Bells

[Mark Blacknell]

A friend just wrote me asking for a recommendation on bells, and I thought I’d post my (expanded) response here.

I’m a big fan of the Incredibell line of bells. They’re not as “pleasant” as some of the other mechanical bells, but I find that the thumb-action lets you adjust them to fit the situation. You can lightly ping it in a “hey, I’m here” kind of way (suitable for say, working your way across the Key Bridge with heavy foot traffic at 3mph). Or you can clang it in a very sharp way (helpful when you just *know* those bros on the corner of Highland and Wilson are planning to step right in front of you). The manufacturer’s site has audio of all their bells.

The original version fits most hybrid/MTB/older drop bars. I have one on every bike I own (except an MTB that never sees the road).

The adjustable version is required for newer road bikes with thicker drop bars (i.e., 31.8 bars). It’s not quite as ideal as the original (the mechanism is a little cheaper, I think), but it’s the best option for thick bars. I did pick up a version that mounts on STI levers, but I doubt it would last very long.

There are other bells that work fine, too, and certainly bells with a more pleasant sound. But this is pretty much the most effective and practical bell I’ve come across. You can buy the original Incredibell in just about any local bike store. It’s $15 well spent.

Topic

[mstone]

@JimF22003 21972 wrote:

Can anyone recommend a bell that has a quick-release that works well? I’d put one on while on the MUP but there’s no way I’m riding out on the road with one

Why?

[brendan]

@Mark Blacknell 21994 wrote:

Sure there is. Find the bell.

Ooh, nice.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@Mark Blacknell 21994 wrote:

Sure there is. Find the bell.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1189[/ATTACH]

Nice triple triangle back there…I have one of those sitting in my mom’s shed from when I was a teenager. I wonder how much it would be to ship it here and fix it up…

[MCL1981]

I now plan to mount one of these to my front fork with an air compressor on a dynamo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG2I-rRx5-w

[hencio]

I’m using the STI version that Mark mentions. It places the bell really nicely where one can easily reach it.

[SpokeGrenadeSR]

i absolutely love this, so very much. a handful of you have heard it in action
soma fab crane ritten rotary bell

i’ve also got this brass temple bell
here

both pages have clips to hear their sounds

[JimK]

I have two different types of Incredibells. I like them except that I have trouble ringing them when wearing lobster claw gloves. Fortunately, not many people are on the trails when I need the lobsters (below 30 degrees F).

[rcannon100]

Pursuant to expert previous recommendations, I attached jingle bells to my bike. It was really unsatisfactory. Made a slight clinking noise. Not much more.

Today, I attached a cow-bell I got from the AFCC ride to my handlebar. It was hilarious. Perfectly annoying! The faster you go, the more noise it makes!

I think the improvement would be to get ice cream truck bells. THAT’s something that will get pedestrians attention.

[DaveK]

@rcannon100 22390 wrote:

Today, I attached a cow-bell I got from the AFCC ride to my handlebar. It was hilarious. Perfectly annoying! The faster you go, the more noise it makes!

I did this while I was in Philly a couple of weeks ago watching the race. Looped the bell around the back of my saddle. Every time I wanted to signal someone ahead of my I just stood on the pedals and shook my ass back and forth. I recommend it.

[dasgeh]

A squeaky saddle can be similar (though probably not as loud). +1 to ass shaking!

[Riley Casey]

I dunno, its hard to beat this http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12530140 for just plain machismo. All in all though I have actually found toy store bells to be a good choice. Heresy I know but there it is.

[eminva]

@Riley Casey 22437 wrote:

I dunno, its hard to beat this http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12530140 for just plain machismo. All in all though I have actually found toy store bells to be a good choice. Heresy I know but there it is.

OMG, does Dirt know about this?!

Liz

[off2ride]

Tips on getting the right bell:

Make sure it it accommodates your handle bar securely. Good bells come with a “Zip tie” like strap
Make sure it’s loud as sh..
Ambidextrous mounting.

I mount mine close to the stem because I’m on the flat part of the bars most of the time so my left index finger is on the ready all the time. I’ve set it up so it all feels natural which also means I don’t have to relocate my left hand just to ring my dinger. Best of luck.

[Jason]

The bells seems to confuse tourists. No $hit I have seen some look straight up in the air as if tinkerbell is talking to them. I find a combination of yelling, and mad bell ringing works about 50% of the time.

[MCL1981]

@Jason 23500 wrote:

The bells seems to confuse tourists. No $hit I have seen some look straight up in the air as if tinkerbell is talking to them. I find a combination of yelling, and mad bell ringing works about 50% of the time.

These are the same ones that look at the sign that says “INSERT CARD HERE” on a metro faregate and scratch their heads. Some are beyond help.

[Author]

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