According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles resulted in the deaths of 618 cyclists in 2010 ... and that’s just in the United States. Regardless of who was at fault in those accidents, one thing is certain – urban cyclists are safer when they’re better able to keep tabs on the vehicles around them. While helmet-mounted mirrors are a great help in that regard, many cyclists don’t use them. That’s why Canadian entrepreneurs Greg Maxwell and Richard Seck invented the Isoteko mirror.
A lot of cyclists don’t like helmet mirrors either because they get in the way, or because they’re ... well, dorky-looking. The Isoteko is intended to address both of those shortcomings.
Made from laser cut and machined aluminum, the mirror was designed to be “a functional piece of art for your helmet.” Needless to say, individual users’ opinions will vary on its aesthetic appeal, but it does definitely have a certain sleek look of its own.
Additionally, it easily flips back when not in use. This is handy for users who don’t want to prop their helmet on the mirror when they put it down, or who have to cram it into a small storage space. It’s also useful for mountain bikers who commute to the trailhead on shared roads, but don’t want a mirror in their face once they hit the trails.
The Isoteko can reportedly be installed on any helmet. It can be set in approximately the right position by swiveling and tightening its arm, although the mirror itself can also be micro-adjusted within its housing, to fine-tune the viewing angle. It’s also designed to be repairable, with a website in the works where owners can order replacement parts.
Maxwell and Seck are currently raising production funds for the Isoteko, on the Indiegogo website. A pledge of US$70 will get you one, when and if the funding goal is reached.
The mirror can be seen in use in the video below.
Source: Indiegogo
