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Multi-bell: The Cricket Bell
This bicycle bell has two functions. It rings in the classic way (clear, loud and high-pitched) and can be converted into a cowbell. Ideal for descents on shared trails in the mountains to warn hikers in good time and to avoid having to take your fingers off the brake levers. To do this, pull the housing outwards. We liked the classic look. Fitting the Cricket Bell with an Allen screw is easy. Our tip! Weight: 42 grams, price: 30 euros.
The favourable one: Cycle Bell
The Cycle Bell has a sleek look with its black aluminium housing. It is easy to attach to the handlebars using a Phillips screwdriver. The sound is classic, high, loud but not always the same depending on the operation. The workmanship is rather average. Our test conclusion: Lightweight and affordable! Weight: 22 grams, price: 7 euros.
The cowbell bell: Timber Mountain Bike Bell Bolt-On
At 72 grams, this bike bell is the heaviest in our comparison test. It is not a classic bell, but a cowbell to warn oncoming cyclists on confusing trails. The massive bell has three modes. A silent mode - nothing happens here. And two cowbell modes with different volumes. The bolt-on version can be effectively attached to the bike handlebars using a 3 mm Allen key. Weight: 75 grams, price: 30 euros >> available here
The high-tech bell: Bicycle Horn Alarm
The electronic bicycle bell has a large, waterproof plastic housing and can be easily attached to the handlebars with a rubber band. The volume of the bell function is adjustable and sounds almost as loud and annoying as a smoke alarm. The alarm system function via motion sensor did not work reliably on our model. An isolated case? There are videos online in which this function made an impression on us. The doorbell can be charged via mini USB. It is available from Amazon. Weight: 34 grams, price: 18 euros.
The noble one: Knog Oi Classic
The Knog bike bell is available in nine colours and two sizes. Bikers need the small version of the Knog Oi Classic (22.5 mm). The discreet and elegant look of the Knog bell was our favourite feature. It can be easily positioned on the handlebars using an Allen screw. The sound is very high, defined and sufficiently loud. Our design favourite. Incidentally, the lightest bell in the test! Disadvantage: The spring of the bell tends to wear out with continuous use. Weight: 17 grams, price: 20 euros >> available here.
The worse Timber bell: Timber Mountain Bike Bell
The Bike Bell bell from Timber (exclusively with cowbell function) is identical in construction to the bolt-on model above, but is attached using a rubber strap. The manufacturer supplies two different rubber straps for attachment to the handlebars. Regardless of which one is used, the Bike Bell twists when it is operated due to the heavy weight and the stiff lever! Weight: 71 grams, price: 30 euros >> available here.
Pro: The bicycle bell on the mountain bike
Many hikers are older and have poorer hearing, so they are more easily startled. The bell is accepted as a warning sound and is therefore ideal for drawing attention to yourself. - Stefan Herrmann, driving technique veteran
I no longer ride single trails without a mini cowbell on my mountain bike handlebars. Because many of my home trails are confusing. My bell warns oncoming hikers. - Paul Thomas, biker from South Baden
When buying a bicycle bell, you should pay attention to the following things:
- the size and shape of the bell button to ensure that it is easy to reach and easy to operate
- the volume of the bell so that it is clearly audible from a distance or to drivers
- the quality and robustness of the material so that the bell lasts a long time
- Compatibility with the handlebars: this makes installation quick and easy
- the look and colour to match the bike
How loud must/may a bicycle bell be?
The Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) state: Bicycles "must be equipped with at least one bright-sounding bell". However, there is no exact decibel specification. The German Cyclists' Federation (ADFC) recommends that the volume of bells should be at least 85 decibels.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
