Chicagogal, you are falling into a slippery slope with the "real" roadie talk. I'll agree with you on the aero bars--they do not belong in any sort of group ride because they are simply dangerous in a group situation.

I have been riding for over 25 years, including racing when I was in my teens and 20s. I hardly consider myself unsafe in a group ride. I will, however, avoid self-proclaimed "true roadies" like the plague because they are typically rude and dangerous on the road.

But mirrors?? C'mon! I have a mirror on each of my CUSTOM ROAD BIKES (is that good enough) and if someone makes snide comments, that's a real good sign that I don't want to ride with them for alot more reasons than a mirror. Or Camelbaks.

Pul-eeze! I'm sorry you've fallen into an intolerant crowd. I hope that someday you will realize that showing up to a ride with a mirror or a Camelbak does not make a rider less-safe. Less cool according to some, perhaps. But not less safe.

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Back to Catrin - helmet/glasses mirrors are cheap. If you feel like trying one out in the future, just get one and see how it goes. Everyone is different. I find mirrors (handlebars; I can't do the helmet/glasses type) very useful.