Bar-end mirrors

[Sylv]

I remember seeing those on someone's road bike and thinking they were cool, I think they said they'd bought them in spain. I've never seen any for sale anywhere. I've come to think they'd come handy in racing, to keep an eye on those cheeky sprint moves behind you, to check if you haven't unknowingly opened a gap, or to see how many people are right behind you.

Has anyone seen any of these? They are tiny (about same diameter as handlebars, and replace a bar-end plug) and fish-eye like to give a wide-angle view.

[Sylv]

D'oh I hadn't even looked on ebay

What do you reckon?

[img]http://www.aspirevelotech.com/ebayimages/Rider_View.jpg[/img]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Italian-ROAD-BIKE-u ... dZViewItem

Racers find that The Italian Road Bike Mirrorâ„¢ gives them a definite tactical advantage, especially in criteriums where there's not a whole lot of time to be physically turning around. They're great in road races too, giving you lots of advance notice that competition is coming. When another cyclist tries to close a gap from behind, you'll know they're coming in plenty of time to do something about it. Because The Italian Road Bike Mirrorâ„¢ is inconspicuous, you won't give up your strategic advantage by having some big mirror hanging off your race bike, or by looking over your shoulder. Knowing when there's no one behind you is also really helpful so you can rest up for your next attack. It's quite an advantage to know when your competition is there, without them knowing that you know.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Trouble is you have to be in front of people for them to work

[Sylv]

I'll buy you a pair for your birthday Paul

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Cheers Sylv, but as previous post, they wouldn't get used

[Andrew G]

I've seen them online somewhere, but can't remember where. I thought they looked like they might be good on a commuting bike, not so sure if they'd work as well for racing but would be interested if you get some. My main concern was that to be of any use the mirror would have to distort the image to see anything meaningful, and if it's distorted that much, is it info you could trust?

I also saw some of those bar end plugs that have a flashing red LED in them on a bloke in front of me in winter. I have to get them for next year, they were fantastic as extra lights and really showed up well. Would also doub;e up as a useful set of emergency lights if you got caught out.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

The lights are great, I have used them for a few years now, and they show up quite well as an additional visibilty aid.

[Andrew G]

[url]http://www.twowheelsgood.co.uk/index.php/product/lighting/nitezone/LAN219.html[/url]
[img]http://www.twowheelsgood.co.uk/products/main/LAN219.jpg[/img]
TB Ordered

[Sylv]

[quote="Andrew G"]My main concern was that to be of any use the mirror would have to distort the image to see anything meaningful, and if it's distorted that much, is it info you could trust?
.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote]Maybe you're right, not sure I want to see Paul Tunnel's distorted face looming behind me ready for the kill

[Andrew G]

Sean - I expect George's collar bone repair man has a set.
Sylv -