Best $20 I've ever spent on my bike

My motor was about $20 iirc but shipping bumped it closer to $35 I guess. Heck, my bike was only $35 but that doesn't count. If I'm honest I think it's a toss up between new chain, a new freewheel or new pedals.....that's really about the only thing $20 buys that I've needed.
 
auraslip said:
A mirrycle mirror.

Durable, adjustable, and not ugly. I can't imagine riding a bike with out one now. Seriously, how do you ride a bike with out a mirror!?!?!

Well, what's the best $20 you've spent on your bike?

+1

I have been running that mirror for about a year now and I love it :wink:

only problems have been at high speed (35-40mph ish) it moves back (maybe its the wind or bumps in the road) so needs adjusting on the fly

Ian :D
 
I agree that a mirror is a must. The only one I've found that isn't large, clunky, and is easily adjustable is this... http://www.amazon.com/Zefal-5642-Spin-Mirror/dp/B0040QHJ9K/ref=sr_1_69?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1309696681&sr=1-69
 
auraslip said:
Dingo - have you tried tightening it down? Mine doesn't move at all.

the problem Ive got is that I need to move the mirror in to get the bike through the doorways at work and home so it works loose over time..............its not a biggy just annoying sometimes

Ian :D
 
I have bad eyesight and those mirrors just do not work for me at all... i use my ears and if i have to go left i turn my head to look back.

I have good vision and hearing so I don't see the need for mirrors. The way I figure it, there's no blind spots when you turn your head and actually look around. Besides, mirrors tend to stick out and add drag.
 
ive had a mirrocycle mirror for about 5 yrs now,i think i bought 2 and they were cheaper then,still havent broke mine and my bike goes in everyhouse i go to.and used vp 550 pedals 20 bucks.there a bugger to rebuild but outstanding and upstanding pedals.
 
REdiculous said:
I have bad eyesight and those mirrors just do not work for me at all... i use my ears and if i have to go left i turn my head to look back.

I have good vision and hearing so I don't see the need for mirrors. The way I figure it, there's no blind spots when you turn your head and actually look around. Besides, mirrors tend to stick out and add drag.

I have good vision and hearing too. But the mirror is one more tool to be safe with...just like anti-lock brakes, bumpers, turn signals...all of which I'm sure you don't have.
 
itchynackers said:
But the mirror is one more tool to be safe with...just like anti-lock brakes, bumpers, turn signals...all of which I'm sure you don't have.
I couldn't agree with you more. I think mirror is really important piece of equipment on a bike, as much as ABS is on a car (it saved me few times when I braked too late for a turn).

I don't ride my bike with a mirror anymore, partially because I now rarely ride on open roads with fast-moving traffic, and partially because I broke it, but when I had it on my bike, and when I got used to it - it was one of the most useful piece of equipment I've ever had.
 
ABS has put me in the middle of an intersection thanks to the "grab, let go, grab, let go" pulsing. If I had been allowed to skid I would've stopped in time for sure. I wish I could've justified getting an older vehicle with brakes that didn't try to outsmart me....I miss having brakes that work. :roll:
 
I've never found a "bar" mounted mirror that satisfied be!
Using a hair clip, I mounted an "inspection mirror" to the brim of my baseball cap.
When I ... finally ... started wearing a helmet, I found a small bar end wide angle mirror that worked perfectly, off the helmet visor.
Made by Zefal, cost about $7, at the local Walmart.
Being a wide angle mirror, focus is problematic unless spaced sufficiently from eye. (about 4" minimum)
When placed properly, it gives a great eye level view of your rear-side, about 60 degree!

$20 Hmmmm ...
Another $3 for the 5 led flashing tail light.
And $10 for the 260 lumen, wide to spot zoom, led flashlight!
$20 total!

batteries extra ...
 

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Sorry!
Best $20 I've ever spent on my bike ...

Would have to be the ACS Southpaw 16T Freewheel, about $20 w/shipping!
It will modify the eZip-iZip, Currie external gear drive, taking it from the OEM 16mph top speed to a respectable 20mph capability.
EZip - IZip 20mph Upgrade $20!
 
Analog ABS is fantastic. Unfortunately you wont find it on any production car (with a couple excprions on exotics). If your car has American ABS (aka, pulse and release hazard brakes), just remove the fuse. If the little warning light on the dsh cluster bothers you, remove its bulb as well. :)

The fastest braking and fastest accelerating vehicles on earth have no ABS or traction control.
 
Just remembered ...
Won a bid on ebay, I got 1kwh of Lipo for $20!
20 - 11.1v 4.32ah notebook packs, that I recycled into a 37v 25.9ah pack. (.96kwh actually)
Might not qualify because shipping was extra, another $20.
Homemade Lipo Battery Packs
 
Do the mirrors jiggle around when hitting uneven pavement or rough roads? Can you still see?
 
D-Man said:
Do the mirrors jiggle around when hitting uneven pavement or rough roads? Can you still see?
A helmet mounted mirror is the only type I've ever seen that doesn't jiggle.
You can scan a wider field just by moving your head.

IMO, mirrors provide no actionable information so are a distraction.
Near misses and collisions are mostly happening in front of you.
 
A helmet mounted mirror is the only type I've ever seen that doesn't jiggle.
You can scan a wider field just by moving your head.

IMO, mirrors provide no actionable information so are a distraction.
Near misses and collisions are mostly happening in front of you.

Lies, lies, lies!

I like mirrors best for country roads. I take the lane, but move over when I see a car coming up behind me.
 
auraslip said:
A helmet mounted mirror is the only type I've ever seen that doesn't jiggle.
You can scan a wider field just by moving your head.

IMO, mirrors provide no actionable information so are a distraction.
Near misses and collisions are mostly happening in front of you.

Lies, lies, lies!

I like mirrors best for country roads. I take the lane, but move over when I see a car coming up behind me.
My riding environment is urban and I rely on frequent shoulder checks in conjunction with my ears.
I wouldn't think of changing lanes just because there were no conflicting vehicles visible in the mirror.
A helmet mirror certainly permits for a larger field of vision because your body and bike aren't in the way.
Only 8.6% of car-bicycle collisions involve cars overtaking bicycles. The majority of those involve alcohol at night.
Most collisions are turning and crossing situations. Mirrors don't stop dooring.
And truthfully, I've yet to see a bicycle mounted mirror that doesn't jiggle.

You're free to call me a liar but check your facts.
 
You're free to call me a liar but check your facts.
My mirrycle doesn't vibrate and it's the best safety device I have other than a fast motor and good brakes!
If those stupid looking helmet mirrors were so good, how come it is that motorcyclists do not use them?

:D :D :D :D :D
 
I can't imagine anything better than the $7 Zefal I found.
Worthless, "on the bar", but ideal on the helmet visor.

I feel naked and helpless without it.
 
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