Bicycle Mirrors: Review and Comparisons

Bike mirrors have become quite a common accessory amongst bike owners from all over the world. It's true that if you're used to turning your head in traffic while cycling, it will take some time to get used to a bike mirror. Some people never do. But if you can, it will help you arrive safely, no matter the traffic conditions.

The 6 Best Bike Mirror Comparisons

Brand

Details

LX LERMX Bike Mirrors [Upgraded Version] TWO PCS HD,Blast-resistant, Glass Lens Bar End Mountain Bicycle Mirror Adjustable Bike Glass Mirror Rotatable Safe Rearview

LX LERMX Bike Mirrors

  • Dimensions: 11 x 5 mm (inner diameter)
  • Weight: 14.4 ounces

Mirrycle MTB Bicycle Mirror

  • Dimensions: 4 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches
  • Weight: 4 ounces

Hafny Bar End Bike Mirror

  • Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1.5 inches
  • Weight: 2.56 ounces

Venzo Bicycle Handlebar and Mirror

  • Dimensions: 10 x 1 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 0.30 pounds

Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror

  • Dimensions: Vary according to mirror version, check information below.
  • Weight: 0.5 ounces

EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror

  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces

More Than Just a Mirror


Before rushing into buying a mirror for yourself, let us go over the 4 main types of cycling mirrors.

Handle Bar Mirrors

Helmet Mirrors

Eyeglass Mirrors

On Lens Mirror

Safety & Dangers


A common belief is that using a bike mirror often distracts people from the road ahead. However, think of all the vehicles that already use side mirrors to scan the traffic behind. So, are they really that bad of an option? It's true that at first, you will be tempted to look at the mirror more frequently than you should but adjusting to its functionality is a process that takes time. Nevertheless, there is no argument that a bike mirror is indeed a great solution for you to be safer and more aware of what's going on behind you, especially when you wish to switch lanes.

The 6 Best Bike Mirror Reviews

That being said, we've gathered some of the most popular bike mirrors that are currently available on the market. Some are side mirrors, and some are mounted directly on your helmet or sunglasses.

LX LERMX Bike Mirrors

  • Dimensions: 11 x 5 mm (inner diameter)
  • Weight: 14.4 ounces

As with every good bike mirror, the LX LERMX was designed to give cyclists good visibility and an overview of the road conditions behind them to keep them safe from accidents. The 360-angle design allows for full rotation, giving you all the information, you need to know. The mirror's arm is made of aluminum alloy, being both environmentally friendly and durable enough to withstand windy conditions for years to come. The mirror measures 4.7 inches in diagonal and you will actually receive 2 identical units.

It is recommended that you install the mirror as close to the grips as possible, so you can have a wide viewing angle of what's going on behind you. The product's Amazon page provides a clear guide with images to show you how to adjust the mirror and fix it on your bike. Although it is not necessary to install both mirrors in the pack and may choose to keep one as a spare, using the 2 mirrors on both the left and right handles of your bike can provide additional safety. It's important to make sure that the screws are tight in place and that the clamp is fixed in position to avoid the mirror from vibrating as you're cycling.

Pros

  • Flexible installing position.
  • ABS optical frame prevents mirror breakage when cycling over bumps.
  • Easy to adjust. 
  • Stylish look.

Cons

  • Unless screws are tight, mirror may wobble.
  • Back view may be blocked by arms.

Mirrycle MTB Bicycle Mirror

  • Dimensions: 4 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches
  • Weight: 4 ounces

Time to move on to a rounder option. The Mirrycle MTB features a 3-inch round convex mirror with easy pivoting. You can order a single mirror or opt for a pack of 2 at a more reasonable price. The mirror is compatible with handlebars that measure 13.75 to 22.5 mm in diameter. The mirror can be mounted on either side, although it's best to leave it on your left. The mirror comes with 2 adapters which are suitable for both small and large diameter holes. Unfortunately, you will require a wrench to tighten and loosen the mirror, which is a bit of an inconvenience if you need to adjust it as you're cycling. However, since the mirror is completely adjustable, you can rotate it at a 360 degrees angle.

With almost 3,000 customer reviews and an average of 4.5 out of a maximum 5, the MTB mirror is definitely ranked as one of the bestselling products of its kind. As long as you secure it in place, the arm of the mirror is sturdy enough to prevent movement on every road bump. The glass is also pretty durable and won't easily get stretched. The convex surface is great for those who are looking to get a more panoramic view. Should the mirror break, you can replace just the glass for about $6, but other replacement parts are also available.

Pros

  • Glass mirror surface not easily scratched.
  • Replacement parts are available for separate purchase.
  • Convex surface, good for panoramic view.
  • Package of 2 mirrors available at a convenient price.
  • Flexible mounting positions.

Cons

  • Due to the convex surface, some object may appear more distant than they actually are.
  • Might need to search for an installation video to fully understand how the process works.

Hafny Bar End Bike Mirror

  • Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1.5 inches
  • Weight: 2.56 ounces

The Hafny mirror is a beauty. It's great for just about any type of bike you may own. The lens is made of stainless steel and measures 62 mm in diameter, fully recyclable, and eco-friendly compared to glass. The mirror is suitable for both left and right positioning due to its 360 degrees rotation angle. You can also opt for a larger model (68 mm diameter), but you'll have to pay about 2 extra bucks to get it. The durable frame is made of nylon and fiber.

To adjust the mirror, you will need a 5 mm Allen key. The mirror is suitable for use inside a 17 mm to 21 mm handlebar. The adjustability of the mirror is one of its strongest points. The expanding mechanism can be adjusted inside the bar. It is attached to the mount thanks to a socket and ball joint, allowing the user to adjust it in several dimensions. Because the mirror is made of stainless steel instead of glass, you may get some object distortion.

Installing the mirror is a pretty straightforward process, especially if this isn't your first time. First, remove the handlebar grip by using either a hammer or a utility knife. The mirror is then inserted into the handlebars. After that, you have to tighten the expansion screw using the Allen wrench. Please note that riding the bike the first few times after installing the mirror should be done with the Allen bar somewhere at hand, just in case you need to adjust it to a position more suitable for you. While some people may be resistant to the idea of cutting a hole in the grip, it shouldn't affect your bike's functionality.

Pros

  • Made of eco-friendly materials.
  • Great price.
  • Same model is available with a larger diameter.

Cons

  • Since it’s not made of actual glass, objects may appear distorted.
  • Will require an Allen wrench to install.

Venzo Bicycle Handlebar and Mirror

  • Dimensions: 10 x 1 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 0.30 pounds 

The Venzo mirror is slightly different from the other products we've reviewed so far in this article. You will have to order either a left or right mirror because it comes with a handlebar, as you can't use the same product on both sides. You can also choose the type of mirror you want, out of stainless steel or the anti-glare glass mirror models. The mirror's lens is made of stainless steel, which is harder to break and won't send out glass shards.

The mirror head can be rotated at a 360 degrees angle, although we are not sure why this feature was included since you can only mount the mirror on a specific side due to the integrated handlebar. As with the materials used on the Hafny, the Venzo also features an eco-friendly combination of nylon and fiber. The arm that holds the mirror measures 5 inches in length. You will need an Allen wrench to secure the mirror. Also, you might want to throw in some spray wax to polish the mirror

Pros

  • Stainless steel mirror, more durable compared to glass.
  • Sturdy frame, no vibration when cycling.

Cons

  • Will require an Allen wrench to install.
  • Objects appear distorted since the mirror is not made of actual glass.
  • While the rotation angle makes it suitable for both left and right positioning, you will have to turn the mirror upside down. You can buy a right-side model if needed.

Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror

  • Dimensions: Vary according to mirror version, check information below.
  • Weight: 0.5 ounces

The Bike Peddler is a bit different compared to the other mirrors we've seen so far. It has a long arm and is mountable on helmets and eyeglasses. You can rotate it at a 90 degrees angle, both fore and aft, to find the best spot that grants you the most visibility. You can adjust the mirror on both sides of your helmet or eyeglasses. Thanks to its frameless design, the mirror provides a wide field of vision. It also features a three-point adjustment system that securely attaches it without any noticeable vibrations.

A rider can opt for either the compact version, which can extend up to 50 mm and features a mirror size of 20 x 37 mm, or you can choose the normal version, which extends up to 85 mm and comes with a size of 28 x 37 mm. If you plan on attaching the mirror to your glasses, the compact size would be a wise choice. The normal size is great for any bike helmet and can be easily attached thanks to the three tabs that are pinched onto the helmet's surface. You can even attach the mirror permanently by drilling 3 holes in the helmet and using perma-glue to fix it. Some bolder users have attached the rearview mirror to their baseball cap and were pleased with the results.

Pros

  • Can be attached to glasses or bike helmet.
  • Available in normal and compact size.
  • Extremely lightweight.
  • Features a 3-pivot attachment system.

Cons

  • Mount doesn’t fit well on cycling glasses with curved temple pieces.
  • Hard to adapt to a mirror attached to your helmet/glasses.

EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror

  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces

To end things in great style, we've decided to add a bike helmet mirror to the list. It is considered to be one of the best bike helmet mirrors on the market. It measures 2.25 inches diagonally, promising a sufficient field of view for the user. The Safe Zone mirror will fit almost any helmet, although it's not advisable to attach it to one that has a helmet visor. A helmet visor can interfere with the rider's ability to use the rearview mirror. In addition, it comes with a 5-year warranty period that should keep you covered in case of any manufacturing defects.

The mirror itself will be located at about 5-inch distance from the eyes, which is optimal for frequent checking. If you manage to properly install the mirror on your helmet, you should be able to adjust it with a single hand, even as you ride.

Pros

  • 5-year warranty.
  • Very stable, almost no vibrations.
  • Easy to adjust, even on the go. 
  • Compatible with most helmets.

Cons

  • Takes a while to mount on helmets with fewer vents.
  • The mounting bracket adds to the bulkiness of the helmet.

The Bottom Line

The Mirrycle MTB bike mirror is, by far, our most favorite one yet. The simplistic design manages to be both elegant and very functional, despite its low price. The round shape is somewhat minimalistic, but this convex mirror provides the cyclist with a panoramic view of what's going on the road behind him. This gives a clear overview of traffic and potential dangers. However, we've noticed that some bike owners that have had the chance to use the Mirrycle mirrors often find it hard to adjust to the fact that objects will sometimes appear to be further away than they are, precisely due to the convex shape of the mirror.

We were impressed with the high number of positive reviews for this product, and the customer's voice is very important when reviewing any kind of product. There's nothing that vouches for something like a personal customer story.

We liked the fact that you can replace the mirror easily if it gets broken and it would only cost you about $6. If needed, other replacement parts are also available. If you want, you can order a pack of 2 mirrors, one for each side of your bike or you can attach one to a second bike.