I've searched threads and although I've seen some recs. Those that look like contenders are NLA.
Not looking for helmet or specs clips ons. Been there.
Rather not use anything that requires modding.

i've seen them attached to the end of the drop bars

I use a zefal spy on my bike, I have it clamped to the head tube or top tube depending on which bag is on the bike. the view is kinda through the legs. With it mounted on the left side of the frame, I can see behind me when my knee is up and get a nice view of my thigh when my knee is down.

Suggest a search for "mirror" threads.

attached to the end of the drop bars, a rubber end plug takes a ball attached to the mirror..

another sort uses a band clamp right under the brake lever..

I like this axiom as it sticks out far enough to see beyond my pannier on the commuter. But at one time they changed the pivots from screws you could tighten to rivets and held adjustment for crap. I don't know if they went back to allen screws.

https://www.axiomgear.com/products/m...dlx-universal/

There is this one if you have Shimano STI: https://www.mirrycle.com/product/mirrycle-road-mirror/ If not, there are bar end mirrors as well. I have bar end shifters, so I mounted a mirror on a clamp I had lying around for a reflector, and mounted it near the bar ends.

I have this one on one road bike and for the life of me I can't get it to point exactly where I want it to point.

I'm sure it's user error but... it's not so easy to set up, and since it's UNDER the bar tape, it's even harder to adjust.

I have a ball-in-plug bar-end mirror ... after a short while it got so loose it wouldn't hold adjustment. I tried duct tape, then a piece of old inner tube ... the plug got offended and spat the mirror out on the pavement.

I insisted an d it is back in place and working ... we shall see for how long.

i will probably buy a couple different models if i see them on sale. There has to be Something for when I don't want to wear a helmet or glasses.

I know exactly what you mean. The bad news is that you have to be precise when setting it up. The good news is that when you get it right it will stay right. And, since the lens is glass, it gives an accurate view. I've got two and they work well for me.

^^^^ I had one similar to the video one, but I always would touch it and it moves and sometimes I would ouch on my knee.
Then, I got the Mirrycle one that I extend outside the bike and can be quickly adjusted while riding and don't hit the knee.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i had one of these on my old road bike. I had it taken off when I sold it. i was going to have the bike shop wrap it on new road bike I never put it on. I tended to fred it up with my mirror on my glasses since that is what i used to commuting.

I use this one...

https://www.bicyclebuys.com/selle-it...mirror/0130000

thanks for the suggestions and links. have a few to look at now.
The Mirrycle MTB one seems pretty popular at Bezos. Wonder how that mount would be on drop bars though.
[MENTION=476141]phtomita[/MENTION] - perhaps you could post a pick if you're on drop bars?

I think Blackburn sells a unit like that. I keep thinking it would irritate me since it clips onto the brifter ... where I happen to be grabbing.

I am thinking of trying a bar-end insert on a stalk---swing it out when there is room, fold it back when I park.

This is what I did. I used a Mirrycle road mirror, which has the same mirror end, and removed it from the supplied mount and mounted it using a clamp I had for a reflector.

There are road bike specific bar end mirrors available though, and I probably would have used one if I didn't have bar end shifters. https://www.amazon.com/Hafny-Mirror-...rror+road+bike

Don't have a close look pic, but I think you can get an idea - it is very stable and stay in place since uses the same mechanism as in quill steam.
It is plastic frame and is holding well for me (2nd year). Mirror area is big enough and is very easy to adjust the angle on the fly when you want go drops, or more relaxed position.
Won't fit if you have a bar end shifter....

think I'd be happier with a screw mount of some kind rather than velcro. Also thinking brifter mount, for line of sight, so maybe the Mirrycle.
[MENTION=476141]phtomita[/MENTION] - I get it. Yea that looks alright.

I was concerned with that as well before getting one, but I can honestly say after using it for almost a year now, I don't notice any difference with it attached. It fits really flush. May feel just a slight more thickness, but after riding with it awhile, you don't even think about it.

We have the Mirrcycle on 6 several of our family's touring bikes. The are sturdy, and work well. All have Shimano STI shifters, and the mirror's mount is designed to fit.

Ortlieb Ultralight bike mirror.
There's a decent youtbue vid for the D+D Oberlauda version (the mirrors seem identical) showing positioning on drop bars.

The Ortieb/Oberlauda looks a good flexible mount method.

I use a Sprintech bar end mirror. I do hit it quite a bit and mess up it's position, but it only takes a second to adjust it back. I haven't noticed the mirror slipping or becoming loose as Maelochs mentioned (maybe different brand), but I have only been using it for about 6 months.

yeah, different brand .... and about half the price ... and apparently, about half the quality. I will consider the one you have for my next purchase.