Customer Reviews

Blackburn Bike Helmet Mirror

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I have to agree that the mirror 'arm' is too short.

However, my helmet is one of the larger made.
(Bell Faction Dave Mirra Multi-Sport)

I also think I should have purchased a mirror with a larger diameter.

Since the mirror arm and mount adjustment socket-balls have such
a limited range of movement, I had a very limited choice in where
the mirror base (double-sided-sticky) could be installed.

I have to look way up and left to see the mirror, and
that might take a lot of getting used to.
Had I been able to mount it lower, it would be easier
to use (without rolling my eyes so far over).


While out riding today, I found that the mirror can be removed
from it's base. Built into the flat mounting section, there
are two little 'snaps' that hold two segments together.
While I was reaching up trying to adjust my view,
the whole thing popped off in my hand.
I snapped it back on later when we stopped for ice cream. :)

There is much more vibration ( = fuzzy vision) than
is seen in my handlebar mounted (Blackburn) mirror.

If you ride on bumpy roads a lot, forget this mirror!

If I get another one, It will be bigger and have a longer arm.

This mirror may fit on any helmet, but the legnth is far too short to see anything. I was looking for something a little longer and wider. For the reference, my helmet is a Bell Ghisallo ('05).

I was surprised to see the negative reviews of this item. I have been using a Blackburn Helmet Mirror for 4-5 years. I was only ordering a new one to go with a new helmet. I have used a third eye helmet mirror and a wire helmet mirror in the past, and find the Blackburn much easier to attach and adjust. I have been using a helmet mirror since I began serious cycling in the 1980's. Though it is much smaller than a handlebar mirror, it gives a more accurate picture of the distance of the approaching vehicle.

I was extremely disappointed in this mirror. For starters, the arm is just too short. You have to be able to put it on the very front of your helmet in order for the mirror to reach your field of view. On my helmet there isn't a sufficiently large flat area on the front to use the adhesive.

On top of that, they include a two-sided adhesive (on side sticks to the mirror arm, the other to the helmet), but only one side of the adhesive is sufficiently sticky! It would probably work if you used two adhesives and stuck the less sticky sides to eachother, but they only give you 3 of the adhesive pads, so clearly they're supposed to work by themselves.

The arm of the mirror is also rather flimsy plastic, and I was afraid I was going to break it during adjustments.

In the end, I used up all 3 adhesive pads and was unable to get it to stick to my helmet. I ended up just throwing the mirror away, because it wasn't really long enough anyway. Don't bother buying it - this mirror is worthless.

I bought this after having a handlebar mirror that jiggles all over the place. This one doesn't jiggle, but I'm not sure this is superior. It is nice to be able to see traffic behind you in your peripheral vision without having to consciously check. Looking at the mirror itself gives you a pretty clear picture of the traffic. I think it will work for me eventually as I get used to it, but here's some caveats:

1. You must mount it so that only your left eye can see it. If you mount it too much in the front of your vision so that your right eye tries to look in it, your brain will get really confused. To figure out roughly where it needs to go, look straight ahead, cover your left eye and move the mirror until it just goes out of sight of your right eye.

2. Because of #1, you do need to look pretty far out of the upper left side of your eye. Overdoing this at first may give you some eye muscle strain! Better to use your peripheral vision most of the time.

3. It takes a lot of adjustment to get the mirror in the optimal position. I finally got the adjustment right and then the mirror fell off because of the heat + repositioned glue pad. Luckily they give you two extras.

5. Because the mirror is mounted on your head, it's a bit counterintuitive seeing things. If you move your head, the image moves the wrong way! You have to move only your eyes.

So I'd recommend a handlebar mirror for most people, since they are easier to use. But if you're set on a helmet mirror, I suppose this one will do fine, just be prepared to have it take some getting used to.

Tried to mount it on two different helmets. It's too short to see anything out of.

<Summary> A huge plus for safety, but not the best type of rear mirror on the market


A rear view mirror is a MUST for anyone riding with traffic.

HELMET mirrors are NOT for everyone as they do require some getting used to. It took me at least 2-3 rides before I got used to it. I've been using one since 2003 and do not feel safe without one.

Helmet mirrors do a better job as you can still have a blind spot with the bicycle mounted mirrors - I have my helmet mirror set so I can see my shoulder and the side of my head. This gives me a clear view of traffic behind and to my right. By turning my head 30 degrees to my right, I completely "sweep" to all lanes on my left side.

I have BOTH this this and the Third Eye helmet mirror. The Third Eye is definitely better. I have this one mounted on my Giro Animas so I can pop off the mirror when I go offroad and don't need to see behind me. The Third Eye is mounted on my Giro Atmos, which I use exclusively for road riding.

PLUS
- Pops off the base in case you want to ditch it for an offroad ride (or lose it...)


MINUS
- Long solid arm is not very stiff
- Adjustment range is limited
- Heavy mirror means it bounces and vibrates a lot


Note: The helmets I have used them on are the Giro Atmos, Giro Animas, Bell Forza II and Bell Phi II.

If you've found this review helpful, please let me know!

I found this unit useless. I found it impossible to adjust so that I could see the road behind and when I held it in place I could not easily focus on the road behind. There may be a better way to adjust it, but the instructions don't tell you how.

I think I sprained my left eyeball trying to see anything. It's a two dollar mirror selling for $15.

I don't know why some of the other reviewers have been saying the arm is too short... that's just strange. Unless the mirror is touching your eye, you'll still be able to focus on the things behind you - you're not trying to focus ON the mirror.
Unlike my previous mirror, a Third Eye (reviewed elsewhere), this Blackburn mounts on the OUTside of the helmet, which is an improvement in my mind. The glue pad seems sufficiently strong for now, but I've only had it on for a month or so. It's also incredibly light, which I suppose is good. Also, the inner point of the ball-and-socket joint (nearest the helmet) has an allen setscrew to allow you to lock it down in place once you've got a good adjustment. That's a nice feature; my Third Eye was always wandering around whenever I brushed it against something.
On the negative side: the lightweight quality of the arm does cause a problem in that EVERYTHING IS BLURRY when you ride. Yes, it vibrates like crazy. You can see what's back there, but don't expect to be reading the license plates as they come up. Also, the joint nearest the mirror end lacks somewhat in adjustability.

All in all: a solid mid-range product. Good for the money.