All about bicycle bell: an essential accessory for city bikes that is often overlooked in mountain biking, road cycling, or gravel riding, but can be very useful, for example, when riding on mixed pedestrian-cyclist paths to signal your presence, as well as on certain mixed trails.
However, don’t expect the old bulky bells typically found on old city bikes. Nowadays, bell designs have made significant progress in terms of aesthetics. Let’s understand the materials used, the main manufacturers, and their cost.
Contents
Materials
Bike bells are made with a variety of materials, each with its own advantages.
The body is usually made of plastic or metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel.
- Plastic bells are lightweight and rust-resistant but may not be as durable as metal ones.
- Aluminum bells are lightweight and sturdy, while stainless steel bells are extremely durable.
The part that produces the sound, or the “tongue,” is often made of a robust metal like steel, and the sound produced can vary depending on the material and shape of the tongue.
Bicycle bell: prices
Prices start at less than 10 USD for entry-level models, but it should be noted that they may not be very durable or have a weak and indistinct sound.
Mid-range models range from 15 to 30 USD and are well-built, offering a good balance between quality and price.
High-end models can cost 50 USD or more, featuring high-quality materials and unique design or special features such as quick installation mechanisms.
Major bicycle bell bell manufacturers and recommended models
There are many companies manufacturing bike bells, but some stand out for the quality and innovation of their products, which can be easily mounted on road bikes, mountain bikes, and gravel bikes, not just city models.
- Knog: An Australian company known for its stylish products. Their Oi bell is famous for its elegant and minimalist design and clear and distinctive sound.
- Rockbros: This company also produces helmets, pedals, grips, bags, lights, and other accessories for gravel, mountain biking, and road cycling. Their bell offers a clear and powerful sound, up to 100 dB, ensuring good visibility. Its innovative design allows it to be discreetly mounted on the handlebar, taking up little space and not interfering with other accessories.
- Crane: A Japanese manufacturer of high-quality bike bells. Their bells are made with high-quality materials and offer a rich and resonant sound.
- Spurcycle: An American company producing a high-quality bell known for its long and persistent sound, made of high-quality stainless steel and brass.
- Mirrycle: They produce the popular Incredibell bell, known for its loud and clear sound, available in a variety of styles and colors.
In conclusion, a bike bell, even for non-city bikes, is a small but important accessory to signal your presence to others, contributing to the safety of cyclists and pedestrians on roads, trails, or bike paths. Therefore, it is suitable for all types of bikes.
More cycling tips
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