Actually would have more application for racing than for general use. There is a bit of discussion on some of the racing forums concerning this device. I am not sure if it is useful enough to bother with even as a racer. I do however see this as part of the general trend in high end bicycles and gear. Electric shift systems were on some tour de france bikes this year. Race folk will always pay for the latest gee whiz gadget and I have seen no sign of this abating.

Couple of points. I have thought of something like this too. I think it has great real world application -

When I turn my head around to look, my bike turns a few degrees. Very scary between cars or next to a jagged wall.

Durability - it will take a beating.

Speed of play - my digital camera has lag when showing the image on the viewscreen. I imagine this would be worked out.

Brightness and size of display. Maybe incorporated into a heads up display in VR glasses?

Oddball app - a black box. More bicycle accidents are attributed to the cyclist when he/she can't speak for him/herself. This would serve like a dash cam in a cop car or a black box in an airplane.

Come on Lloyd, give yourself a bike upgrade!!!

Good Luck,

vsk

> One of the things that is so great about bikes is their simplicity.

One of the things that is so great about having a neck is that you can look over your shoulder for free.

"Come on Lloyd, give yourself a bike upgrade!!!"
What, an inexpensive bike is not good enough?

I occasionally have problems with treehugger for their desire to sell products (supposedly green). This product is one more thing that I don't need. Now how's that for saving the world: only buying what you need. I have a bike to ride with eyes and ears to be observant.

Most people might not need it and are able to turn their heads and look behind them.

Bu t I have atleast 3 people among my closer friends that cant ride a bicycle because they (for various reasons) can't easily turn their neck and look behind them.

This device could make them able to ride a bike in the city again so I thank you for a great tip.

--
DaJ

I agree that this is yet one more modern gadget that doesnt make life better. Like the $10,000 light switch that turns off all my unneeded electronics for me.

What about mirrors? There have long been a huge variety of mirror options for cyclists who worry about what is behind them. There are large handlebar mounted mirrors for the around town, non-stylin rider. There are small sunglass/ bar mounted mirrors for the more weight conscious yet not overly worried about style rider. And finally there are the little tiny inside your glasses mirrors for the ultra fashion conscious rider with a stiff neck.

Looking behind you while riding is a skill like any other. You can train yourself to steer straight while looking behind you.

All these are available without throwing out your old speedometers or heart monitors...and I have found that most crashes happen in front of me, not behind me.

This is a dumb gadget.

Want to know what is behind you? Turn your head and use your eyes. Can't do that on a bike? Practice! It took me a few tries, but i got it down. Kida like riding a bike in the first place. You too can impress your friends with your ability to ride a bike in a relatively straight line!

If that fails, use a mirror. I know, its archaic technology that won't really impress your technophile phrends and seems too simple and inexpensive, but youll never need to replace batteries and you won't be out a few hundred bucks should you manage to wipe out and smash it up.

Also, use your ears to hear, and your nose to smell. I believe the term is "use your senses", or "use your sense". You know, the equipment you were born with to experience the world. One of the great things about riding a bike or wqalking is that you can actually do this! I know they're trying to replace both your senses and the physical world with stupid gadgetry and alternate reality, but you can still enjoy the last vestiges of the real world while it still exists.

Any gadget thats helps to lure a person out of their car and onto a bike is a good idea.

Ron - apply a sense of humor. Just being a tad sarcastic. I had a big box store bike that I had a blast with that cost me $99.00 ... until the thing started to come apart here and there. I also have a Specialized Allez that I got for $550 and have over 6,000 commuter and fun miles on in 2 years (the secret's in the right wheels - Bontrager Select Aero - NYC pot-hole proof).
. . . . . . . .

Yes, mirrors are usually just fine I agree.

Turning around to get a good look at traffic while doing 20-25 mph can cause a deviation in your course of 1-2 feet. With parked cars and threatnening doors and mindless pedestrians on one side and impatient SUV drivers and maniacs on the other it's a pain. Carrying 25-30 pounds in a messenger bag complicates it a little more.

I imagine it's a lot easier to turn around on a beach cruiser along a deserted lane while throwing rose petals around out of the basket. If I win the lottery I'll get into it.

I can yell and scream but I have a bell.
I could ride a fixed gear without friction brakes, but, silly me, I have brakes on my Langster.

The market will decide.

Happy Holidays!

vsk