| Best Choice |
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Firmstrong Cruiser Bicycle Bell | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Knog Oi Bike Bell | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
iLiveX Bike Bell | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Whether you’re looking for the best bike bells for your kid’s first bike, or you’re seeking out the loudest bike bell for longer day trips on your bike, your bicycle bell is an important safety feature and not just a toy. With that in mind, we decided to do the research to bring you the most unique and best bike bells on the market.
These bells have all met our stringent criteria and are perfect for any rider looking to let the world know they’re out there (or just those walkers with headphones on that ignore the world). As usual, we also let you know the features these bells have as well as all the information you could possibly want or need when it comes to picking out the best bicycle bell.
The Best Bike Bell
Hitting the top spot is this entry from Firmstrong. The Classic Beach Cruiser Bicycle Bell comes in a range of unique colors and designs to match the color or style of your bike. This bike bell is one of the top bells on that market thanks to the metal design, which causes the ringer to sound out loud and clear.
The attaching ring can fit bikes up to and around one-inch in diameter, which makes this one of the most versatile options for those bikes with thicker handlebars. However, the attachment can be a little awkward if you’re not used to metal mounting rings. That said, this bike bell is incredibly easy to install, and many note its durability even when used by young children.
- Classic design
- Metal construction
- Available in lots of colors
- Brand Firmstrong
- Model 15298
- Weight 2.4 ounces
Easy to install
Very highly rated bell
Fits most handlebars
Not as loud as some others on our list
Some customers note that the bell doesn’t come with the necessary screws
This mini brass bell for bikes is incredibly popular because it’s affordable. The simple design makes it just as easy to use as av more traditional style bell but with a slightly more modern look that many users love.
This item is the “ding-dong” style, so it won’t ring when you’re going over bumps and cracks. However, it is a little less likely to be heard in busier areas unless you ring the lever multiple times.
This bell is very easy to attach to your bike’s handlebars and fits bars up to 23mm in diameter, which is roughly the size of the average bike. The brass material makes a clear ringing sound, although you might find that the larger height and smaller dome a little annoying.
- Makes a double-ding sound when rung
- Easy to attach to handlebars
- Best for straight/flat handlebars
- Brand BONMIXC
- Model saa-01
- Weight 2.4 ounces
Very clear ringing sound
A very popular bell
Available at a great price
Mounting ring can be too small for bikes with thicker handlebars
A fantastic take on the classic bike bell, Knog redesigned a traditional bell to fit with the modern look of most bikes. The CNC machined ring fits easily around a wide range of handlebars and produces a very loud, clear sound.
The Knog-Oi includes a spacer for larger handlebars, so this is definitely a great bell for bikes with thicker handlebars. The maximum diameter for this bike bell is 31.8mm, so it can fit any kind of road or mountain bike.
- Includes spacer for handlebars
- Distinctive sound
- Low profile design
- Brand Knog
- Model 12129
- Weight 1.5 pounds
Produces a loud, distinctive sound that catches people’s attention
Available in a wide range of sizes to match your handlebars
One of the more expensive options
One of the top children’s bike bells, this Minnie Mouse bell is great for those who like a touch of pink or Disney on their bikes. This bell is easy for kids to use, and you don’t have to worry about how tough the lever is to push compared to more traditional styled bells.
The thicker mounting ring is designed for kid bikes, trikes and scooters as they usually have larger handlebars, so you may wish to check whether it fits the bike comfortably. This particular bell is an ideal choice for a kid’s first bike.
- Push button bell
- Perfect for kids
- Also available in a bundle
- Brand Bell
- Model 7071181
- Weight 2.4 ounces
Very quirky design that kids love
Fits most of the chunkier handlebars that kid’s bikes often have
Made from cheaper plastic, so not designed for longevity
This tool-free bicycle bell features a classic vintage design. It’s easy to install on your handlebars and fits on most types of bikes. Simply remove the thumb screw from the mounting bracket, put the bell on the handlebars, and tighten the screw. The bell is small, lightweight and stylish. It is also simple to use; all you have to do is flick the lever to make it work.
It doesn’t move or twist around, and you can control the intensity of the sound by the amount of pressure you exert on the lever. The bell is nice and clear and sounds similar to what you hear from an ice cream truck. Due to the placement of the button to ring the bell, it is better suited on the left side of the handlebar. It’s also not as loud as some rival bike bells.
- Clear ringing bell
- Fits most handlebars
- Vintage design
- Brand Schwinn
- Model SW77672-4
- Weight 0.03 pounds
It's lightweight and stylish
Very easy to install and remove
It’s quite a small bell and isn't as loud as some other bells
With an eye-catching design that certainly hits that retro sweet spot, the Suzu Lever Strike Bicycle Bell from Crane comes in either brass or copper for a distinct look. The all-metal bell has incredible longevity thanks to its simple design, and the simple “ding” rings out nice and clear for all to hear.
This is a well-made choice that won’t tarnish or dull over time either in sound or in style. Users love how easy the item is to fit as it has a maximum fit of 22mm.
- Made in Japan
- Retro design
- Fits up to 22mm handlebars
- Brand Crane
- Model 13184
- Weight 3.2 ounces
Great vintage look
Fantastic longevity
One of the more expensive options
This bell has an updated color scheme for a traditional bike bell. This classic looking product is quirky, and there are plenty of unique bike bell designs to choose from to match your bike’s look. It is also super quick and easy to install with a maximum fitting of around 22.2mm. We also love that it features a vintage design with a vintage sound.
If you aren’t completely happy with your bell, there’s a 90-day moneyback guarantee to give you some peace of mind, but we can’t imagine you would find any faults with this option.
- Comes with 90-day money-back guarantee
- Simple look and design
- Fits up to 22.2mm handlebars
- Brand Kickstand
- Weight 1.6 ounces
Available in unique, quirky colors
Vintage look and sound
Will ring when the bike is ridden over a bump
The Incredibell from Mirrcycle is a very popular option. It has a very loud ringer, so it’s great to use on busy roads and by commuting cyclists who have to compete with both pedestrians and cars on the way to work. It fits on a wide range of handlebars, including those up to 24mm.
This is larger than the original Mirrcycle, which has proven to be long-lasting so you can be sure of the quality. The pivoting lever allows for easy use on both left- and right-hand sides of your handlebars, and it’s very easy to fit on your bike.
- Adjustable attachment
- No risk of rusting
- Uses a pivoting dinger
- Brand Mirrycle
- Model 100560
- Weight 1.4 ounces
Great for use on quieter rides and walks
Available at a very affordable price
Not as loud as other models
One of the loudest bike bells on the market, the Crane E-ne comes with a beautiful and basic but stylish design that is easy to use and simple to fit. You can attach this so it faces either upwards or outwards. This can affect how easy it is for others to hear, so we recommend the forward-facing position.
This bell fits handlebars up to 31.8mm, so it has a very high range and should fit almost any adult bike. It also has a rather discreet look (although it is also available in a wide range of metallic colors), so it’s perfect for those who want a hard-to-see bell on their handlebars.
- Can be faced in two directions
- Highly rated
- Discreet look
- Brand Crane
- Model x
- Weight 2.4 ounces
Great design is aesthetically pleasing
Very loud, resonating ringing
Bell dulls quicker than others on our list
This is a very simple-looking bell that packs quite a punch. With a loud volume of up to 100 decibels, you can be sure that pedestrians and drivers will hear you coming down the road.
This is a cheap and effective option, so don’t expect any miracles in regards to fitting and design. But it’s a great choice if you’re looking to try out a new bell or simply want a bell for casual use.
- Clear sound
- Easy to install
- Great for handlebars up to 0.9 inches in diameter
- Brand iLoveX
- Weight 1.6 ounces
Surprisingly loud sound for a small bell
Anti-slip ringer
Plastic can be very brittle
Only suitable for smaller handlebars
Best Bike Bells Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying a Bike Bell
- Installation
Having the ability to easily mount your new bell should rank pretty highly on your list, since every cyclist has a story where they got a little too heavy-handed while adding their accessories- which always results in a broken new toy.
Being able to put your new bell on with ease is therefore pretty important since, otherwise, you’ll be wasting money on a brittle bell that won’t attach to your bike. Instead, opt for a bike bell that is easy to fit and won’t cause you a headache.
- Volume
Again, having a bell that lacks in this area leaves you with an unusable selection, so check out bike bell reviews to see how loud your new bell is. Ideally, they should be variable, so that a gentle pull will give a quieter sound, and a full pull will allow those with headphone in to hear you coming.
- Use
What you use your bike for will have an effect on what type of bell you should buy. If you’re a cycling commuter and use a road bike, a simple road bike bell will do the trick. These are usually a little louder, since they’re competing with the traffic on busy roads but also require a more unique or different sized mounting ring.
This is simply because road bike handlebars tend to be in a range of different sizes- with drop bars around the 31-32mm thickness and flat handlebars being far below this. Those with flat handlebars or shaped handlebars can vary massively on thickness, so check your manufacturers guide before buying your new bicycle bell.
A mountain bike bell, on the other hand, will need to be thick enough to handle the much heavier use and bumps that come with MTB riding. Cheaper bells will likely ring out if you go over a bump, which can confuse others and frustrate you. They can also have very thick handlebars that are already inundated with wires and accessories- so you’ll need to be sure that your bike bell won’t get in the way of these and vice versa.
Kids bikes are much easier to accommodate, since they naturally have shorter, thinner handles. This makes buying a kids bicycle bell much easier- you would simply need to consider how easy the bell is to use for a younger kid, so that they actually have the ability to ring it out.
- Design
The design of your ideal bell will be entirely up to your personal preference. However, you should always make sure that your bell is easy to ring, easy to attach and loud enough for pedestrians to hear.
There are two main designs that you’ll notice in our top picks, with the majority of these being the traditional, rounded bell shape. These are great, simple and retro which is ideal for casual users who are simply looking for a good-looking bell that will do the trick. Each of these will differ in what colors, sizes and characteristics are attached to each make, and there are some great options out there that look fantastic on any bike.
Meanwhile, the Kong-Oi has recently come on the market and has changed up the design of the traditional bell with a wraparound design. These are surprisingly loud and make for a great talking point with other cyclists, as they seem to mold into the shape of your bike’s handlebars and are therefore mostly unseen. Thus, they don’t ruin the aesthetic of more expensive bikes but still allow you to give an audible warning to others on the road and ensure you’re not breaking the law (see below).
- Material
The material used in your bicycle bell effect three things: the installation, the sound and the longevity of your bell. We’ve already spoken about how cheaper plastics are more likely to be brittle and therefore harder to install- and you can probably guess that metals are louder and make a more satisfying sound for your warnings.
Naturally, metal comes out on top here, with brass being pretty much the top dog in the bell department as it makes a crystal-clear sound, lasts for a long time and is easy to manipulate onto your handlebars. Other options, however, include aluminum and steel, both of which are much cheaper but make a “tinnier” sound, which doesn’t seem as nice.
Why Do You Need a Bike Bell
- Volume
When you need to pass someone in the street, or warn them that you’re coming, it isn’t always enough to just shout to pedestrians. In fact, if you’re a regular cyclist, it would be hard on your voice to make a sound, every single time you wanted to pass someone. Having a bell allows you to catch the attention of other road and path users, without sounding aggressive or losing your voice.
- Safety
As I’m sure you can imagine, having a bike bell to hand certainly cuts down on the likelihood of near-misses or full-on collisions. Being able to signal to others that you are around means you’re not about to slam your brakes on when pedestrians don’t move out of the way, or accidentally run over any ramblers who are walking in your area.
- Universal
If you’re keen on taking your bike with you on your travels, it is definitely worth having a bell on your bike. While shouting out that you’re passing, it’s understandable that some folk may not hear you, or even understand you.
Having a bike bell to hand allows you to ring out that you’re passing by in the universal language of ringing. No matter which country you’re in or what language you speak, everyone knows the sound of a bicycle bell and that is means a person is coming toward you on a bike.
- The Law
In some states, having a bell on your bike is simply a case of adhering to the law. For example, in Indiana, it is a legal requirement for bike riders to have a bike bell installed on your bicycle- and the same can be said for multiple other states including New York and South Carolina.
Others are a little more lenient, requesting only an “audible sound” to be made on your bike, while others get more specific about the lack of whistling (check your state’s code for more information). Either way, there’s plenty of other benefits to having a bell on your bike but, if you need the extra reason, knowing that you could be breaking the law should give you a push in the right direction.
Types of Bike Bells
- Classic
Classic bells come with the traditional sounds and look of bicycle bells that we all know and love. They are based on a traditional design that harks as far back as the 1800’s and use a basic lever attachment to snap back and make their presence known.
They come with two very distinct, audible rings- the classic “ring-ring” that is gentle and perfect for casual riders, and the more abrupt “ding-dong” style that is short and sharp, alerting others to your presence quickly and efficiently.
- Air Horn
The air horn is much more abrupt and can be quite irking to some, although we certainly can’t deny that they get the job done! They use pressurized air to release a loud sound that can hit up to 120 decibels in volume- but this pressure needs to be re-filled with a standard bike pump, from time to time.
These are best for road commuters, who might need to signal their presence to cars, who are less likely to hear a traditional bell. They’re also great for those who just want the added reassurance that everyone will hear you. That said, they’re not as popular as classic bells and require a little more upkeep.
Both bell types will attach to the handlebars of your bike using a mounting ring, so there is no difference in where they should be situated or how you’ll need to add these to your bike’s handlebars.
Our Top Pick
We love the Firmstrong Classic Beach Cruiser Bicycle Bell as it hits all of the sweet spots when it comes to providing everything you could possibly want from your bicycle bell. The Firmstrong option is easily the best bike bell on the market as it is easy to attach, easy to ring and the metal creation will last and last.
The sound of the bell itself is a very soft but loud and clear sound that won’t cause any irritation, should your little one decides to ring it out for the joy of it- but the ringing is obvious enough to warn pedestrians and other cyclists with ease. All-in-all this bike bell does everything you could want or need from a bell for your mountain bike and we’re confident that users will love it as much as we do.
Source:
- Why every bike needs a bell – Treehugger
