"CW asks" is a feature series where our seasoned staff answers a range of questions. The series isn't just about delivering knowledge; it's a chance for us to share a bit of our personality and our passion with you. As we dive into some questions, please feel free to send in some questions of your own to anne.rook@futurenet.com.
Question 18: Bells – use them or not?
And should you be in the market for a bike bell, check out our Battle of the Bells buyer's guide!
Stefan Abram, Tech Features Editor
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook // Future)
It really depends on the bike for me. The gravel trails I ride don’t tend to attract many walkers, so on the occasions that I do need to alert anyone to my presence I just simply call out. For road riding, it’s even rarer that I’m ever in the situation where I would even use a bell. So in those cases, I’m pretty much always riding bell-less.
But when it comes to city bikes / pub bikes / town bikes / utility bikes - whatever you want to call them, I’ll generally always pop a bell on the bars. On busy shared paths it gets quite tiring always calling out, so I much rather use a bell.
Plus it’s great now that there are so many options with neat designs! Myself, I just stick to the classic Knog Oi - it looks smart, is effective, isn’t overly expensive and doesn’t take up much space on the bars. But I do quite like seeing all the different designs perched on people’s bars about town.
Hannah Bussey, Technical Writer
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook // Future)
One hundred percent yes. I’m a big believer in a bike bell, honestly, there’s nothing quite as gap bridging as being able to alert a person to your presence as the polite ‘ping’ of a bell. Interactions between cyclists and pedestrians become cordial and, dare I say, even amicable.
I’ve been running a bit more recently and I’ve really missed the ability to make others aware of my proximity. So much so that I’ve wished for a wrist or finger bell. In the meantime I’ve taken to just hollering ‘ding’ to signal to people of my existence from behind.
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Anna Abram, Fitness Features Editor
(Image credit: Close the Gap CC)
In the past I’ve tended to stay away from using a bell as I’d rather avoid cluttering up my handlebars if possible. Plus I figured that a cheery ‘good morning!’ is a nicer way to alert people to my presence than the impersonality of a bell.
But, I have to admit, my voice simply doesn’t have the same cut-through as the clear, sharp tone of a bell. Sometimes I don’t get heard until I’m awkwardly close!
Fortunately, I came across CloseTheGap’s HideMyBell solution. It’s an out-front cycling computer mount which includes a bell underneath where your computer sits. It’s discreet and effective, and I’ve been happy with it for road riding.
I don’t use it on my gravel bike, though, as the out-front design doesn’t work with a handlebar bag.
Tom Davidson - News and Features Writer
(Image credit: Future)
I don’t have a bell on my road bike, but I do on my city bike. For the road bike, it’s mostly an aesthetic thing. If I’m wearing aero kit and riding aggressively with my forearms on the hoods, then I fear a bell might look a bit incongruous… and dorky. I’m happy to use my voice and shout instead, which, in any case, gives me endless functions, not just a sharp ‘ding’ sound.
I have a bell on my city bike for one simple reason. It came like that, and I’ve been too lazy to take it off.
Joe Baker - Tech Writer
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook // Future)
When it comes to the humble bell, I can't say I am a user - but that doesn't mean I am not an advocate. Most of my city riding, thanks in no small part to less-than-perfect infrastructure in Oxford, England, is on roads. And let's face it, a bicycle bell will do little to notify a car of your whereabouts.
My background too, in full-time racing, means I am pretty used to riding without one, and I find in pedestrian areas, a polite 'excuse me' will normally suffice. For those who ride in pedestrianized areas more frequently though, I think a bell is a great addition to your bike. It's a universally recognized sound associated with cyclists and helps to keep roads and bike paths safer for everyone.
Previous questions:
What three things do you wish you'd known when you first started cycling?
