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A bell on your bike’s handlebars is compulsory, whether you’re riding a road bike, city bike or mountain bike. But it’s the sound that makes the difference. We’ve found some stylish bells with a pleasant chime.
The bicycle bell on the handlebars is no longer just an unloved requirement of the StVZO, but rather the cyclist’s diplomatic corps on the handlebars. Whether in urban rush-hour traffic, on gravel tracks or whilst slaloming along a singletrack – making yourself heard is essential for cyclists of all kinds. The only question is, how do we want to sound whilst doing so?
Fortunately, the modern bicycle bell doesn’t see itself as an acoustic wrecking ball. Anyone who blows fellow cyclists off the trail with the charm of a vuvuzela clearly hasn’t read the cyclist’s etiquette guide. Of course, you want to stand out – but not in a negative way. The motto is: draw attention to yourself, but don’t startle anyone. What’s called for are gentle overtones and a meditative tinkling, rather than the shrill screech of a school playground bell. The message from the thumb lever these days is no longer: “Get out of the way, you roadblocks, or there’ll be a crash!”, but rather: “Dear fellow nature-lovers, might I ask you to step aside so that I can continue on my way at walking pace? Have a lovely day!”
Knog Oi Classic Bell
The designer piece amongst bike bells. If you don’t want to spoil your sleek cockpit with a clunky metal monstrosity, go for the Oi. It nestles around the handlebars like a signet ring on a finger and emits a bright, almost shy chime. Perfect for mountain or gravel bikes, though it can sometimes be a little too refined and understated in noisy city traffic. >> available here
- Price: approx. 20 euros
- Weight: 25 g
- Mounting: Hex bolt (handlebar diameter 23.8 to 31.8 mm)
Lezyne Classic Brass Bell
For lovers of classic understatement. This bell, made of highly polished brass, looks as though it’s been clipped onto your grandmother’s diamond-studded low-step bike. A quick tug on the spring-loaded aluminium lever produces a crystal-clear, extremely long-lasting tone. Sturdy and loud enough for daydreamers crossing the cycle path. >> available here
- Price: approx. 18 euros
- Weight: 34 g
- Mounting: Simple O-ring elastic band
Cat Eye PB-200 Comet
The pragmatic minimalist. If you’re simply looking for an unobtrusive, reliable doorbell that won’t break at the first sign of a fall, you’ve come to the right place. It does exactly what it’s supposed to: make a loud ‘pling’. Simple, timeless, functional. Available in various designs. Still, it won’t be winning any design awards. >> available here
- Price: approx. 6 euros
- Weight: 19 g
- Mounting: Flex-Tight mounting or cable tie method
Timber Bolt-on Mountain Bike Bell
The cowbell for mountain bikers. The genius of this bell is that you don’t have to do a thing. The movement of the trail keeps it ringing constantly, giving hikers plenty of warning. You can mute the clapper with a lever if you want to ride past the ice-cream parlour unnoticed. It’s really likeable because it’s completely non-aggressive. >> available here
- Price: approx. 30 euros
- Weight: 41 g
- Mounting: Fixed bolt-on clamping
Supernova Horn 2
The acoustic blue light for the urban concrete jungle. When cycling through city traffic, a friendly ‘ping’ can sometimes simply get lost in the noise. Enter the Supernova: at a whopping 95 decibels, this horn has the sound power of a jackhammer. This is no gentle greeting, but a verbal weapon for close-quarters combat against reckless motorists. On an idyllic mountain hike, this device is completely out of place! Heart attacks amongst hikers, mass panic in a cow pasture – with the Supernova, you can cause all manner of havoc. In the harsh reality of the daily commute, however, it’s a real lifesaver. >> available here
- Price: approx. 55 euros
- Weight: 44 g
- Mounting: Handlebar clamp for e-bike integration (requires power)
Liix Decorative Duck
The mascot for cyclists who’re always in a good mood. Technically speaking, it’s more of a rubber duck with a helmet than a high-tech bell. It doesn’t scare off pedestrians with sound waves, but with sheer cuteness. Anyone who gives it a dirty look has no heart. Ideal for city cruisers and anyone who doesn’t take life on two wheels quite so seriously. >> available here
- Price: approx. €10
- Weight: approx. 50 g
- Mounting: Flexible silicone strap
Swiss Trail Bell
This little cowbell brings the charm of a Swiss alp right to your bike. Attached to a Velcro strap, it jingles all by itself in time with the trail – the rougher the terrain, the more authentic the sound. If the constant alpine concert ever becomes too much, the clapper can be secured in a jiffy thanks to a cleverly sewn-in magnet. Too inconspicuous? It depends where the nearest cows are grazing … >> available here.
- Price: approx. €15
- Weight: 48 g
- Mounting: Velcro strap (suitable for handlebars or frames)
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
