This review dives into the Newlight66 adjustable handlebar rearview mirrors, examining their performance and value proposition. Priced affordably, these mirrors arrive in simple packaging, immediately conveying their budget-friendly nature. While lightweight, they appear sturdy enough for everyday cycling. The inclusion of rubber spacers for various handlebar diameters is a thoughtful touch, although their effectiveness proved to be a key aspect of the overall user experience.The installation process, however, presented unexpected challenges. The adjustable mechanism, a touted feature, complicated finding the optimal fit and tension. The provided instructions were minimal, leading to experimentation and frustration in securing a firm mount. Despite these difficulties, the mirrors ultimately provided decent rearview visibility. This review will explore the trade-offs between the adjustability, affordability, and the frustrating installation, offering insight into whether these mirrors represent a worthwhile purchase for the average cyclist.
Pros And Cons
- Adjustability for different handlebar sizes
- Relatively inexpensive (~$13-$16)
- Cheesy/cheap material (plastic)
- Difficult to mount securely on some handlebars, requiring additional spacers.
- Mounting mechanism may not provide sufficient grip, resulting in looseness.
- May not provide optimal visibility due to limited adjustability on certain handlebars.
Read more: 5 Best Bike Mirrors for Road Cycling
Unboxing and First Impressions
The package arrived promptly, containing a pair of Newlight66 adjustable handlebar rearview mirrors. The initial impression was one of affordability, which is reflected in the price point. The packaging itself was simple, hinting at the budget-friendly nature of the product. The mirrors themselves felt lightweight, but sturdy enough for casual use.
Included in the package were some small rubber spacers, designed to accommodate different handlebar diameters. This thoughtful inclusion demonstrates a degree of attention to detail, though the actual functionality of these spacers proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
Installation Challenges
Mounting the mirrors proved more difficult than expected. The adjustable mechanism, while a selling point, made it tricky to find the right fit and tension. The thin rubber spacers were initially used, but proved insufficient to provide a secure fit on my handlebars.
The included instructions were minimal, leaving me to experiment with different configurations. I attempted using various combinations of the rubber spacers, ultimately resorting to using the thicker ones, though even then, a firm, secure fit was challenging to achieve.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
After considerable effort, I managed to mount the mirrors, though the fit wasn't as snug as I'd have liked. The adjustability is a plus, offering flexibility in positioning for optimal viewing. However, the installation process was unexpectedly tedious, requiring significant time and patience.
For the price, the Newlight66 bike mirrors offer a functional, albeit basic solution. The adjustability is a significant advantage, but the installation difficulties and somewhat flimsy build quality should be considered. While they offer decent rearview visibility, buyers should be prepared for a fiddly installation process. Ultimately, a slightly more expensive mirror with a more robust mounting system might be a worthwhile investment to avoid the frustrations encountered during installation.
