Are you after a bike bell but can’t’ decide which one to get?
- Which one is the loudest so that you can be heard?
- Which ones the best looking?
- Should you go for the classic or modern-looking ones?
There are literally hundreds of bike bells to choose from today from cheap to very expensive ones. So how are they different?
On this page, I’ll guide you through the things to look for before buying a bike bell and also list some of my favorites to get you started.
A Quick Glance : Our Favorite Bike Bells
Value for Money Picks
Nutcase Thumbdinger
No cyclist, young or old, likes getting dirty looks every time they need to tell a walker or jogger to move aside.
Nutcase, a company is known for its kid’s helmets, offers a solution to this problem. If polite can be used to describe a bell, then that’s how one would describe the sound the Thumbdinger makes.
But, don’t be fooled by the diminutive size of the Nutcase Thumbdinger. This little bell is loud enough to let pedestrians and joggers know that you’re coming up behind them without giving them a heart attack.
- Pros : A classic design and very budget friendly.
- Cons : Not as loud as others.
Lezyne Classic Brass Bell
If the thought of a bicycle bell conjures up images of handlebar streamers, training wheels, white baskets, and cartoonish graphics, then think again.
Lezyne has a bell that won’t make you feel like a child when you’re using it. This powerful brass bell emits a bold and lasting tone that is sure to let all in front of you know that they should make their way.
And lest you think this bell is for commuters only, its mounting hardware is designed for mounting to aero bars as well as standard handlebars.
- Pros : High-quality build and can be mounted on all types of handlebars.
- Cons : Not as loud as it looked to be.
Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell
When it comes to a bicycle bell, you want it to be small, and you want it to be loud. That’s what the Mirrycle Incredibell offers.
And since bike bells are one of only two products the company makes, you know it must be good. Regardless of whether you like puns or not, you’ll love the powerful noise put out by the Incredibell.
It’s loud enough and chimes long enough to be heard, yet cheery enough not to annoy. The Incredibell attaches to your handlebars with an adjustable mount.
- Pros : Cheap yet does the job well.
- Cons : Only fits smaller diameter handlebars (up to 23 mm).
Bonmixc Brass Mini
You might want to consider the Bonmixc Brass Mini bell if you’re on a tight budget.
The lower price doesn’t mean it’s not quality stuff. I would say this is the most value for money bicycle bell if you’re not after anything with a fancy design. It has a dome made of brass that can fit only up to 23.0 mm handlebars.
Amazingly, the Bonmixc Brass Mini bell is full of excellent reviews at Amazon.
- Pros : Very easy to install. Simple, easy to use.
- Cons : Only fits smaller diameter handlebars (up to 23 mm).
Rock Bros Retro
The RockBros Retro bell made it to the list for its value for money. So if you’re looking for a cheap yet good quality one, it’s this one.
It’s made of stainless steel and currently available in 4 colors – black, silver, gold, and copper. Likewise, this one is in mini size, weighing only 44g.
It’s one size fits all, so you don’t have to worry about your handlebar diameter.
- Pros : 4 colors to choose from with a very loud ring.
- Cons : Lever is harder to access especially for kids.
Modern and Unique Designs
Knog Oi
The Knog Oi is definitely the most unique in terms of appearance.
Another distinct thing about this bell is the sound. It has one core pitch tone along with several pitch tones to ensure that you’re heard while riding your bicycle.
It comes with 4 color options – brass, copper, black, and aluminum. And they’re super lightweight at only 18g!
In addition to that, Knog Oi is available in two sizes; the small size can fit on 22.2 mm handlebars only, while the large size fits from 26 mm to 31.8 mm handlebars. Furthermore, it’s one of the best cycling gifts you can buy for a friend!
- Pros : Lightweight, sleek and minimalist design.
- Cons : Spring is prone to rust overtime.
Spurcycle
Whether it’s on a busy stretch of single track or on a bike path crowded with pedestrians and joggers, sometimes you just got to be heard.
Spurcycle knows this, which is why they designed this bike bell. This ain’t no kiddie bell for your daughter’s princess bike.
This bell emits a strong ring that lasts three times longer than other bells, helping to clear your path forward even if you’re going fast.
And, with its small profile and attractive design, it’s a bell you won’t mind mounting to your bars.
All-metal construction ensures that it won’t be coming apart, which is good because this is one of the more expensive bells you can buy.
- Pros : Very loud ring and an attractive dome design.
- Cons : Expect to pay a premium.
Crane E-ne
This Japanese based company has been in the bike bell business for more than 20 years and is well known for its polished designs.
With their most popular bell, the Crane Ne, it comes with a resonating sound. There are two colors available; polished copper and matte black alloy.
It comes with a single size and can be mounted on handlebars from 22.2 mm up to 31.8 mm using an adjustable mounting band.
- Pros : Loud and resonating sound. One size fits all-rounded handlebars.
- Cons : Limited color choices.
Arundel
Let’s face it, none of us like to constantly be yelling on our left or coming up behind you to pedestrians, joggers, and slower cyclists.
That said, no self-respecting cyclist wants to cause anyone undue shock by blasting them with a loud and annoying bell.
The Arundel Bell solves that problem. With its powerful but pleasant-sounding ring, you can warn those that you’re coming through without straining your vocal cords or scaring the daylights out of them.
A stainless steel thumb screw is a nice design feature that allows you to take the bell on and off without a tool.
- Pros : Made from stainless steel and easy to install.
- Cons : Bulkier design might not suit some.
Timber!
The Timber! bike bell is unique in the way it works.
To start with, you don’t need to press the striker to ring it. It’s designed to ring by itself. Hence, the bumpier the terrain is, the more it rings.
On smooth asphalt, it’s dead quiet. If you want to ring it, you’ll need to give the handlebars a brief shake. In my opinion, it’s ideal for off-road riding.
It uses a tool-free mounting system and fits all types of handlebars. There’s a rubber O-ring that stretches over your handlebars between the two ends of the bell.
- Pros : Unique design that rings itself. Tool-free mounting.
- Cons : Not the most practical for some occassions.
Classic and Retro Designs
PDW King of Ding II
Who says a bicycle bell can’t add a little extra flair to your bike, even if you’re a serious adult.
This brass bell from Portland Design looks great on any commuter bike, especially if you happen to have one with a leather seat.
And the brass doesn’t only add some style to your bike; it’s also very effective. There’s a reason bells were historically made of brass.
This bell emits a clear and powerful ring. Those walkers will hear you coming, and they’ll likely appreciate the quality of the ring that lets them know it.
- Pros : Classic and elegant design. Dome is made from brass.
- Cons : Premium pricing.
Nutcase
Remember the wonderful ping of that colorful bicycle bell you had on your first Huffy or Schwinn?
Want your son or daughter to have those same memories?
Then check out this fun and nostalgic bicycle bell from Nutcase. These retro-style bells, which feature cool designs like a bullseye and Day of the Dead mask, are certain to add pizzazz to your son or daughter’s ride.
The bright ring and colorful style of the Nutcase bike bell are sure to coax a smile from even the crankiest pedestrian or jogger on the local greenway.
- Pros : Affordably priced and many colorful and fancy design to choose from.
- Cons : Not as loud as other bells.
Crane Suzu
The Crane Suzu is among one of the rare bike bells still made in Japan. Osaka, to be specific.
As with most Japanese products, it’s solidly built, and the quality is top-notch.
All the parts are constructed from steel, and the dome is available in both shiny copper and brass finish.
You can easily polish them should the finishing wears out over time after being exposed to the elements.
- Pros : Top-notch build quality.
- Cons : Dome needs to be polished to maintain its gloss.
Origin8 Time Clock
The Origin8 Time Clock is another solidly built bike bell. The dome is made of brass finishing that oozes the classic bike bell look.
It’s very reliable with only 1 moving part. All parts are made of metal, and it gives out a loud and clear tone that lasts for around 3 to 4 seconds before fading off.
- Pros : Classic-looking design with a very long and resonating ring.
- Cons : Only fits handlebars up to 25.4 mm.
PDW Alexander Graham Bell
Unlike most bells, the Alexander Graham Bell (yes, that’s the name) mounts on the steerer tube instead of the handlebars. If you already have a crowded handlebar, then this bell could be a solution to that.
It’s made of solid brass, giving it a distinct and loud sound that ensures you’re heard. It’s also one of the better sounding bells, with the ring lingering around for a good 3 to 4 seconds.
- Pros : Made of solid brass and generates a loud, yet pleasing sound.
- Cons : Expect to pay a premium.
Bike Bells Buying Guide
1. Sound and Materials Used
Bicycle bells today come in different sizes, weights, and most importantly, the sound range.
The first and most important thing to consider is the sound. Designing a bicycle bell with the perfect sound requires a lot of trial and error and user feedback.
Each bell has their own unique sound.
Others have a single ding! It seems as if it came from an orchestra, while others sound like an ice cream bell when flicked.
Remember, the main purpose of a bicycle bell is to alert people; therefore, you should choose one that is loud and clear.
Read More : 35 Road Safety Tips for All Cyclists
2. Handlebar Size and Diameter
Another important to consider is your handlebar diameter.
Some bicycle bells have a one size fits all mounting, while others have different sizes, depending on the diameter of your handlebars.
Here are the commonly used bicycle handlebar diameters :
- Road Bikes – Drop Bars (31.8 mm). Road bikes of the last 10 years use a 31.8 mm diameter drop bar. Some drop bars’ diameter might taper down to 23.8 mm towards the drop. Since you’ll be mounting the bell near the stem, go for the 31.8 mm diameter.
- Mountain Bikes – Flat or Riser Bars (22.2 mm). With flat bars or riser bars, you’re looking at 22.2 mm diameter handlebars. This is the diameter just beside your hand grip and not near the stem, which can be 25.4 mm or 31.8 mm.
- Commuter Bikes – Flat, Drop, Mustache, High-Rise, Randonneur, Multi-position (Diameter varies). There are a variety of handlebars for commuter bikes depending on the cyclist’s needs. So, there is no one size fits all diameter. You’ll have to check the handlebar specifications for this.
- Kids and BMX Bikes (22.2 mm). These bikes use a 22.2 mm handlebar, so it’s a straightforward decision.
Author Recommended Reads
