11.5.15
Out of all of the bicycle accessories that are available today, the bell is probably one of the most overlooked. Stigma from generations of racing bikes and urban trends had left the bell neglected to beach cruisers and casual riders only, which is very unfortunate. Thankfully, we are seeing more and more bikes and brands focus on a more practical bicycle, whether it be allowing wider tires, more versatility, or even providing bells with new bikes!
Whether you are a commuter or a weekend greenway rider, road racer or mountain biker, you can benefit from having a bell on your bike. The biggest advantage to having a bell is, obviously, to alert others of your presence. Having to constantly call out “ON YOUR LEFT!” or hollering at jaywalking pedestrians gets old after a while, and I can promise you that folks you are passing will feel much better about hearing a nice “DING!” as opposed to hostile yelling on the greenway. Even racers and those on singletrack can benefit from having a bell on their bike…it can be hard to put coherent words together when you are training or riding as hard as you can and find yourself out of breath, while a quick flick of the thumb is no sweat at all. Plus no one has to hear your strained, wheezing grunt, which is probably appreciated.
Another time when bells are useful is when dealing with motor vehicles. How many times have you been behind a car at a light, as the driver continues to stare at their cell phone after the light has turned green? A quick ring can be a courteous way to suggest that they stop playing Candy Crush and focus on the road. They can also be used to alert vehicles that are attempting to merge into your lane, or even as a simple greeting to a friend you pass on the sidewalk. A smile, a wave, and the ring of a bell goes a long ways towards making the bicycle seem like a happier way to get around.
There are lots of different kinds of bells available. Some of our favorites are these brass bells from Crane and Velo-Orange. Crane has been making bicycles bells in Japan for many years, and Velo-Orange provides many classy yet functional components. They come in several different styles, such as those that use a striker to produce a single ring, or some that use a thumb button that provides the classic *ring-ring!* tone. The best part is that they are really affordable, and can add a touch of class to any bike. The only downside to bells such as this is that they usually don’t fit on modern 31.8mm drop handlebars.
Thankfully, there are options. Bells such as the E-NE from Crane provide a subtle yet effective bell that will mount on any handlebar. They only cost slightly more, but give newer road bikes a way to keep it classy. In stock now at the shop!
Worried about putting a bell on your fancy, expensive bike? Check out these bells from Spurcycle, which offers a gorgeous tone, simple yet pleasing aesthetics, and are handcrafted right here in the USA. Sure, it may seem a little expensive for a bell, but with a lifetime warranty and a ring that sustains for what seems like forever, it’s an investment that is well worth it. It puts a smile on my face every time I ring one!
We think everyone should have access to bells, so we even keep some on our bargain shelf! At the end of the day, any bike can stand to have a little ring-a-ding-ding.
We stock a wide selection of bells here at the shop, from Velo-Orange, Crane, Incredi-bell, Spurcycle, and others. Come by the check out selection, and of course, give them a ring!
- Squirrely
