What do you recommend for a bell?
03-20-17 | 10:30 AM
#26
Banned
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
03-20-17 | 12:36 PM
#27
royal dutch of dukes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 400
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From: brooklyn, nyc
Doesn't matter. Cars can't hear any bicycle bell. Nor can most pedestrians, joggers or cyclists wearing earbuds. For those you need an AirZound or similarly obnoxious blaster.
For MUP users who haven't blocked out ambient sounds try a Timber mountain bike trail bell. It can be set to ring continuously or not at all.
I was curious about the Timber and similar mini-cowbells sold on Amazon and elsewhere. So I rigged up my own from some winter holiday jingle bells, ranging in size from golf balls to slightly larger. I used those on one bike for a couple of months until the thin strap wore out and broke a couple of weeks ago. The jingle bells clinked and clanked continuously while riding, varying depending on how smooth or rough the terrain was. If the bells didn't jingle enough while approaching someone from behind on smooth pavement I'd smack the bells with one hand.
The continuous jingling was remarkably effective yet friendly sounding on the MUP. People who hadn't plugged up their ears would notice and turn to look as I was approaching, and usually smiled. I always slow down and pass as courteously as possible anyway. On the gravel trail it jingled continuously and most joggers/walkers would moved rightward without being prompted. There were still a few who'd remain in the center of the path or go the "wrong" way, but they usually remained consistent in direction rather than wandering around aimlessly.
On one occasion a couple of joggers were two abreast on the narrow paved MUP. The jogger to farthest right heard me and tugged the sleeve of her friend who was blocking the path. As I passed the path-hogging jogger muttered "I heard something jingling but didn't know what the heck it was." So it's not foolproof, even when they can hear it.
But my jingle bell experiment worked so well I'm going to buy a Timber bell.
If I rode more often in heavy traffic I'd get an AirZound. But I wouldn't waste money on another flipper bell, no matter how well designed.
And don't count on any noisemaker short of a Doppler effect horn/siren being effective anyway. Tests have shown people can't even tell the direction or approach speed of a train from sound or vibration. Modern trains and tracks are remarkably quiet and vibration free now anyway, but even with noisy freight trains on older tracks people continue to be struck and killed or injured because they misjudge the distance and approach. Only the Doppler pitch shift has been shown to be reliable for indicating distance, orientation and whether the vehicle is approaching or receding.
For MUP users who haven't blocked out ambient sounds try a Timber mountain bike trail bell. It can be set to ring continuously or not at all.
I was curious about the Timber and similar mini-cowbells sold on Amazon and elsewhere. So I rigged up my own from some winter holiday jingle bells, ranging in size from golf balls to slightly larger. I used those on one bike for a couple of months until the thin strap wore out and broke a couple of weeks ago. The jingle bells clinked and clanked continuously while riding, varying depending on how smooth or rough the terrain was. If the bells didn't jingle enough while approaching someone from behind on smooth pavement I'd smack the bells with one hand.
The continuous jingling was remarkably effective yet friendly sounding on the MUP. People who hadn't plugged up their ears would notice and turn to look as I was approaching, and usually smiled. I always slow down and pass as courteously as possible anyway. On the gravel trail it jingled continuously and most joggers/walkers would moved rightward without being prompted. There were still a few who'd remain in the center of the path or go the "wrong" way, but they usually remained consistent in direction rather than wandering around aimlessly.
On one occasion a couple of joggers were two abreast on the narrow paved MUP. The jogger to farthest right heard me and tugged the sleeve of her friend who was blocking the path. As I passed the path-hogging jogger muttered "I heard something jingling but didn't know what the heck it was." So it's not foolproof, even when they can hear it.
But my jingle bell experiment worked so well I'm going to buy a Timber bell.
If I rode more often in heavy traffic I'd get an AirZound. But I wouldn't waste money on another flipper bell, no matter how well designed.
And don't count on any noisemaker short of a Doppler effect horn/siren being effective anyway. Tests have shown people can't even tell the direction or approach speed of a train from sound or vibration. Modern trains and tracks are remarkably quiet and vibration free now anyway, but even with noisy freight trains on older tracks people continue to be struck and killed or injured because they misjudge the distance and approach. Only the Doppler pitch shift has been shown to be reliable for indicating distance, orientation and whether the vehicle is approaching or receding.
In some anti-cyclist places, like NYC, you get summonsed by our local pig department for not having bells. They're useless (and worse, make the peds that do hear them even angried) but thats the law unfortunately.
03-20-17 | 01:07 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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I use a hamburger bell - sounds nice and works well!
https://smile.amazon.com/Lexco-Bicyc...hamburger+bell
https://smile.amazon.com/Lexco-Bicyc...hamburger+bell
05-11-17 | 10:22 PM
#32
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
05-12-17 | 01:43 AM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Portland, Or
05-12-17 | 08:47 AM
#34
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I've become a bell snob. Sorry.
I want my bell to have no plastic or a minimum of plastic. It just doesn't hold up.
I've come to realize the superior sound of brass over steel. But brass bells are much expensiver.
The Spurcycle looks great, but I can't bring myself to spend that much. $20 or $25 for the Crane is already pretty steep, but I have one, and I'll probably be getting another.
If I needed an air horn, it would mean I'm going too fast near pedestrians. Bells are for warning pedestrians, not motor vehicle drivers. I am not convinced a noisemaker of any sort would make me safer among motor vehicles.
I want my bell to have no plastic or a minimum of plastic. It just doesn't hold up.
I've come to realize the superior sound of brass over steel. But brass bells are much expensiver.
The Spurcycle looks great, but I can't bring myself to spend that much. $20 or $25 for the Crane is already pretty steep, but I have one, and I'll probably be getting another.
If I needed an air horn, it would mean I'm going too fast near pedestrians. Bells are for warning pedestrians, not motor vehicle drivers. I am not convinced a noisemaker of any sort would make me safer among motor vehicles.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
05-12-17 | 08:52 AM
#35
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,223
Likes: 6,480
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I'm taking a chance on this $3 bell which claims to be brass. I don't see how it can be true, but I've got $3 to burn. It will take a while to arrive from China.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
05-13-17 | 07:15 AM
#37
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: WKY
Bikes: 2014 Trek Crossrip LTD, 2013 Raleigh Misceo
I've liked the Dimensions headset spacer in brass. It has a tone/volumethat peds seem to hear. I had an incredibell bar end that seemed to be almost completely ignored. Nothing will help if they are "plugged in".
05-13-17 | 12:12 PM
#38
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Boston
Bikes: Death machines all
I have a Spurcycle bell to alert adults that I am approaching and two squeaky sharks for kids. I find the sharks get the most positive reaction.
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05-13-17 | 12:43 PM
#39
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Washington, DC
Just read the reviews on REI. Sounds like most everyone is disappointed. Another reason to avoid Kickstarter. Never know what you are getting until it's too late.
05-13-17 | 05:55 PM
#40
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Joined: Mar 2016
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I think your perfect bell is going to depend on what you are going to use it for.
I use mine only for bike paths. Therefore I don't need an extremely loud bell. I went with the sleeker oi bell, however I bought the knock off version from alibaba for like $8. Works like a charm.
I use mine only for bike paths. Therefore I don't need an extremely loud bell. I went with the sleeker oi bell, however I bought the knock off version from alibaba for like $8. Works like a charm.
05-14-17 | 12:31 PM
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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i use the Alexander Graham Bell (by PDW) which is also nice and loud, though it takes more than one ring. it doesn't have that double-ding like the Duet.
05-14-17 | 01:42 PM
#42
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
My own combination of different bells, to arrive at an optimum
sounds like this. My next choice after 2-dome brass is a Chinese rotary 2-dome bell.
05-14-17 | 05:28 PM
#43
Palmer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,158
Likes: 2,266
From: Parts Unknown
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Fun fact: a bell is one of the few items required on bicycles by the 1968 International Convention on Road Traffic. I like a simple 'ding!' YMMV.
You want a beautiful bell with a deep, crystal clear tone and sustain into next week? Lion. Word.
Hard to go wrong with the classic Tokyo San Esu Universal Sound Bell.
MKS Aero Ti or Van Nicholas Ti. Because the answer is always titanium.
Spurcycle decided to play in Crane's sandbox. 'I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.' (BTW, RockBros will fix you up with pretty much the same thing for 1/2 to 1/5 the price.) I own all three. Go ahead and get the cheap one.
Trigger Bell: killer human factors if your hands are never anywhere but on the grips or drops.
Sogreni bell, if the $50 Spurcycle bell just isn't pretentious enough.
King Cage Bar Bell. Spin it off its mounting post and it doubles as a shot glass.
Ne Plus Ultra: Airzound.
.
You want a beautiful bell with a deep, crystal clear tone and sustain into next week? Lion. Word.
Hard to go wrong with the classic Tokyo San Esu Universal Sound Bell.
MKS Aero Ti or Van Nicholas Ti. Because the answer is always titanium.
Spurcycle decided to play in Crane's sandbox. 'I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.' (BTW, RockBros will fix you up with pretty much the same thing for 1/2 to 1/5 the price.) I own all three. Go ahead and get the cheap one.
Trigger Bell: killer human factors if your hands are never anywhere but on the grips or drops.
Sogreni bell, if the $50 Spurcycle bell just isn't pretentious enough.
King Cage Bar Bell. Spin it off its mounting post and it doubles as a shot glass.
Ne Plus Ultra: Airzound.
Last edited by tcs; 05-14-17 at 08:25 PM.
05-15-17 | 12:24 PM
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 2,242
Fun fact: a bell is one of the few items required on bicycles by the 1968 International Convention on Road Traffic. I like a simple 'ding!' YMMV.
You want a beautiful bell with a deep, crystal clear tone and sustain into next week? Lion. Word.
Hard to go wrong with the classic Tokyo San Esu Universal Sound Bell.
MKS Aero Ti or Van Nicholas Ti. Because the answer is always titanium.
Spurcycle decided to play in Crane's sandbox. 'I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.' (BTW, RockBros will fix you up with pretty much the same thing for 1/2 to 1/5 the price.) I own all three. Go ahead and get the cheap one.
Trigger Bell: killer human factors if your hands are never anywhere but on the grips or drops.
Sogreni bell, if the $50 Spurcycle bell just isn't pretentious enough.
King Cage Bar Bell. Spin it off its mounting post and it doubles as a shot glass.
Ne Plus Ultra: Airzound. Airzound.
You want a beautiful bell with a deep, crystal clear tone and sustain into next week? Lion. Word.
Hard to go wrong with the classic Tokyo San Esu Universal Sound Bell.
MKS Aero Ti or Van Nicholas Ti. Because the answer is always titanium.
Spurcycle decided to play in Crane's sandbox. 'I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.' (BTW, RockBros will fix you up with pretty much the same thing for 1/2 to 1/5 the price.) I own all three. Go ahead and get the cheap one.
Trigger Bell: killer human factors if your hands are never anywhere but on the grips or drops.
Sogreni bell, if the $50 Spurcycle bell just isn't pretentious enough.
King Cage Bar Bell. Spin it off its mounting post and it doubles as a shot glass.
Ne Plus Ultra: Airzound. Airzound.
05-15-17 | 03:26 PM
#45
Palmer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,158
Likes: 2,266
From: Parts Unknown
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
The Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997
All of the pedestrians in the video were crossing against a red signal, i.e. the cyclist had the right of way.
05-15-17 | 09:36 PM
#46
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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Likes: 2,242
Rules, rules, rules. The actual UK law on Zebra, Pelican and Puffin pedestrian crossings:
The Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997
All of the pedestrians in the video were crossing against a red signal, i.e. the cyclist had the right of way.
https://youtu.be/Uc89WTEh-jE
The Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997
All of the pedestrians in the video were crossing against a red signal, i.e. the cyclist had the right of way.
https://youtu.be/Uc89WTEh-jE
05-20-17 | 05:39 PM
#47
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I don't like any of the 3 bells the OP posted. Not at all.
My choice depends on where I live. If I lived in the city I might get something louder and more annoying.
I like my Cat Eye PC1000 alot. One pull to bell chimes, not too loud not to quiet, easy and quick to use:
I can't post pics yet so....it is small. I like that too
My choice depends on where I live. If I lived in the city I might get something louder and more annoying.
I like my Cat Eye PC1000 alot. One pull to bell chimes, not too loud not to quiet, easy and quick to use:
I can't post pics yet so....it is small. I like that too
05-20-17 | 07:24 PM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Portland, Or
It's not about avoiding Kickstarter. It's hit and miss. I pledged for the Spurcycle when it was on KS and that bell is phenomenal among other products I have pledged for as well.
05-22-17 | 04:31 PM
#49
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cologne
Bikes: Brompton 2016 M2L - Gazelle - Mystery bike
The 2016-2017 Brompton has a new bell build in with the right brake. I've never had a bell that was so easily accessible and I use it more often because of this.
Edit: It is very compact and I think it's not very loud.. So also some negative points here.
Edit: It is very compact and I think it's not very loud.. So also some negative points here.
05-22-17 | 04:35 PM
#50
Banned
Joined: May 2017
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The only bell that works consistently for me (and it's not always successful even then) is the traditional ring ring.
The spurcycle knockoffs I had were second best, until the striker fell off.
The other single 'ding' bells are pretty much useless.
The spurcycle knockoffs I had were second best, until the striker fell off.
The other single 'ding' bells are pretty much useless.