Can't overcome my potential bad habit

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xk · #11 Unread post by xk » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:05 am

Tnx

I really appreciate that. A big thank you to all those who take time to read and answer questions which you probably have seen a million times

xk · #12 Unread post by xk » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:06 am

The Crimson Rider® wrote:i don't depend on my mirrors. i use head checks more.

also, when i tuck in, it becomes useless.

What is useless? Using the mirrors?

Andrew · #13 Unread post by **Andrew** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:27 am

CR usually does things his own way. In no way are mirrors ever useless.

VermilionX · Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:27 am

xk wrote:
The Crimson Rider® wrote:i don't depend on my mirrors. i use head checks more.

also, when i tuck in, it becomes useless.
What is useless? Using the mirrors?

you guys misunderstood me.

i said it's useless when im tucked in.

even if im not tucked in, it's only good for checking what's behind me. it's not good for doing side checks when i wanna change lanes.

head check is what i use.

#15 Unread post by **Jamers!** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:30 am

xk wrote:What I'm saying is I'm not trusting the limited visibility offered by the mirrors and I'm ignoring them completely and I'doing a head-check only.

what i did when i first started riding is about the same as you, i couldnt see diddly in my mirrors, so id turn and look, and i still do, but i also use my mirrors. What i do usally, is use my mirrors to see if there is anything in the lane next to me, and if there is, i then give it a quick glance to judge distance, driver awareness and that they arnt accelerating to kill me

But ya, head checks are fine, but just be careful how long you look, bigger mirrors might help too.

JWF

OoJRod06oO · Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:00 pm

Maybe some nice convex (or is it concave?) mirrors. They should help you see more of the road behind and beside you.

Mintbread · Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:30 pm

xk wrote: What is useless? Using the mirrors?

No, tucking in.

xk, if your arms are getting in the way of the mirrors just tuck your elbow in close to your body for the second or two you need to see.
I check my mirrors every few seconds whilst riding and it is a good habit to get into. Head checks are a must as well but they should merely confirm what you already know from using your mirrors.

Kal · #18 Unread post by **Kal** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:22 pm

My instructor beat into me the use of mirrors every 15 seconds or so. I don't know if I do check every 15 seconds but I presume I must be close as he stopped hammering me for it.

He also beat the use of lifesavers imediately before the maneavor into me.

On the CX I actually have a silly range of rearward vision as the mirrors are so far out from my ride position, I still lifesaver a lot though.

Let me see, it goes like this;.

Observation - Check your mirrors before you do anything. Making a turn will change your road position, speed and ultimately your direction, so it must be safe to perform the exercise.

Signal - Indicate to other road users that you intend to turn.

Manoeuvre & Position - Move and position your bike towards the turn, if turning left move to the left quarter of the lane, if turning right, the right.

Speed - Start slowing down (Remember user your front brake followed by back) and changing down ready to take the corner. It is important to get the approach right, so you have plenty of time to look around and react to any oncoming danger.

Look - Before it's too late to abort the turn perform a lifesaver to make sure nobody is squeezing up your outside (right turn) inside (left turn). Just before you get to the end of curb (approx. 10') is about the right time to check

Although to be honest with you I often start changing speed after my first observation to give myself all the time I need to complete the rest of the routine throughly.

You've not said what bike the mirrors are giving you difficulty on, or if it is yours or the instructors.

Have a fiddle and see if you can get a better range of vision on them. If I am on someones elses bike I use my shoulders as the reference point in to top corner of the mirrors.

Have a chat with your instructor about the difficulty you are having. Afterall you are paying this guy for his expertise.

Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:48 pm

My stock mirrors on the bike are fairly pathetic and I get a good look at my elbows a lot...but...both are set so I can see the lanes beside me and I can see somewhat behind me with the right one. I like to know what's beside me in case I need a fast exit out of a situation and behind me for when cars come barrelling up really fast. If I need to see more, sometimes I'll shift around a bit to look into a mirror and you should always shoulder check before changing lanes anyhow. And I use them to watch behind me when I'm at a stop.

Kal · #20 Unread post by **Kal** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 3:10 pm

Sounds about right KC.

How did you know what I was supposed to be posting instead of that blather I posted first???

Must.Stop.Posting.From.Work...