Bicycle bells are much more than just a fun noise used to signal to our friends as children. They actually are very functional, and are considered a must-have item for anyone who rides through congested areas. They provide much more than a noise, however, as they serve as a signal of your presence, which helps keep you, and everyone around you safe.
The best bicycle bells are those that are easy to ring, easy to mount to your bike, and are long-lasting and durable through the weather changes you may ride through. Below are some of the most popular picks currently available.
Table Of Contents
Best Bicycle Bell Comparisons
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 BONMIXC Bike Bell Brass Mini | |
 YOOSUN Electric Bike Bell | |
 Kickstand Cycle Works Classic Bicycle Bell | |
 TIMBER! Mountain Bike Bell - Quick Release Model | |
 TRENDBOX Bicycle Handlebar Bell |
Why You Want to Use a Bell
As mentioned above, a bike bell serves as a warning to those around you of your presence. If you ride regularly through areas of high foot traffic, or creeping vehicles, being able to ring your bell as you come upon people and vehicles allows them to become aware of you. Approximately 850 of traffic deaths are attributed to bike accidents each year, mostly due to motor vehicles failing to yield to bikes as they are hard to see. Having the ability to create noise can be helpful in being noticed.
The History of Bicycle Bells
The first modern bike bell was first patented in 1887, although bells of some sort have been in use much longer than that. This design is a very simple one, that is still very popular as all it requires is a push of a level to create an electric bell type noise. The inner workings are simple and only require several gears that turn and strike the ‘bell’ itself.
Clapper type bells, as well as rubber bulb air horns, also began to make an appearance as people tried to improve upon the original design. The modern design still stands as the most popular pick today, however.
Types of Bells
Although the idea of a bell, or noisemaker of some sort that attaches to a bike, is pretty simple in nature, there are a few styles worth considering.
All mount where you can easily reach them, and usually require you to either move a trigger or push a button to work.
Modern Classic
As described above, the modern classic bell makes an electric bell type noise within a coiled like cylinder as gears are turned.
Clapper Bells
A clapper bell is similar in style to the modern, but make a ‘ding-ding’ noise when the lever is depressed and released.
Horns
Horns have a variety of noises depending on how much you depress the rubber handle which compresses air and releases it through a narrow, horn-like opening.
Electric Bells and Horns
Electric bells and horns are exactly how they sound, and create a noise from a sound box which is electronically charged. These typically use a battery, or charge via a USB port.
How to Choose the Best Bike Bell for You
More than anything, in choosing a bell you want to pick one that provides the noise, and ease of use you need. Since all bells are noisemakers, and most are fairly similar in design overall, preference choice is truly a driving point. Different color selections are a popular buying point, as are nostalgic type designs.
Top 5 Bicycle Bell Reviews
Despite their overall similarities, some bells shine brighter than others in reference to consumer popularity. Design, ease of use, sound, and durability are all details remarked upon by happy customers in their reviews.
BONMIXC Bike Bell Brass Mini
This mini bike bell by BONMIXC provides a traditional brass bell sound, and comes in your choice of silver, or gold finish. Made to adjust to handlebars of 0.83 to 0.90 inches, this encompasses most bar sizes for bikes and scooters. With a 1.3-inch diameter size, this is truly a compact design that packs a loud, noticeable sound. Two distinct dings occur as the clapper is compressed and allowed to come back on its own.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose This:
Dependable, loud and clear sound lets people and other riders you are nearby. If you want a smaller choice that is unobtrusive, this is a great choice.
YOOSUN Electric Bike Bell
The YOOSUN electric bike bell provides a variety of buying choices. Pick from colors that match your bike, and from different sound modes to provide the preference you like best- or to get the most attention. Pick from between a whistle, horn, and alarm sounds that can be as loud as 120 decibels, and easily recharges via USB. The bell and the control button work separately to allow you to install the button control within easy access for your thumb next to your grip.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose This:
If having choices is important to you, and you like the idea of a rechargeable, electric bell, this is an excellent version.
Kickstand Cycle Works Classic Bicycle Bell
This traditional model classic design comes in a wide variety of colors to match any bike or preference you like. Compatible with most handlebars, the fit is for an approximate 22.2 mm bar, but is slightly adjustable for smaller, or larger fits. With a clear alarm sound that provides a ‘ding-ding’, this is a product that brings back a fun touch to your bike riding experience.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose This:
If traditional and retro looking products are your thing, this is a great choice! Plus, it works well with children's bikes due to the fun array of colors.
TIMBER! Mountain Bike Bell - Quick Release Model
Made for mountain biking, but useful in all situations, the TIMBER! Bell is a solid brass bell with an adjustable handlebar grip. The motion-activated ring mode is handy for passing on shared trails, and walkways, and also can alert wildlife to your presence without having to release your hand from the grip. It also includes a lockout mode for silence. Because it is motion activated, it is not made for high traffic roads and city riding since there is no manual trigger.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose This:
This is the perfect bell for trail riding for easy on and off in areas where traffic is present and provides a consistent noise for safety warning.
TRENDBOX Bicycle Handlebar Bell
These easy to install, classic bells are compact and provide a clear, 6-ring alarm sound to help warn people of your presence. High quality, nonrusting metal is used, along with plastic attachments for easy adjustments to fit most standard bike handle sizes, and are perfect for children’s bikes as well. The small size also works well for tiny hands.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose This:
This is a great casual bell for both children and adults, and provides fun color and sound to your bike riding experience.
Conclusion
If a clear, noticeable sound is something you need for your regular riding, then any of the above bells are well worth considering. Specialized bells for the trail or high traffic are also included- and a good overview of what is most popular has been reviewed. The most important thing to consider when choosing the best for you, is to ensure your choice will fit your handlebars, and that it makes a loud enough noise for your needs.
If you have a favorite bell, or have any questions about those we’ve provided above, please let us know in the comments below. And, as always, please share with your friends!