I need a bell
 

Okay, among the other things I lost when my bike was stolen was my bell (as it was attached to the bike's bars at the time). I attempted to replace said bell with the same model (not because I liked it, but because it was cheap, convenient and good enough). Wonder of wonders, it didn't fit my new bars.

1st: I would think that mechanical simplicity, decent mounting and sound are the keys to a 'good' bell. Am I missing anything? Any good recommendations?

2d: Does anyone know the relevant measurement of the Kona Sweeper bars so that I can find a bell that will fit? I've had no luck on Kona's web site or bikepedia, I didn't necessarily see the right measurement imprinted on the bars, and I definitely don't want to unwrap. I know I could just run by the LBS, but they close early now that autumn is upon us, so it is a bit inconvenient. I doubt the bars are a weird size... but I don't want to order something and have to struggle to fit it if there's an easy option.

The relevant measurement is the diameter of the clamping area. Usually either around 1" (25.4 mm) or 1.25" 31.8mm.

If the bell is too loose when attached you can get metal shims to fit inside...

Shims is probably the wrong word, it's like a washer type thing... anyways...

Thanks -- my problem was the opposite -- the bell mount was too small. I just checked and I have the fatter bars.

Not a lot to add. I like brass.

Cat Eye micro bells make me pretty happy... as do brass bells.

What type of bell do you have? I ended up having to modify the clamp of my bell in order for it to fit around the handle bars of my recumbent bike. You might be able to do the same with yours.

It is a cheap, target Bell brand bell, I think. I could just put longer screws on, and that would be that. But that requires a trip to the hardware or home improvement store, and isn't as much fun as shopping for new stuff ;-)

I like the Myrricle IncrediBell XL.

Get the Soma Crane brass bell. It rings forever.

Airzound, perhaps?

The Incredi-Bell is relatively inexpensive and loud. That would be my first choice. Don't waste your money on the fancy Japanese brass bells sold by Rivendell and Vel0-Orange. They aren't nearly as loud.

I'm considering an Airzound for traffic, but I want a bell for MUP use -- I don't want to give pedestrians a heart attack.

+1
I liked my Airzound when it was working, I would like to replace it with something else, not having much luck in that area.

My first is/was a Schwinn bell. The bell portion of it spins, as opposed to operating a lever to ring it.

Crane Suzu bells :thumb:

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looking at the specs on many of them, though, they seem sized for smaller bars -- only a few claim to fit 31.8 MM bars. I think my problem is that because of the bar tape, I am forced to fit my bell on the tapered part where the bars clamp.

I think I'm going to go with the incredibell Adjustabell just to be safe... or perhaps I'll see what my LBS has in stock, since it is about time for my first tune up :-)

You can fit one of these right under the stem cap, on threadless steerers
http://www.bikeman.com/BE1036.html
http://www.bikeman.com/BE1099.html .. so easy install.

this one goes on like a zip tie, http://www.bikeman.com/BE1026.html

from QBP so any LBS can get them

the brass bell with a hammer is a LOT louder and resonant than the incredi-bell. it has a "huge dong" sound that lasts for 10+ seconds. i love the incredi-bell because of its size and weight (especially for a road/race bike) but my commuter has a brass bell with the hammer mounted using a velo orang headset spacer mount.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/...2a297396_b.jpg
its heard by the masses on the NYC streets when the "large dong" has been wrung!

on a side note the incredi-bell is perfect for weight weenies and those that want a tiny bell that hides (my black incredi-bell practically disappears into my black handlebar tape) yet has a piercing sound that will still get attention.

I have one of these rotary bells.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sportsbay_2134_15408034

I used a twist-tie to make up for the smallness of the handlebar mount on my Incredibell. It works well because its right behind my front reflector, and my cable set up also helps to keep it upright.

+1 on the brass bell with hammer. It is loud, and the mount will fit a lot of places (it can be bent around various sizes of handle bars or around the stem sideways).

What kind of bars are those? On One Mary flipped upside down?

soma sparrows 49cm flipped. soma even has a new mustache bar clone that has extended ends and narrower diameter to fit mountain bar shifters brakes and bells lights ect.

Nice bike.. I like that. Gary Fisher?

I have a bell to small for my handlebar, so I mounted it to the front reflector mount. It frees up some space on my handlebar, and moves the bell farther from my hands, which is fine because I never use it anyway.