During the course of my ten years of blogging, I’ve been contacted frequently by sports and tech companies wanting me to endorse their products to my blogging and social media audiences. So far, I’ve turned down all offers, despite some very attractive inducements, except one, the Razor-Tune,an exceptional electric ski sharpening device that has made my life as the father of two ski racing daughters much easier. I discovered it on my own and happily spread the word.

Well, I recently discovered another sports-related product that I was blown away by and, as a result and without any prompting from the company, feel compelled to share because it has changed for the better an important part of my athletic life.

First, some backstory. I’m a 2-time Ironman triathlete and a pretty serious cyclist. But I’m also 60 years old (yikes!), so I’m more concerned these days with safety than thrills. I have always found it uncomfortable to take my eyes off the road and look over my left shoulder to see cars approaching from the rear or to check on which riding buddy is on my rear wheel. I’ve been fortunate that nothing has ever happened to me, but any committed cyclist knows that all it takes is an unnoticed pothole or unseen car to cause a crash and possible injury (or worse).

For years, I’ve been looking for a good rearview mirror for cycling, but none that I found met two criteria that would compel me to buy it: 1) It works, meaning I’m able to see a large segment of the road behind me through the mirror, and 2) It doesn’t look geeky (admittedly, I’m a bit of a cycling snob). Of the two most popular styles, bar-end mirrors weren’t effective and clip-on mirrors are so uncool.

Then, one day in November, I was searching YouTube for cycling videos and stumbled on a video titled “5 Bike Gadgets You Must Try” and discovered Trieye sunglasses (at 1:24 of the video) with a rearview mirror built into the lenses. I also learned that it won the prestigious 2018 d&i award for outstanding design and innovation at the Taipei International Cycle Show, one of the world’s leading bicycle trade shows.

I ordered a pair of Trieyes immediately and have had several road rides with them. My verdict: Amazing!! It took me a few miles of experimentation to find the right angle of the mirror. After that, I didn’t look back the entire ride. I felt safer and more confident even on busy roads where cars are not a cyclist’s best friend. Plus, Trieyes look great and fit comfortably.

And Trieye is not just for cycling. Rowers can use them (remember they are facing backwards). And Trieye will make custom lenses with mirrors on both sides for Nordic skiers, roller skiers, roller skaters, and runners who want to see who’s behind them and who’s making a move without having to look back (what a competitive advantage that is!). Trieye can even be used for non-athletic activities such as riding an electric scooter (so popular in cities these days) or a Segway (for the 10-12 people in the world who own those!).

Trieye comes in two sizes (small and large), two colors (black and white), with three different interchangeable colored lenses (each with a mirror), and the mirror can be on the left side for the US, Europe, and most of the world and the right side for the UK and its former colonies.

Trieye sunglasses cost less than most high-end sunglasses ($116 includes tax and shipping). And, until Dec. 23rd, you can get 20% off by using this coupon (drjimtaylor) on the payment page.

So, do yourself or the cyclist in your family a favor and buy a pair as a holiday gift. I assure you that you will be sold on them after your very first ride!