The 8 Best Bike Helmet Mirrors
This wiki has been updated 29 times since it was first published in February of 2017. We all know there are some crazy motorists on the roads, which is why cyclists, in particular, must take special precautions every time they go out for a ride. Bike helmet mirrors are like having a pair of eyes in the back of your head, and will boost your awareness of your surroundings, helping you to stay safe. We've looked for those that mount quickly and can be adjusted as needed. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. EVT Safe Zone
2. CycleAware Reflex
3. Bike Peddler Take A Look
Editor's Notes
September 09, 2020:
After some consideration, we've removed both the Wovte 360-Degree and the PChero Adjustable; they may be affordable, but their long-term durability is lacking. But the CycleAware Reflex remains a good choice because of the ease of adjustment and relatively robust construction, with one caveat: the mounting adhesive is of less-than-stellar quality. Unfortunately, this is a problem with most choices that use a similar mounting system, including the Third Eye Pro, but it's one that's fixable with some craft glue — if you'd like a permanent solution — or stronger double-sided tape, if you need something that's removable if necessary. Or, you can avoid this issue altogether by choosing the EVT Safe Zone, which mounts with straps, no adhesives required.
As for new additions, we selected the Bike Peddler Take A Look. While this one mounts to a pair of eyeglasses, the makers do offer an adapter that allows it to mount to many bike helmets. This adapter isn't too pricey, but note that it works with the original version of the Take A Look, not the compact option.
July 05, 2019:
It's a smart choice to use a rear-view mirror when you're riding a bicycle. It can help you be more aware of your surroundings and can help avoid those scary brushes with cars that pass too close. And when you want to make a turn, a rear-view mirror means you don't have to crane your neck to check for vehicles.
Cyclists have several options when it comes to rear-view mirrors. You can mount them on your helmet, glasses, handlebar, or even your forearm. We limited our selections here to the helmet-mounted variety. They come with you if you switch bikes, and they let you slip through tight spaces without bumping the mirror, unlike handlebar-mounted options.
This update is for the purists. We removed one model because it was not truly a helmet mirror, but mounted on glasses instead. Promoted the EVT Safe Zone to our top spot because of its outstanding quality, stability, and its stellar reputation among cyclists.
4. Life On Bicycle 360 Degree
5. Third Eye Round
6. Tiger Eye Patriot
7. Third Eye Pro
8. HubBub Mirror
Why You Need A Bike Helmet Mirror
It’s imperative that you do all you can to stay informed about your riding environment while you’re out there, but that’s not always as easy, or as safe, as it sounds.
If you’re an avid bike rider who takes his or her cycle out onto populated roads on a regular basis, you know how perilous the journey can be. Even casual riders who stick to park trails will encounter a fair amount of obstacles both in the path before them and coming up from behind. City streets are even worse. It’s imperative that you do all you can to stay informed about your riding environment while you’re out there, but that’s not always as easy, or as safe, as it sounds.
Imagine you’re riding along on city streets, well within a designated bike path. You’ve got cars moving in the same direction as you to your left, but you need to make a left turn at an upcoming intersection. You could take your eyes off the road for a second and turn your head to survey the line of cars for a gap through which you could squeeze your bike. The problem here is that a car in front of you could very easily decide they want to turn right, and they could cut across that bike lane you’re in in order to do so. If you’re not keeping your concentration on the road ahead, you could miss such a move (especially since the car more than likely won’t signal before it moves). That could have you going head first over the hood of the vehicle before you know what hit you.
In a less dire situation, say, on a nicely kept bike path, you might be casually riding down the lane when you notice another rider up ahead who’s going a lot slower than you. You do the right thing, and peek over your left shoulder before moving to the left to pass. Then, as you go to retake your spot, some daredevil flying down the path on his racing bike tries to split the space between you, and you never saw him coming. He could very well cause all three bikes to crash.
A good bike helmet mirror eliminates the dangers in both of these scenarios. In the first, you can keep one eye on the traffic in front of you while simultaneously finding an opening in the traffic behind you. In the second, you’d notice the flying image in your mirror before attempting to retake your lane, and you could let him speed past on his merry way, then move back into the right lane once he’s off terrorizing somebody else.
How To Choose A Bike Helmet Mirror
While one bike helmet mirror may not seem terribly different from another at first glance, there are some important differences that could make one model a perfect fit for you and your riding style, and another a hindrance to your safety.
Shape-wise, you’ll mostly see round and rectangular options on the market.
Bike helmet mirrors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and this will be a big factor in determining which is right for you. Shape-wise, you’ll mostly see round and rectangular options on the market. Many riders prefer round models because they take up less space in your peripheral vision. Rectangular models, on the other hand, may take up a little more space due to their hard corners, but they also can give you a larger picture of what’s going on behind you. Of course, a small rectangular model might take up less space than a large circular model, but the cornerless design of the round mirror is usually considered less obtrusive.
After you consider size and shape, you’ll have to consider the arm that attaches the mirror to your helmet. The means of attachment is one aspect that could make or break a purchase, especially if a given mirror doesn’t want to play nice with the helmet you already have. Most fit pretty universally, but keep an eye out for any mention of difficulty in attachment, especially if your helmet brand or model is a little unique.
As for the arm itself, you’ll have to choose between something that’s highly adjustable and something that’s more rigid. Adjustability is good, particularly when you choose a smaller mirror, as you’ll be able to dial in its placement accurately to give you the best view behind you without obstructing the view ahead. If those adjustment points are poorly made, however, the vibrations from the road or from a big bump might knock the mirror out of position, negating its effectiveness at a potentially inopportune time.
Other Bike Safety Essentials
While investing in a bike helmet mirror can do wonders for increasing your awareness of the road around you, there are a few other essential investments you should make before heading out on the road. For starters, your visibility is paramount, and there are a number of things you can purchase in order to ensure it’s as high as possible. Reflective vests are always a good idea, particularly because their retro-reflective striping scatters light rays in every direction, not just back in the direction of the light source. That helps to ensure that you’re seen from virtually every angle.
For starters, your visibility is paramount, and there are a number of things you can purchase in order to ensure it’s as high as possible.
To add even more visibility to your ride, you could invest in safety armbands. These reflective straps can wrap around your wrists, but the best of them can also adhere to your ankles. The Gestalt theory of perception indicates, among other things, that human vision tends to notice a moving object against a background. Our eyes are drawn to it, and your feet and ankles are in near-constant motion while you’re riding a bike, so placing an emphasis on reflections from that area of your body will help you be seen more easily.
Another vital investment it the helmet itself. There are plenty of adult bike helmets on the market, many of which are as fashionable as they are protective, and you should never ride without one. You can take your helmet game up a level, however, by investing in a smart helmet, which can provide everything from a string of LED lights to a set of active turn signals to inform drivers and other cyclists of your intentions.
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.