The internet at large has many opinions, and this is true especially in the case of bike helmet mirrors. Whether you love them or hate them, helmet mirrors represent a need that not many other devices can currently fill. On one hand, the peace of mind that comes with putting your safety first can’t be matched, while others argue helmet mirrors are unnecessary and very much not aesthetically pleasing.

So, what exactly are bike helmet mirrors and why are they important? Read on below to find out these answers and more!

What Are Helmet Mirrors Used For?

Helmet mirrors are used by cyclists and other freewheeling enthusiasts to help see what’s behind them at any given time. Whether in traffic or at a standstill, helmet mirrors are handy to check for danger or unseen objects that could otherwise be harmful or threatening.

Although it may be practical to turn around while standing still, turning your head all the way around in motion can cause problems. The resulting loss of balance, veering into traffic and other stomach-turning conclusions are likely depending on the situation. Helmet mirrors help avoid these pitfalls and give cyclists an easy way to check their surroundings. Many experienced cyclists have at least one horror story that could’ve gone all wrong if it wasn’t for a helmet mirror.

Are Bike Helmet Mirrors Worth It?

This answer ultimately depends on personal preferences like how often you use your bike, and the major purposes you use it for. If you infrequently ride your bike or only ride in low-traffic areas, a helmet mirror may not be necessary as you’re not having to watch for people around you like road cyclists do.

On the other hand, if you find yourself riding through traffic daily and have had some close calls with unseen objects in the past, a helmet mirror may be ideal for you! Helmet mirrors are great precautionary tools to make sure you avoid traffic dangers as much as possible. Every other vehicle on the road contains mirrors, so why should bikes be any different?

Many helmet mirrors have specific ways of attaching to a helmet. If you’re considering a helmet mirror, make sure you’re prepared to install it first!

How Do You Attach a Mirror to a Helmet?

Many different helmet mirror mounting styles exist in today’s market. The major options include attachment methods like screw clamps, zip tie mounting and glue patches. Your choice will ultimately depend on how much effort you want to put into installing your helmet mirror, and how stable you want it to be. It’s also important to consider your needs and which option is most ideal for your budget, preferences and riding style.

Though the included mirror may be very similar for each version, the clamp version requires actually drilling a hole into the hard shell of your helmet and installing a screw clamp to keep the mirror in place. Clamp helmet mirrors are the sturdiest version of helmet mirrors since they’re secured with a screw mount. However, sometimes putting a hole in the outer shell of your helmet just isn’t ideal.

One alternative to clamp helmet mirrors is the glue version. Glue helmet mirrors are relatively simple to attach and serve the same purpose as long as the same helmet is used repeatedly. You should avoid switching your mirror to multiple helmets since this will cause the glue patch to lose its adhesive. This will eventually make the attachment less secure and your mirror could fall off. If neither of these attachment methods work for you, there’s one more to consider.

Zip tie versions are one of the most secure mirror styles while offering more flexibility on installation location. All that’s required is attaching the mirror with a Velcro strap and zip ties so that it’s secure, and you’re ready to go! While this helmet mirror may require some tinkering and adjustment with your helmet on, it isn’t permanent or difficult to remove like some other options. This choice is most ideal for anyone wanting to switch helmets often, or for folks that travel with their helmets and need to frequently disassemble their setup.

It’s worth keeping in mind that many of these options will bounce with the vibrations in the road, so you’ll want an attachment that’s as reliable as possible. Whichever option you choose, you’ll ultimately be prioritizing your safety, and that’s always a solid bet!

How Much Do Helmet Mirrors Cost?

Helmet mirrors range anywhere from $10 at the lowest point to $80+ at the highest. Your choice will basically depend on quality, ease of use and relative attachment method. The more expensive helmet mirrors aren’t always the best, and they may be too excessive for your needs anyway.

Make sure whichever helmet mirror you choose is made from quality materials, and that you’ll be comfortable installing it with the included attachment method. Ensure you have all of the tools and materials that are required as well, so you don’t find yourself stuck with a helmet mirror you can’t install.

As with anything in life, there are many helmet mirror choices and it’s difficult to know which is the best. Luckily, plenty of other people have done the work so you don’t have to!

What Is The Best Bicycle Helmet Mirror?

There are dozens of potential helmet mirrors to choose from, but there are two that stand out among the rest: the CycleAware Reflex helmet mirror and the Safe Zone helmet mirror by EVT.

CycleAware Reflex Helmet Mirror

For anyone wanting to dip their toe into the helmet mirror market for the first time, check out the CycleAware Reflex mirror. This helmet mirror is the more affordable option at $20, and installation is a breeze with the included adhesive panel. However, as stated above, this mounting style should only be worn on one helmet to avoid dulling the adhesive. There’s also a chance that the adhesive will leave a mark if you ever decide to replace it, so decide carefully.

All in all, the CycleAware helmet mirror is a great introductory option for not a ton of money, and it’s slightly bendable so you can adjust it to your specific preferences.

Safe Zone Helmet Mirror by EVT

Constructed by Efficient Velo Tools founder Brett Flemming, the Safe Zone helmet mirror was designed based off of a coolant hose on his lathe. After dealing with a variety of helmet mirrors that only yielded frustration, Brett made his own and eventually began assembling them for the public.

The Safe Zone helmet mirror is one of the most popular helmet mirrors on the market today because of its thoughtful design, wide field of view and high-quality components. This model also comes with a two-year warranty in case any faulty issues surface. Mounting is done via a secure strap that clicks straight into the base, and additional zip ties come standard to add more stability. As an added perk, EVT will send you the necessary parts if the included ones do not fit your helmet!

Although this helmet mirror is double the price at $40, the investment towards safety and outstanding manufacturing can’t be beat. If you find yourself riding in traffic every day, this is ultimately the mirror to have. Safety accessories aren’t always necessary, but they’re always worth the forethought for those few close calls.

Do Bike Helmet Mirrors Work?

Even if helmet mirrors are not be the most aesthetically pleasing bike accessory, there are many accounts of potential crashes being avoided because of the rider’s ability to spot potential hazards around them. It’s always fun to go cruising and throw caution to the wind, but helmet mirrors can literally save your life!

Aside from craning your neck to see, mirrors are the only viable solution that offers a greater awareness in the moment. While there are many potential spots to install mirrors on a bike, helmet mirrors are one of the least dangerous options that don’t require any preparation, straining or new movements during your ride. Riding is stressful enough as is, and you don’t need to add more to be nervous about.

How Did Bicycle Helmet Mirrors Come About?

The first appearance of helmet mirrors seems to come in the 1970s, when cycling innovator Chuck Harris and others began constructing hand made helmet mirrors. By the 1980s, several brands of aftermarket helmet mirrors showed up as add-ons to existing cycling helmets. Starting in 2004, Bell began offering their version of a helmet mirror with their commuter helmet line at an extra cost. They are one of the few on the market to do so until now.

Many different inventions have helped humanity and hobbyists protect themselves in sticky situations. The helmet mirror is no exception to this rule since it’s assisted numerous cyclists in avoiding nasty crashes that could’ve cost them their lives. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and finding a helmet mirror that works for you could be immensely beneficial to you in these same situations. As with anything, considering the dangers of the habits or hobbies you pursue can save you in the long run, and while helmet mirrors may not be chic or aggressive, they can really help you when the heat is on. Act accordingly if you think this useful accessory might assist you in your everyday life!