What do we think of bells.

[NeilM]

I ride a lot along country lanes, as it is more pleasant and less populated. However, as the weather improves I am more often coming across both people walking and also horse riders.

As a horseman myself I am very aware of the sensitivities of horses and their riders, so I always slow and pass as wide as possible, but I have noticed that calling out often makes the rider and sometimes the horse jump a little.

While riding my horse recently, a cyclist came up behind and just gave a couple of little 'pings' on his bell. I thought this was a discreet but effective way of alerting me to his presence.

So, what do we the retro-collective think of bells and what experiences; good or bad, have we had when using them.

Also, do you have any recommendations for a light, effective bell.

 

[TGR]

Interesting topic, the safety of a bell or the aethetics of a bell-less bike?

I almost knocked down a friend last year as i approached a junction on my stealth Van Tuyl, a bell would have been useful as I did not want to shout at him.

On holiday, I rented a bike which had a super loud click from the rear hub (Mavic I think) - no need for a bell on this bike as freewheeling resulted in machine gun fire!

I will have a look for a bell - although i am not sure if sellers will provide weights.

Richard

 

[NeilM]

the safety of a bell or the aethetics of a bell-less bike?

Exactly.

I have found with horse riders especially that the freewheel on its own is insufficient, although I use that method to good effect off road with dog walkers.

I just thought a discreet but sufficiently loud bell might be the best answer, as a startled horse often leads to an angry / alarmed rider.

 

[The History Man]

My road jacket is louder than any bell.

On MTBs I have bells. Probably use one every other ride and it works followed by a thank you when people step aside.

 

[daugs]

a generaton ago most people would recognise the sound of a bicycle bell but now with the new things that make an inaudible ping and the number of people wearing headphones............

although I do like something traditional

 

[NeilM]

My road jacket is louder than any bell.

My shoes are nearly as loud as your jacket, but it's not good to be close enough for a horse to see something bright moving quickly behind it, that tends to trigger an instinctive reaction to run, or at the very least spin round to see what 'animal' is about to attack it.

 

[The History Man]

Lighten up. :facepalm: Should I have put a smiley on there.

 

[Carge]

People always seem to react better to a ping of a bell, rather than a "heads up"
Don't have on the race bikes, but do on the commuter & towpath hack.
And talking as you pass a horse, so it can hear summat coming seems to work.

 

[wookiee]

....I always use a loud cough! And a clicky freehub!

 

[RockiMtn]

why use a bell when you're much better heard with "get out of my way" air horn!