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Leveret Roofscope car mirror

6
£19.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Handy reminder to keep a check on stuff on the roof
Weight: 
116g
Contact: 
www.leveretproductions.com

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The Leveret Roofscope is a supplementary bonnet mirror that acts as a reminder that you've got stuff on the roof of the car. It's easy to fit and it does what it says on the tin.

You'll either love or hate this idea. The advantage of seeing what's on the roof of a car is that you might get some warning if something starts coming loose, and it could be invaluable if you're one of those forgetful types who is likely to drive into low-roofed car parks or garages with the bike still up there. The disadvantage is that the more paranoid/anxious among us will be constantly checking the roof mirror instead of focusing on the road ahead.

You probably already know whether you're going to be a lover or a hater, or you may fall somewhere in between. Either way, this is an idea that can work if you want it to.

It's easy enough to fit. It took me about five minutes. You need to sit in the car while someone else finds the right position for the mirror on the bonnet. There is some tilt and swivel adjustment so you don't need to be overly precise.

The main thing is that it's placed where you can see easily but that won't distract you, and that might be a hard balance to achieve.

You could of course put the onus on your passenger to keep an eye on it so that it's their fault when you forget the bikes are on the roof and drive under a barrier.

Once you've settled on where it's going you simply clean the crud off that patch of bodywork (an Isopropyl alcohol pad is supplied for final preparation after the soapy water) moisten the silicone suction cup, put it in place and screw the knurled suction dial in until it's tight.

The mirror itself is held in place with tough Velcro, so you can remove the mirror but leave the bracket in place when you're not carrying stuff on the roof.

That's it really. It stayed in place, it does the job and there is a little window sticker saying 'Remember load on top' for those who are more likely to look at stickers than look at mirrors.

Verdict

Handy reminder to keep a check on stuff on the roof

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Leveret Roofscope

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

It's aimed at anyone who carries stuff on the car roof, and it does the job. If you think it might distract you, you can put it on the passenger side and let them do all the worrying.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

It's simply made, mainly plastic, but the suction cup works well and you can take the mirror off and fold the arm down when it's not in use. Or simply wind out the suction clamp and take it off again.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10

It's certainly robust enough for occasional use.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

It does the job and fine angle adjustments are easy.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

So far so good, but don't go through the car wash with it on.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Cheap enough to give it a try if you're at all roof rack paranoid.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Does the job.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It's well priced.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

If you're a habitual forgetter you'll probably still forget. If you're the paranoid type you might be checking on your roof rack instead of giving the road ahead your undivided attention.

Did you enjoy using the product? Not particularly.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? To certain friends yes.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 58  Height: 181  Weight: 78kg

I usually ride: Merlin Ti  My best bike is: Ibis Silk SL

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Add new comment

9 comments

Avatar
Flying Scot | 9 years ago
0 likes

It may be an urban legend, but an acquaintance told me stopped a guy with a pricey Cervelo driving under a height restrictor after a TT.

His story went that the guy took it off the roof.......drove away and left it!

Avatar
levermonkey | 9 years ago
0 likes

Don't think that this is going to help my OCD!  4

Like the idea though. Cheap, simple and effective. I do worry about the paintwork though.

Don't really understand the rating this product got though. If it sticks to the car, doesn't fall off and allows you to see what's on your roof surely it has fulfilled its brief. Why only 6/10?

Avatar
WolfieSmith | 9 years ago
0 likes

I was about to pull into a stable yard in Cumbria with the beloved £4k bike on the roof thinking 'What is that tw*t behind me flashing and beeping about?" I wound the window down to ask him what his problem was and he just pointed silently to the roof of my car..... Whoever you were in Cartmel that day - I thank you..  40

Avatar
jova54 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I've just seen the by-line for the article  2

Avatar
jova54 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Bonnet mounted mascots/emblems (Jaguar's leaping cat, Rolls Royce Spirit of Ecstasy etc) are supposed to break free if the vehicle is in collision with a pedestrian. Was the mirror tested to see how much force was required to remove it in similar circumstances?

Avatar
md6 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I thought this was a cycling website...

Avatar
banjokat | 9 years ago
0 likes

You could just do what I did - drive through a French 2 metre autoroute barrier, with bikes on the roof. You won't forget after that. Thank goodness it was in the days before camera phones. Or it would be on youtube!

Avatar
notfastenough | 9 years ago
0 likes

Did it mark the car bodywork at all? Can't help thinking that the alcohol wipe will take any wax/protective products off the paintwork.

Avatar
adamtaylor | 9 years ago
0 likes

I prefer to check the car's shadow or hang my head out of the window...

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