Commuting - Bell Options?

Hi,

I've re-routed my commute to avoid major roads and along a park.

While the Delta Airzound (I have one on order) seems like the perfect way to get the attention of car drivers, I'm looking for a very gentle bell to warn (i.e. shoo away) pedestrians on mixed-use trails. Something that plays a few soft chimes perhaps. The idea is to not startle them and have them jump into my way, nicer than yelling "on your left" (luckily, people don't walk much here, so I don't have to do that often -- but nobody is using a bike either, so they don't expect me).

I've looked through a few accessory catalogs, but haven't come up with any ideas... Anyone?

Thanks,
Robert (Addison, TX -- anyone else out here using a bike?)

I used the incredibell when passing other trail users. It works for the 50% thad don't wear Ipods.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=297&item=37-6653&slitrk=search&slisearch=true
For cagers or long-distance trail use (e.g., groups covering boths lanes of trail at 150 feet +) I'll break loose with the Airzound. Last week I encountered a group of about 10 that coated the trail 3 deep and let them have a dose of horn. The left half jumped to the right and the right half jumped to the left; both groups turned to watch me pass.

The incredibells are fine. They come in nearly countless colors and sizes. Another option are the little Japanese-made brass bells; they have a very nice sound and a simple classic look. They shine up nicely, too. www.jitensha.com

The incredibells are fine. They come in nearly countless colors and sizes. Another option are the little Japanese-made brass bells; they have a very nice sound and a simple classic look. They shine up nicely, too. www.jitensha.com

Those Japanese bells do look nice. For a fun ride try rigging one of those big 8" to 12" bells used in alarm systems :D

Just use one of those little "ping ping" hammer on a spring bells. I bet they sell these at department stores. Cheap and not at all obnoxious.

Or better yet and cheaper just scream! The bell is useless I heard those at LBS's, ding dong Avon calling, give me a break. The Delta Airzound Horn would work heck of lot better but then there goes a water bottle holder plus in a emergency you have to trigger the horn and brake, I don't think your going to be able to do both and stop on time; thus yelling would free up both hands to apply both brakes.

Yeah I know, stupid comments!

I will probably be getting one of these (http://velo-orange.com/jabrbe.html) with the threadless spacer mount (http://velo-orange.com/spbemo.html) as soon as these (http://velo-orange.com/oshabag.html) become available and I can afford one.

You can lightly tap the Air Zound to produce a much softer noise. That's what I usually do for pedestrians.

Everyone, thanks for your replies. If there's nothing that plays a melody, I'll go for the classic 'ping' 'ping'.

I have a little bell to keep my bike street legal, but it never works for peds. In the end, the good old "watch out, you are in the bike lane" seems to work better and does not require me to move my hands.

Wal-mart sells a small AM/FM radio for $5 and has a belt clip on the back. I play it through its small speaker so everyone can hear me coming. I don’t play it loud, just comfortable listening for me. Everyone looks around for the radio as I approach him or her. That’s about as gentle as it gets.

Wal-mart sells a small AM/FM radio for $5 and has a belt clip on the back. I play it through its small speaker so everyone can hear me coming. I don’t play it loud, just comfortable listening for me. Everyone looks around for the radio as I approach him or her. That’s about as gentle as it gets.


I like it! I think I'll give that a try. Sounds effective (for the non-IPod set) AND I get to hear my morning radio show.:)

I just removed a bell from my bike because it was making me crazy. Ill explain-

Id recommend an electronic bell that makes the good ol fashioned bell sound. Everyone
understands the meaning of the sound, and getting an electronic one keeps it from
making noise when you ride on bumpy roads. Thats what made me remove mine- It wouldnt shut up!

When it comes to being 'gentle', just ring it early before passing- it wont seem too loud to the pedestrian

I bought an electra bell at the LBS that makes the classic "ring" sound I remember from the old days. pretty cool. sometimes I ring it just to hear the sound. Downside; just like Hobart, above, the bell makes noise every time I hit a bump or rough road. I'm jingling a lot of the time!

I've learned not to use it with peds because they freak out and don't know which way to go. so I just slow way down and pass them as far away as I can get on the left without making any noise.

Electra also has a nice two tone bell -- it goes DING -- DONG. My wife has one and rings it and waves at everyone in their yards when we do neighborhood rides. Most people wave back, extremely happy about the whole thing.

I thought these bar end bells (http://www.mirrycle.com/bar_end_new.htm) were so cool - I ordered 3 - one for each bike that I can fit them on!
:D

another one for incredibells, love mine. I do not ride on the road except for short stretches however, so only ringing at the darn ipoders....

I thought these bar end bells (http://www.mirrycle.com/bar_end_new.htm) were so cool - I ordered 3 - one for each bike that I can fit them on!
:D

Have you used these yet? Curious on the feedback as they do look like a great idea.

Thanks

I just purchased an incredibell Bar end thing tonight (Not one of those twist ones, just one you have to flick the lil hammer). It sounds loud, so hopefully it'll get the attention of some folks.

Have you used these yet? Curious on the feedback as they do look like a great idea.

Thanks


I'll report back once they arrive. UPS has them at the moment ...

Thanks for the info on these bells, interested to see how they work out. Switching to wing bars and need another bell placement solution, looks like you all could have solved the problem really quick for me! Thanks again

I'm a big fan of the Megalert Megahorn. (105dB @ 3 feet)
Only a couple ounces, and about 2" x 2.5" x 1.5"

I used to rock one of these back in Cincinnati. I need to put it back on again... mall traffic just doesn't pay enough attention.