Bike bells. They might seem like a simple accessory, but for any cyclist navigating shared paths or bustling streets, they are indispensable. Whether you’re politely alerting pedestrians or just sharing a friendly greeting, a good bike bell is your voice on the ride. We tested five top contenders to find the Best Bike Bell for your needs. Keep reading to discover which one truly resonated with us. Ding ding!
Author Logan Watts
By Logan Watts
Published: March 23, 2017
Bike bells weren’t always on my radar. Truth be told, if you’d told me a few years ago I’d be writing about the virtues of bike bells, I would have been skeptical. However, my perspective has completely shifted. For bikepacking, especially the kind that involves dirt roads and touring, a bike bell has become essential gear in my book.
Why the change of heart? A bike bell is simply the most courteous way to announce your presence. A little audible heads-up goes a long way in preventing near misses and potential accidents. It’s also much kinder than startling someone unaware, saving them from that jolt of surprise. In essence, bike bells foster harmony among different trail users. Plus, a cheerful ring is just a pleasant way to acknowledge fellow humans. Kids especially seem to love the melodic greeting.
Bike bells have also proven their worth on my daily mountain bike rides closer to home. My local trails are accessed via a bike path. Even though it’s designated for bikes, it often requires navigating a variety of people. I regularly encounter joggers, leisurely walkers, and those headphone-wearing cyclists who seem magnetically drawn to the center of the path. Countless times, I’ve found myself stuck behind slower walkers, longing for a polite way to pass. Initially, I resorted to subtle attempts – a deliberate gear shift ‘clunk’ or the distinct sound of my Industry Nine freehub. These were rarely effective. Politely saying “excuse me” repeatedly was the next step, often feeling more disruptive than helpful. What I really needed was a reliable bike bell. The local bike path became the ideal testing ground to find the best bike bell for the job.
After some initial research into highly-rated options, we selected five different bike bells to put to the test. After extensive use on both local bikeways and longer bikepacking trips, my criteria for the best bike bell solidified into three key areas:
- Optimal Tone: The sound quality is crucial. Many bells are either unpleasant, too quiet to be effective, too shrill, or too muffled. The perfect tone is clear and attention-grabbing without being jarring.
- Versatile Compatibility: The bell must integrate well with various handlebar setups, bag configurations, and cable routing common in bikepacking and mountain biking.
- Effortless Operation: Ease of use is paramount. The bell should be easily accessible and operable from a natural riding position, with an intuitive interface.
Here are the five bike bells we evaluated, presented in alphabetical order, with individual reviews and our overall findings at the end.
Knog Oi Classic Bike Bell
Knog, renowned for its innovative and stylish bike lights and accessories, set out to reimagine the bike bell. The Australian company questioned why bike bells had to be visually unappealing and sonically jarring. Through extensive design and research, Knog created the Oi. Instead of the traditional dome shape, the Oi features a sleek, ring-shaped alloy cylinder and a low-profile plastic clamp that wraps around the handlebar. The result is a minimalist, almost invisible bell that complements the bike’s aesthetics, minimizes cable interference, and is undeniably stylish.
Best Bike Bell, Knog Oi Classic
The Oi Classic is available in two sizes: 31.8mm, designed for the handlebar section near the stem on most modern mountain bikes and drop-bar bikes, and 22.2mm, ideal for fitting next to shifters and brake levers on flat handlebars. With included shims, the larger bell can also adapt to 25.4mm or 26mm bars, offering broad compatibility. Installation is straightforward thanks to its single allen bolt design, allowing for quick mounting without needing to remove grips or controls. We tested both sizes and found the smaller version preferable for mountain bike handlebars, enabling thumb-activated ringing without shifting hand position. While the larger size functions on flat bars, it requires reaching towards the stem to ring, less convenient in dynamic riding situations. The spring-loaded lever is user-friendly and, despite its plastic construction appearing somewhat delicate, it proved durable throughout over 600 miles of testing. The Oi Classic also thoughtfully incorporates a cable channel, ensuring seamless integration on drop bars by allowing the bell to be mounted neatly over brake and shift cables.
Knog Oi Classic Bike Bell Mounted on Handlebar
Knog Oi Classic Bike Bell Close-up Detail
Knog Oi Classic Bike Bell Different Color Options
The sound of the small Knog Oi Classic is a significant selling point. Its cylindrical ring produces a distinct, pleasant tone that sits in the mid-pitch range. It’s not excessively loud, striking a balance between audibility and courtesy. Throughout testing, the bell proved consistently effective at alerting pedestrians from a distance of 10 to 20 feet. The Oi Classic metal ring comes in a range of stylish anodized colors: brass, silver, black, copper, and a polished silver.
Knog Oi Classic Small Size Bike Bell
- Weight (small): 17g (0.6oz)
- Tone: Medium to high, pleasant
- Price: $19.95
- Manufactured in: China
- Website: knog.com.au
The Orp Bike Horn
The ORP Bike Horn is a departure from the traditional bike bell, venturing into the realm of electronic sound signaling. It’s not technically a bell but a battery-operated bike horn, producing two digitally generated sounds: a “friendly” ‘bleep-bloop’ reminiscent of a submarine sonar and a louder, more assertive buzzer. To be upfront, the ORP wasn’t my personal favorite, and my testing was limited. During one test ride on a busy path, even the “friendly” 75db setting startled a pedestrian enough to veer off the path. The 96db setting, I imagine, would be even more startling. While the pedestrian was understanding and amused, it highlighted the ORP’s potential for being perceived as too loud or abrupt for casual use.
ORP Bike Horn on Handlebar
However, the ORP Bike Horn offers features beyond just sound. In addition to the dual-tone horn, it incorporates two 70-lumen LEDs. These LEDs can function as lights, activated when the horn is pressed for increased visibility while signaling, and offer five light modes controlled by a top push button. ORP claims a battery life of approximately three hours at full 140-lumen constant output for the lights. It’s essentially a combination light and audible signal device, rechargeable via USB.
ORP Bike Horn Different Color Options
ORP Bike Horn Remote Button Detail
ORP Bike Horn USB Charging Port
The ORP’s housing and mounting strap are constructed from a flexible, jelly-like rubber and are available in various colors, including the bright “Snot Green” shown in our test. It also includes a “RemOrp,” a minimalist wired remote that can be positioned near your shifter for thumb-activated operation. This remote is particularly beneficial for drop bar bikes, allowing for convenient placement near the hoods. The ORP Bike Horn might be a suitable choice for commuters or cyclists who prioritize a louder, more assertive signal for navigating potentially hazardous urban environments or situations demanding “defensive” cycling. However, for those seeking a gentle, friendly bell for casual greetings or polite path sharing, the ORP might be too aggressive.
- Weight: 89g (3.17oz)
- Tone: Loud, electronic
- Price: $65
- Manufactured in: China
- Website: OrpLand.com
Spurcycle Bell
Spurcycle aimed to refine the classic bicycle bell, addressing common issues like unwanted ringing from bumps and bulky designs. Their goal was to distill the traditional bell into a more compact, effective, and aesthetically pleasing form. The Spurcycle Bell has achieved a level of desirability rarely associated with bike bells. Its successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, raising over $330,000, is a testament to its appeal and timely innovation.
Spurcycle Bell Mounted on Handlebar
Spurcycle succeeded in their mission. The result is an elegantly crafted, all-metal bell constructed from high-quality stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, with the exception of a small rubber dampener where it contacts the handlebars. This all-metal construction stands out compared to many other bells that incorporate plastic components. The dome-shaped bell features a top allen bolt for tightening the assembly to the handlebars using one of two included metal straps – a larger strap for drop bars and 31.8mm handlebars, and a smaller one for smaller diameter bars or placement near grips on mountain bike bars. The Spurcycle Bell’s streamlined design ensures compatibility with virtually any handlebar setup and remains unobtrusive. We tested it alongside various bikepacking bags, including gas tanks, feedbags, and handlebar bags, without any fitment issues.
Spurcycle Bell Close-up Detail
Spurcycle Bell Different Mounting Straps
Spurcycle Bell Multiple Angles
Made in the USA, the Spurcycle Bell is available in silver for $49 and black for $59. Arguably the most visually appealing bell in this group, the Spurcycle also boasts the purest sound quality and impressive resonance. My only minor critique is its slightly high pitch, being the highest pitched of the tested bells (excluding the ORP’s electronic tones) and also quite loud. Like other bell manufacturers, Spurcycle provides sound samples on their website, although online recordings rarely fully capture the true sound quality.
Spurcycle Bell Silver Finish
- Weight: 42g (1.48oz)
- Tone: Sustained high pitch, resonant, loud
- Price: $59
- Manufactured in: USA
- Website: Spurcycle.com
Timber Bell Mountain Bike Bell
The Timber Bell offers a unique approach to trail awareness. Its origin story is perhaps the most compelling of the group. Two weeks prior to testing, my wife Virginia had a near-miss incident on a twisty trail in Pisgah, North Carolina. Rounding a blind corner, she collided head-on with another rider. Fortunately, while she sustained a laceration requiring stitches, the outcome could have been much worse. This incident underscored the value of proactive trail signaling, and highlighted the potential benefit of a bell like the Timber Bell.
Timber Mountain Bike Bell on Trail
Initially, the Timber Bell seemed like an unconventional solution to a non-existent problem. My wife’s accident changed that perspective. This distinctive bell operates with a small metal ball suspended inside a steel bell on a semi-flexible cable. When “unlocked,” the ball moves freely with trail vibrations, producing a continuous, pleasant cowbell-like ringing sound. For quiet sections, a lever easily switches the bell “off,” securing the ball against the bell to prevent movement. The lever also allows for fine-tuning the bell’s sensitivity, adjusting the ringing frequency. On winding singletrack or descents, the Timber Bell provides a constant, audible warning to others. On multi-use trails, it promotes responsible trail sharing by keeping other users aware of your approach.
Timber Mountain Bike Bell Close-up Detail
Timber Mountain Bike Bell Lever Mechanism
Timber Mountain Bike Bell Different Mounting Options
The Timber Bell produces what I consider one of the most pleasing sounds among the bells tested. It’s available in a bolt-on or quick-release O-ring model for $20. Installation is simple for both versions, without requiring grip removal. Even on smooth terrain, the Timber Bell can be rung in the “open” setting by gently shaking the handlebars.
Timber Mountain Bike Bell O-Ring Mount
- Weight (O-ring version): 70g (2.47oz)
- Tone: Cowbell-like, pleasant, full
- Price: $20
- Manufactured in: China
- Website: mtbbell.com
Van Nicholas Titanium Bike Bell
Van Nicholas, the Dutch titanium specialists known for their high-end titanium road bikes and components, created a distinctive bike bell crafted entirely from titanium. While perhaps not the most functionally straightforward bell in the group, the Van Nicholas Titanium Bike Bell undeniably wins in terms of design and material elegance. Its four-piece construction, all titanium, includes the bell welded to a threaded rod, the upper and lower mount halves (connected with a horseshoe miter), and a single T20 bolt. The design is strikingly minimalist and refined.
Van Nicholas Titanium Bike Bell on Handlebar
Van Nicholas offers two sizes; we tested the larger version, designed for the 31.8mm handlebar section near the stem on mountain bikes or drop bars. Van Nicholas does not include shims for adapting to smaller diameters, although the smaller 22.2mm version (which I would have preferred for grip-side mounting) is available separately.
Van Nicholas Titanium Bike Bell Close-up Detail
Van Nicholas Titanium Bike Bell Mounting System
Van Nicholas Titanium Bike Bell Different Angles
The Van Nicholas bell produces a pleasant, medium-high pitched sound that isn’t overly loud. A minor drawback is a slight buzz emanating from the titanium spring lever during ringing, though it’s not significantly distracting. The bell carries a premium price tag at 89 Euros, reflecting its all-titanium construction and high-end brand.
Van Nicholas Titanium Bike Bell Angled View
- Weight: 34g (1.2oz)
- Tone: Medium-high, not too loud, slight buzz
- Price: 89€
- Manufactured in: The Netherlands
- Website: vannicholas.com
Final Verdict: Choosing the Best Bike Bell
So, which bike bell emerges as our top pick? Sound pitch varied across the tested models. The Spurcycle Bell rings highest, followed by the Van Nicholas, Timber Bell, and the small Knog Oi Classic, which has the deepest tone. The Spurcycle and Timber Bell stand out for their exceptionally pure sound quality. Among the two metal-only bells, the Spurcycle’s ring sustains longer, while the Van Nicholas’s unique titanium lever introduces a slight vibration. The Oi Classic’s plastic clamp subtly dampens its resonance, yet its tone remains pleasing and effective.
Regarding compatibility with bikepacking bags, the Oi Classic, Spurcycle, and Timber Bell all offer versatile mounting options and are generally bag-friendly. The ORP’s primary limitation is its fixed 31.8mm clamp size, restricting mounting positions. The Timber Bell (clamp version) and Spurcycle provide options for grip-side mounting, enhancing accessibility. The Oi Classic and Van Nicholas are available in two sizes, catering to both 31.8mm/drop bar and grip-side mountain bike handlebar diameters.
Initially, the small Knog Oi Classic bell was my favorite. At around $20, it’s remarkably lightweight, produces a pleasant and effective tone, boasts a sleek aesthetic, and its unobtrusive design integrates seamlessly with various straps, cables, and bikepacking bag attachments. However, after several months of continued use, the Timber Bell has become the most frequently used and appreciated bell. Its unique always-on functionality is ideal for trail riding, promoting trail etiquette and even deterring wildlife encounters. It’s simply a great bike bell for off-road adventures. The Spurcycle remains an excellent choice for those who value classic aesthetics and prefer a high-pitched, attention-grabbing tone. One final consideration: the Oi Classic, while perfect for bikeways, might be slightly too quiet for loud urban environments. If you need a bell that cuts through city noise, the Spurcycle could be a better option due to its louder ring.
While we’ve tested a selection of top-rated bells, claiming to have found the absolute “world’s best bike bell” is beyond our scope. If you have a personal favorite bike bell, share your recommendation in the comments below!
Filed Under:
Bikepacking Gear
Accessories
