Ding, Ding! Bell or No?

[soprano]

I'm pretty much out of handlebar read estate, plus the bell clamp didn't want to play nicely with my drop bars; the clamp wasn't large enough.

So, I unscrewed the bell mount assembly, chucked it, and screwed the bell + ringer arm directly into the downtube shifter boss.



When I had my tuneup this winter, I asked the mechanic if I was asking for trouble with this arrangement, because the bell screw is shorter than the screw that was originally in that location. He said nope, it was fine, and if it wasn't, I'd have known immediately.

I had thought about ordering one of those headset spacer + bell mount combos from Velo Orange, but since this solution was free and works just fine, I'm sticking with it. I do occasionally reach down and make sure that the bell is still firmly screwed on. I should probably Locktite it down.

[Bike Writer]

I have a brrrrinnng bell. It's chrome and fairly old school. I love my bell! I too will ring it sometimes just for the lovely sound of it and also as a friendly "hello" when I see friends in their yards or driving by in cars and I always get a big smile and wave in return.

When I take my bike into the LBS I have had the person who is wheeling it into the back room give it a few brrrrings just for the heck of it. When I had it on the trainer over the winter and family or friends came over most people will give it a little ring when they hop on it or pass by it. It's just fun and makes a person feel like a kid again (except for those who really dislike bells).

It serves a purpose and I've learned to control whether it makes a big BRRRRRIIIINNNNG or just a little ping. I make a soft sound with it when approaching people from a ways back to give a heads up and a little more as I get near, most people thank me.

[emily_in_nc]

I have absolutely never heard or been told that a bell is required by law in the USA, but could that be a state-specific law? I've been riding since the 1980's and only got my first bell (the one with the compass on it - also useful) a few years ago when I started riding a mtb in a park with a lot of pedestrians on MUTs. On the road, I can't imagine using a bell, since it's cars you're dealing with, not peds. If there are peds, they should be walking/running towards you (if they are on the correct side of the road) and thus see you. And I'm out of real estate on my narrow drop bars anyway.

I do have an Air Zound air horn on my Bike Friday for dogs and even for cars, but I rarely have to use it. It is seriously LOUD, so I would only use it in pretty severe conditions and never on a pedestrian.

[PamNY]

The bell requirement is a New York City law.

[Velocivixen]

Yes, as I have called out "passing on your left" the pedestrian then moves TO their left and then I shout out, "no-your other left!"

[Aggie_Ama]

Bike Writer - Every time I have my mountain bike serviced I catch at least one of the wrenches having to try out the bell. Either when wheeling it back, wheeling it to me or test riding. I think it provides a little fun for them. When I do big group rides in the summer we start a little chorus for the heck of it. I think they are fun myself.

[OakLeaf]

I'm remembering one time my bell made me happy. DH and I were stopped at an intersection on our commuters when a convertible full of kids came around the corner, just having a good time. The driver tapped out the "Shave and a haircut" cadence on his horn ... and I dinged "Two Bits" on my bell. It cracked up all six of us!

[Bike Writer]

Bike Writer - Every time I have my mountain bike serviced I catch at least one of the wrenches having to try out the bell. Either when wheeling it back, wheeling it to me or test riding. I think it provides a little fun for them. When I do big group rides in the summer we start a little chorus for the heck of it. I think they are fun myself.

I got a big grin out of that Aggie.

Oakleaf I loved your story about being stopped at a light, what a precious moment!

For some people bells elicit happy memories and good times, for others...not so much.

[luv2climb]

I'm pretty much out of handlebar read estate, plus the bell clamp didn't want to play nicely with my drop bars; the clamp wasn't large enough.

So, I unscrewed the bell mount assembly, chucked it, and screwed the bell + ringer arm directly into the downtube shifter boss.



When I had my tuneup this winter, I asked the mechanic if I was asking for trouble with this arrangement, because the bell screw is shorter than the screw that was originally in that location. He said nope, it was fine, and if it wasn't, I'd have known immediately.

I had thought about ordering one of those headset spacer + bell mount combos from Velo Orange, but since this solution was free and works just fine, I'm sticking with it. I do occasionally reach down and make sure that the bell is still firmly screwed on. I should probably Locktite it down.

After reading this thread and the other one I started, I decided it was time to put bells on my road bike and my Sirrus hybrid.

Most bells don't fit the 1 1/4" diameter handlebars on the road bike, but the tiny Incredibell Adjustabell does. This might work for you. Here's a picture of it on my road bike (click to enlarge):



The hybrid got a spare Incredibell Brass Solo I had in my parts bin. It has a very nice tone to it (click to enlarge):

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The clamps that come with bike bells often aren't big enough to clamp around a tube. My husband got a black circular clamp like a hose clamp, and we used that to clamp my bells on the bikes. We cut a little piece of bike inner tube to use as a cushion/liner, so the clamp wouldn't dig scratches into the handlebar or head tube. Also holds it still better.

[Velocivixen]

The clamps that come with bike bells often aren't big enough to clamp around a tube. My husband got a black circular clamp like a hose clamp, and we used that to clamp my bells on the bikes. We cut a little piece of bike inner tube to use as a cushion/liner, so the clamp wouldn't dig scratches into the handlebar or head tube. Also holds it still better.

That's a fine idea! Could you give more detail about the hose clamp? I want an Incredibel "Duet" bell, which is loud and sounds great, but wont fit on the handlebars.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That's a fine idea! Could you give more detail about the hose clamp? I want an Incredibel "Duet" bell, which is loud and sounds great, but wont fit on the handlebars.

Basically, it's just a flexible metal band with tabs on both ends with holes to tighten closed with a nut. We cut pieces of black rubber to both grip better and protect the bike tubes...the rubber is starting to crack now from the winter in the garage, but still works fine...
These show the bells on both my bikes- one on the handlebar and the other on the vertical portion of the stem:

[Velocivixen]

Thanks Lisa! I think we have "twin bells" because my Crane looks just like that! Great photos. Very creative thinking too. Thanks for the photos- better than a thousand words. I think a trip to my local hardware store is in order now.

[PamNY]

Lisa that's so cool. Now I want a new bell.

I have enjoyed this thread. If I see a Pez dispenser, I am definitely announcing my find, even though I'm a solo biker.