rear view mirror

stuartmacg

Finding my (electric) wheels
Mar 29, 2025
18
5
I fitted the "Hafney new handlebar mirror". It was OK, but tended to move out of position over bumps (may just need tightened).
However I broke it when I forgot about it while turning the bike upside down for wheel access. It did stick out and tend to get moved out of position when moving the bike in the shed.

I was on holiday recently in Italy with a hired ebike which had a mirror which could fold back out of the way and return to its position, but don't know the make. That would be a good feature.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good mirror?
 

guerney

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 7, 2021
12,062
3,376
I like the Zefal Dooback because it can be quickly snapped back to the right angle, for my bike - the turn and snap-to angles are preset, chances are good that one will work well. I had two Doobacks, but I broke one (central mirror part was bent out of shape by a pedal) while folding my bike, after having epoxyed a large refelector to it's back (I've stuck silver reflective tape on tha backs since, to resemble giant rabbit eyes in headlights)... so now I have a Cyclop on the right hand side and Dooback on the left (for those big horrible multi-lane roundabouts and other scary multi-laned road environments). The Cyclop requires adjustment at least twice every time it's folded away (Dooback simply turns and snaps to), and it provides a smaller view, so I'd like another Dooback. Trouble is, the Cyclop refuses to break. The Dooback on the left went off flying after a fall once, but I simply snapped it back on.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326583678793

One design improvement for the Dooback, would be a few more horizontally rotatable snap-to angles. Both the Dooback and Cyclop could do with flatter mirrors - potentially injurious heavy objects hurtling towards you, may be closer than they appear. You can have a wide view or an accurate one, can't have both. Unless your mirrors are massively long. Projections up to 40cm long are allowed? According to @WheezyRider's quote, on his dual reflector ended 3D printed pole with red lamp to keep drivers further away thread, a rule or law which may only be applicable to agricultural equipment. I look forward to seeing someone make 39.999999999cm long handlebar mirrors.
 
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RoadieRoger

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 8, 2010
744
216
After finding the ones clamped to bars tend to get in the way storing or coming loose , I find the one attached to the wrist with Velcro to be the best . Handy if you have several bikes as your wrist stays with you .
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
8,792
3,951
Telford
OK, So I thought I'd try the Zefal Doorback 2, based on above recommendation, as I'm just fininishing a new bike build. My conclusion is that the mirror's fine, but the folding is shite. Basically it doesn't fold. It just changes angle so that you can get your bike through a gate or whatever. The Cyclops is much better because it folds flat against the handlebar, so nobody would mess with it when parked up.
 

guerney

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 7, 2021
12,062
3,376
OK, So I thought I'd try the Zefal Doorback 2, based on above recommendation, as I'm just fininishing a new bike build. My conclusion is that the mirror's fine, but the folding is shite. Basically it doesn't fold. It just changes angle so that you can get your bike through a gate or whatever. The Cyclops is much better because it folds flat against the handlebar, so nobody would mess with it when parked up.
Also convenient if you want to lean your bike against a wall. Snap in, snap out to the right angle again.

I did wonder if I should mention that I never leave my bike parked anywhere, but unfortunately I decided not to - I assumed everyone knew I never leave it unattended, because I keep going on about it. Sorry. I fold my bike into shopping trolleys, or corners of rooms, under tables, on big shelves etc. My GPS tracker light sends me a text if it's moved using it's "Shock detection" function. The other week, a snotty little kid decided to touch it. Alerted by text, I went and had a word a few seconds later. The bike had been out of my sight for about half an hour behind a sound deadening acoustic foam screen stand.
 
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Sparksandbangs

Pedelecer
Jan 16, 2025
114
38
Also convenient if you want to lean your bike against a wall. Snap in, snap out to the right angle again.

I did wonder if I should mention that I never leave my bike parked anywhere, but unfortunately I decided not to - I assumed everyone knew I never leave it unattended, because I keep going on about it. Sorry. I fold my bike into shopping trolleys, or corners of rooms, under tables, on big shelves etc. My GPS tracker light sends me a text if it's moved using the "Shock detection" function. The other week, a snotty little kid decide to touch it. Alerted by text, I went and had a word a few seconds later. The bike had been out of my sight for about half an hour behind a sound deadening foam screen.
Maybe you could convert one of these for added peace of mind.

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