’s a small bar end mirror that fits into the end of your bars with an expanding plug and is easy to install using a flat screwdriver fitting. This setup includes rotating joints and a 180° elbow, allowing you to adjust and orientate the mirror for the perfect angle.
One of the handy features is that the mirror can be folded away when you’re not riding, so it doesn’t catch on a wall or gateway. Though it’s slightly heavier than its peers, weighing 49g, this is not a significant downside given the utility it provides. In practice, we found no issues with its design, and the mirror stayed securely in place even during long rides on various types of bikes.
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Best bar end mirror for size
3. Blackburn Multi Mirror
Best bar end mirror for size
Specifications:
- Size: 95mm (w) max x 55mm (h) max
- Weight: 82g (as tested)
Reasons to buy:
- Added reflector for extra visibility
- Large wing mirror style view without obstructing brake hoods
Reasons to avoid:
- Barend plug can be difficult to tighten
- Vulnerable to being knocked
The Blackburn Multi Mirror is similar in size and design to other handlebar-mounted mirrors we’ve tested, offering a bigger view without fouling your brake hoods or affecting your grip. It features a plug fitting with a knob that you can tighten by hand, meaning no need for tools. With its rotating and folding joints, it’s easy to adjust and fold the mirror out of the way when you’re not riding.
Although it provides a clear view behind, the main downside is that the bar-end plug doesn’t expand much, causing the mirror to become loose. Unfortunately, during testing, the mirror fell out of the tester’s bars a couple of times, and on one occasion, it met its demise under the wheels of a passing car before we could take a photo.
Handlebar road bike mirrors
Best for high quality view
1. Sella Italia Eyelink
Best for high quality view
Specifications:
- Size: 100mm (w) max x 48mm (h) max
- Weight: 84g (as tested)
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable hood-fitting
- High-quality mirror
- Stable and durable
Reasons to avoid:
- Only for the left-hand hood, making it not suitable for the UK and other countries that drive on the left
- Price might be higher than other options
The Sella Italia Eyelink is without a doubt the highest quality mirror we’ve tested. It offers the crispest and clearest view, and because it’s large and hood-mounted, it provides the biggest and least obstructed view of what’s happening behind you. It fits snugly over the brake hood using a soft rubber cover and a Velcro strap underneath, ensuring your hand rests on the fitting rather than directly on the hood. This setup didn’t cause any discomfort for our testers, even on longer rides of an hour or more. However, if you frequently ride on the hoods without gloves, you might find it slightly less comfortable.
One of the trade-offs with the Eyelink is its price, which is more than twice the cost of the second most expensive mirror in this guide, priced at £40 or $80 RRP. Another drawback is that it can only be mounted on the left side of your bars, which makes it less useful for riders in the UK or other countries that drive on the left. Despite these downsides, its premium build and quality make it a great option for those looking for top-notch performance.
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Best value handlebar mirror
2. Blackburn Road Mirror
Best value
Specifications:
- Size: 95mm (w) max x 55mm (h) max
- Weight: 64g (as tested)
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent view of what’s behind
- Inexpensive and budget-friendly option
Reasons to avoid:
- Fitting may not be as comfortable on top of brake hoods
The Blackburn Road Mirror is a large, rectangular mirror that easily attaches to your drop-bar brake hoods. It’s a cheaper and more basic version of the Sella Italia Eyelink, making it an affordable choice for those who prioritize price over higher quality. Despite being less expensive, this drop bar version of the Blackburn’s Multi Mirror is a great option for commuting in busy areas, especially in countries that drive on the left.
The plastic shell of the mirror clips over the brake hood and is secured with a Velcro strap. While the fitting isn’t as ergonomic or comfortable for long rides, it works well for shorter trips. The slight curvature in the mirror provides a decent view of what’s behind, although the overall quality isn’t as high as the Eyelink.
The Blackburn Road Mirror adjusts using a ball and socket joint, offering good adjustability and a secure fit during testing. This design allows the mirror to be used on both the right or left, making it versatile and adaptable to various riding conditions. For anyone looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option, this mirror offers solid performance at a lower price.
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Best for easy fitting and versatility
3. Zefal Spy Mirror
Best for versatility
Specifications:
- Size: 50mm (w) max x 40mm (h) max
- Weight: 29g
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to swap and remove between bikes
- Tool-free fitting makes it convenient
Reasons to avoid:
- Requires space on bars to fit
- Less secure when mounted on the end of bars
The Zefal Spy Mirror stands out from other mirrors we’ve tested because it attaches with a rubber strap around your bars. This makes it incredibly easy to attach wherever there’s space, and you can adjust the angle to get your preferred view. It’s also simple to swap between bikes or even remove when you park. In terms of size and view-wise, it’s similar to other bar-end mirrors, and we found that looping it around the drops was the best position for a clear view.
You can also place it more centrally on your bars, though some of our testers found it harder to see past their bodies in this spot, especially if their bars were already cramped with lights, GPS mounts, and other bits. If you position it at the end of the bars, there’s a slight risk of knocking it off, but during testing, we had no issues. The grippy and stretchy rubber fitting provided excellent stability throughout our rides.
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Helmet mounted road bike mirrors
Best helmet mirror for a big view
1. Zefal Z-Eye helmet mirror
Best helmet mirror
Specifications:
- Size: 41mm (w) max x 32mm (h) max
- Weight: 22g (as tested)
Reasons to buy:
- High-quality mirror with good curvature for a big view
- Easy to adjust
Reasons to avoid:
- Variable stability on helmet fitting
The Zefal Z-Eye is a small, helmet-mounted mirror that provides a surprisingly big view. This is thanks to the extended length of the arm and the large curvature of the mirror, allowing you to get a clear view of the road behind. It’s also easy to adjust with a combination of rotating and hinged bolts as well as a screw-adjustable pivot by the helmet attachment. Together, these features make it simple to position the mirror for an optimal view while riding.
However, there are some downsides to this design. Due to the curved nature of the mirror, it can feel a bit odd to change focus from the road ahead to the mirror itself. Some of our testers adapted to this quickly, while others found it more difficult to get used to the shifting perspective. Despite this, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a versatile helmet mirror.
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Best minimalist mirror
2. Blackburn Helmet Cycling Mirror
Best minimalist mirror
Specifications:
- Size: 18mm diameter
- Weight: 6g (as tested)
Reasons to buy:
- Easy and solid fitting
- Extremely lightweight
Reasons to avoid:
- Difficult to adjust
- Limited view
The Blackburn helmet mirror is extremely tiny and lightweight, weighing just 6g. Due to its small size and lack of a curved mirror, it only lets you know that something is behind you without offering a clear view of what or where it is. Like most helmet mirrors, it’s also difficult to keep your shoulder out of the vision, further limiting what you can see. The mirror attaches to the side of your helmet using a two-part socket on an adhesive pad, making it easy to remove. Despite its size, the fitting is impressively strong and stayed securely in place during our testing.
The mirror is adjusted using a ball and socket joint at the end of a thin plastic rod. The rod is flexible, which means it won’t cause issues in the event of a crash, but it does create some waggle while you ride. On the plus side, the ball and socket joint is tight, so it holds its position well, though it can be difficult to adjust while riding.
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Advice
What is a bar end mirror?
Bar end mirrors are designed to fit into the end of your bars and work with both drop handlebars and flat handlebars. These mirrors are typically smaller and more discrete, making them a great option for riders who want to see behind but don’t want an obtrusive mirror. While you may have to sacrifice a big view, a good curvature can still provide a clear field of vision that is largely unobstructed by your arm or shoulder. Drop bar testers often prefer the long, low down view that these mirrors offer.
One of the downsides is that you may need to move your focus more compared to mirrors mounted higher on the bars. For a road bike, you can easily remove the small plug in the bar and replace it with the mirror. On a flat bar bike, you’ll need a grip with a removable end or a bit of DIY trimming to create a slot for the mirror.
What is a handlebar mirror?
Handlebar mirrors are designed to mount on your bars, with options for both flat and drop bars. This style of mirror is often the largest and sturdiest, making it ideal for riders who prefer a large, uninterrupted view while riding. If you’re using brake-mounted hoods, these mirrors provide an un-obscured view that’s easy to check with a quick glance, similar to a car wing mirror. However, these larger mirrors can be vulnerable to getting knocked when parking and might feel uncomfortable for your hands if you ride on the hoods frequently.
Other versions of handlebar mirrors can be fixed anywhere on your bars with a strap or clamp, offering more flexibility. However, they may be difficult to position for a clear view past your body, especially when there’s limited room due to front lights, a bell, a cycling computer, or a smartphone holder.
What are helmet and sunglasses mirrors?
Helmet and sunglasses mirrors are mounted directly to your helmet or sunglasses, which makes them smaller and neater compared to bar-mounted versions. These mirrors are ideal for quick glances behind when riding, without the need for large mirrors on your bike. One big advantage is that since they’re not attached to your bike, you avoid the problem of catching your mirror when you lean your bike against a gate or door. Just be careful when removing your helmet to avoid damaging the mirror.
On the downside, these mirrors can be a bit awkward to adjust, and the view might be blocked by your shoulder. Some riders also find them a bit distracting because the mirror is always in their view while riding. However, they work with any bike you ride, offering flexibility that other mirrors might not.
What to look for in a road bike mirror?
When shopping for a road bike mirror based on your personal preferences, there are several design factors to consider. These include the size of the mirror, how adjustable it is, its compatibility, and whether it is suitable for a particular side. Keep reading for more information!
Mirror Size:
When choosing a mirror for your road bike, a larger mirror isn’t always better. A bigger size can cause glare and take up valuable space at the front of your bike, especially if it’s already cluttered with other bolt-ons. To see behind clearly, a smaller diameter mirror can often be sufficient and ideal for staying safe while riding. However, avoid going too small, as you’ll lose a large field of vision, and vehicles could slip outside the range of the mirror.
Adjustability:
A mirror with good adjustability is essential for making quick changes while riding or finding the optimal position. You want it to stay put, but some mirrors may vibrate out of place, especially depending on the surface of the roads. Look for a mirror that balances ease of adjustment with stability, so you don’t have to keep re-adjusting while you’re on the move.
Compatibility:
Bike mirrors should be compatible with different types of rides like road, hybrid, gravel, fixed, and single-speed bikes. Most bar end and handlebar mirrors fit a range of diameters, so it’s important to measure the inside of your bar ends or the external diameter of your handlebars to ensure the right fit.
Left and Right-sided Mirrors:
Where you mount your mirror depends on where you live. In countries like the UK and Australia, which drive on the left, a right-sided mirror will be more useful. In contrast, in places like the US and Canada, which drive on the right, a left-sided mirror will give you the best view of the road behind.
Alternatives and additions:
No mirror is completely perfect and won’t allow you to see everything behind you. Much like when driving a car, you’ll still need to look over your shoulder to check for any blind spots after using your mirrors. If you’re looking for a better view, there are a few options you might want to consider.
One option is running more than one mirror. You could use a helmet-mounted mirror in combination with one mounted on your bike. This combination gives different views and balances the pros and cons of each choice. Another choice is to fit a rearview radar like the Garmin Varia RTL515, which detects approaching vehicles from up to 140 metres behind and transmits a warning to a compatible cycling computer, smartwatch, or smartphone. While this might be an expensive option, it helps many riders feel much safer.
For those looking for something more compact, rearward mirrored glasses like the Hindsight sunglasses offer another way to see what’s behind. These sunglasses have a mirrored outer segment that gives you a partial view of the road behind, making them a lightweight and easy-to-use alternative to traditional mirrors.
How we test
When testing bike mirrors, we check how well they perform when mounted on the bar end, handlebar, or helmet. The goal is to ensure the mirror gives a clear view of the road behind without requiring the rider to turn their head or become distracted from the front. We assess various styles of mirrors across different types of bikes and helmets, focusing on the ease of fitment and the sturdiness of the mirror once it’s in place. The clarity of the view each mirror offers is also tested thoroughly to ensure it provides the best safety while riding.
FAQs
Why do bikers smash car mirrors?
Sometimes, bikers may smash car mirrors out of frustration when drivers invade their space on the road or cut them off, putting them in danger. It’s often seen as a reaction to reckless driving that forces riders to take extreme actions to protect themselves. Motorcycles are more vulnerable than cars, and these actions can be a form of retaliation when bikers feel ignored or disrespected on the road.
Do bicycle helmet mirrors work?
Yes, bicycle helmet mirrors can be very effective for providing a clear view of what’s behind without needing to turn your head. These mirrors are often small and lightweight, making them easy to use without adding much bulk. While they can take time to adjust to, especially with the limited field of vision, they are a helpful tool for staying aware of your surroundings while riding. Proper positioning ensures maximum visibility and safety.
What are the best bar end mirrors?
The best bar end mirrors for bicycles are those that offer a wide field of view and are sturdy enough to handle different road conditions. Mirrors like the Zefal Spy and the Cateye BM-500G provide a clear view of what’s behind while being durable and easy to adjust. A good bar end mirror should also be lightweight, easy to install, and provide stable visibility without frequent adjustments during riding.
