Cycling Mirrors

About Cycling Mirrors

Pat Daffarn put a “flea in my ear” at the Russ Mantle 1,000,000 celebration last Thursday. He complimented the Committee on its first aid initiatives, then said “but are we doing enough to prevent accidents in the first place!”, He reminded me of the importance of mirrors, and I recall writing a piece on this back in August 2017. I thought it worthwhile updating and re-publishing the blog.

Phil Hamilton and Bob McLeod introduced me to the Take-a-Look cycling mirror (made by Bike Peddler USA) about 4 years ago and like my helmet, I wouldn’t now ride without it.

Generally bike mirrors fit into five categories:

Frame mounted (e.g. Bike Eye), Handlebar (Cat Eye) , Helmet (EVT Safe Zone), Eye Glasses (Take-a-Look), and Wrist mounted (Rear Viz). Handlebar mirrors are the most popular with a tremendous range of styles to fit all bikes. Prices have generally come down over the last three years and now range from £10 to £15 depending on local supply or imported. The Take-a-Look is readily available from Amazon and costs £13 (incl postage from USA).

The Arguments for and against mirrors:

It’s a subject that generates some passion amongst cyclists. I was concerned at first that the Take-a-Look mirror was close to my right eye and might cause a serious injury if I came off. However this risk seems very low when viewed against the advantages. Another argument against mirrors is the need briefly to take your eyes off the road. Of course, as drivers, we do this all the time. With eye glass mirrors a glance behind requires only the slightest turn of the head. On the other hand a frame mounted mirror requires you to look down and this might take time to get used to.

The criticism against some frame and handlebar mounted mirrors is that they suffer from vibration. One great advantage we have is that so much cycling and equipment experience is close to hand. So if you are thinking of buying a mirror chat to John Child (frame), Pat Daffarn (handlebar), and Rob Clarke, Peter Hackman, Bob and myself (Take-a-Look) for advice. There’s a good review of the pros and cons of different types of mirrors here.

The biggest risk with mirrors  is that we might rely too much on them – especially when turning right. There’s no substitute for a life saving look over the shoulder.

In summary, if you don’t already have a mirror, think about treating yourself to one at Xmas. And if you are a regular ride leader or back marker, being able to see what’s going on behind makes a huge difference.

Safe cycling!

Laurie

2019 Photo competition

As announced at the AGM, this years’ photo competition was won by Alan Mayger with this photo:

The other entries can be seen here

Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide

 

Proposed club name change

Most of you will have received an email from Derek Ridyard on behalf of the committee including a paragraph on a proposal to change the name of our club to West Surrey Cycling Club. Most clubs calling themselves ‘X.. Y.. Cycling Club’ are wholly or mainly concerned with racing, and I suggest that our name could, or maybe should, differentiate us from them, by including the word ‘Leisure’ for example.
‘West Surrey Leisure Cycling Club’ is a word longer – maybe too long.
‘West Surrey Leisure Cyclists’ loses the word ‘club’ which we might prefer to keep.
Maybe you have a better idea.
Just food for thought.

 

Guildford Travel Club

Dear Fellow Cyclists,

As most of us are travellers, you might be interested in the forthcoming season of Guildford Travel Club, with illustrated talks on journeys from around the world (programme attached below).

Please note that two of our club members will be presenting this season:-
7th January 2020. I will be talking on a solo cycle-camping ride from Guildford to Vienna.
18th February 2020. John Weatherburn (grade 4) will be speaking on ‘Saudi Arabian Journeys’.
I hope some of you can make it.
Best wishes,
Paul Gillingham