My Behind (Mirrors)

In my estimate there are few more important components to a bicycle than a mirror to see what is behind you.  This even more important on a recumbent.  And it is even more important on a steeply reclined recumbent. 

I have spent a great deal of time and money attempting find and make usable mirrors that both accommodate my bifocal glasses and give me a clear, wide angle left and right rear views.  In an effort to custom design mirrors I have used PVC pipe.  It is easily shaped and can be installed and removed as needed. 

Here are some pics: 

 This is the left unit and base.  It is installed on the handlebar at a distance so that it does not interfere with the brake. 

 This is the right unit and base.  It is installed to allow view of both the right and immediately behind.  Very helpful. 

 This is the left base.  You can see how it accepts a screw on mirror unit. 

 This is the right base.  Again, accepts a screw on mirror unit.

These are the left and right mirror units (upside down ... my bad).

 

The stock carbon fiber hard shell seat was not designed for a steep recline.  It has a `dip' that otherwise cradles the rider's butt.  When steeply reclined the rider's butt just floats `out there.'  Instead, the rider's sacrum (lower back) requires some support.  So I inserted two soft rubber pads back there (below).  Really comfortable.

 

 

This is a picture of the carbon fiber hard shell seat at a 10 degree angle.  About as reclined as it can go.