Banish Boring Bells: Best Bike Bells of 2023

Long live the alliteration of the letter B.

Have you ever gazed upon your bicycle and thought, “Goodness gracious, what a marvel of modern machinery, but golly gee darn and wallop snog, why must it be tarnished with such a dreary dinger-donger?”

That was me, and yes, I know this is not a topic that will change the world, but if you’ve found yourself in such an existential 3 am predicament, this article is your Holy Grail, your Willy Wonka golden ticket, your unexpected letter from Hogwarts – on getting a simple upgrade utopia about the size of a penny or two.

As Oscar Wilde might have said, had he been a bicycle enthusiast, “Bicycle bells are the sonnets of the street, a melody amidst the mundane, alerting all to the approach of the two-wheeled, pedal-pumping pegasus.” In less eloquent terms, they may even save you from collisions and make your presence known amidst the hustle and bustle of city and park life.

Rumors of War Abound About the Bell

You may not realize it, but there is an age-old clash of the Bell-berians versus the Vocal-localites. Or, in other words—the pro-bell crowd versus the anti-bell crowd. It can savage entire communities, almost like vampires and werewolves locked in eternal metallic conflict.

It is akin to a Shakespearean showdown: “To ding, or not to ding, that is the question.”

On one side, we have the hardcore, militant Bell-berians, zealots in their staunch advocacy for all that clangs and jingles. These folks believe in the divine power of the tiny metal bell, treating it as the shining Excalibur of bicycle etiquette.

On the other side, we find the Vocal-localites, the vocal vanguard of the biking world who eschew the cold, impersonal clamor of a bell in favor of a warm, human utterances. For them, a hearty “On your left!” or a kindly “Coming through!” is a powerful lighthouse beacon amidst the fog of modern isolation.

Where sit I? I like bells. I like gadgets. And I like bell gadgets. For what it’s worth, I am Bellberian, but I am also able to use my voice when the mood hits.

I think a bicycle bell adds a sort of metallic melodiousness, crisp and clear, to a shared pathway of pedestrians, poodles, and the odd 165 million-year-old Parkosauerus. Bells have a certain sonic charm, a piercing clarity that cuts through the cacophony of daily life. Think of it as a gentle ding of impending doom if ignored.

To the anti-bell lobby, they believe words create a bond, however brief, between fellow trailblazers, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie upon the loom of shared adventure. And I would agree, yes, a bell’s ding can’t express, “Lovely weather we’re having,” or “Cute dog, does she bite!”, but your voice can! So why not add that afterward vocal burst if your heart wants to engage your future life partner on the path?

Bing Ding Budget Ring

The humble bicycle bell, be thou humble no more.

It may seem like a simple accessory, but to us cycling enthusiasts, it’s a crucial part of our biking arsenal. Picture this: you’re pedaling through the streets, feeling the wind in your hair, and suddenly, a pedestrian steps into your path (with or without a machete). What do you do? Shout? Nah! You ring your trusty bicycle bell and command the attention of all who dare to cross your path (especially those swishing machetes).

But finding the perfect bicycle bell is no ordinary quest; it’s an epic adventure of hilarious geeky proportions! And one that takes up way too much time than it should.

I wanted a super simple accessory that looked super sleek and also performed like an alien orchestra about to crash into an asteroid.

You see, not all bicycle bells are created equal. There are those that emit a feeble “ting-ting” that can barely be heard over the sound of a distant cricket. Then there are the ones that sound like a full-blown tuba marching band, causing nearby birds to take flight in terror and the national guard to reach DEFCON2.

As avid cyclists, we need something in between – a bell that says, “Hey, move it, pretty please!” without inducing heart attacks or changes in the politic structure of entire nations.

Bells For Under $20 That Are Super Delicious

Ready for a quick dive into the world of budget-friendly bells that not only provide a delightful flavor of colors but also won’t break the bank? Of course, you are.

Measure twice, order once, and disappointment be gone!

These petite powerhouses of sound, with a high-quality brass domes, and sturdy strikers, deliver resonating rings with plenty of decibels, ensuring both cyclists and pedestrians are alert to your upcoming grand entrance.

These bell’s diminutive dome sizes allow them to snuggle up comfortably amongst your 276 other handlebar paraphernalia and gadgets. Built from a robust combo of brass or machined aluminum alloy, the bells are as durable as a honey badger with a bad attitude on a bohemian blue bike.

PRO BIKE TOOL BELL

the stouchi BELL

the ROCKBROS CLASSIC BELL

So, if you’re a serious bell hunter and style aficionado, these dingers not only deliver a symphony of sound but also make a stylish statement. I think we can all appreciate a bell for under $20 that offers exceptional value and jaw-dropping designs.

Want to see more? Why not check out these three other classic, almost Westminster-like chimes for your ride?

Sportout Copper Alloy Bike Bell

THE Greallthy CLASSIC

Kickstand Cycleworks Classic Beach Cruiser

Ding-ka-ching!

Get ready to ring in the savings with confidence and panache with any of the above bells! But if you really want to splurge on a high-quality bike bell (and why not), then keep reading. Remember, a bicycle bell is not just a safety accessory but also an expression of your style and preference.

Wing Ding a Premier Ring

The humble bicycle bell meets Bitcoin; be thou humble no more.

No, you can keep HODLing those precious Bitcoins till they reach $300,000, but these next luxury dingers are of more premium quality for the serious cycle sojourner.

Whether your style is more Audrey Hepburn or Lady Gaga, there’s bound to be a bell that perfectly complements your personality and your bike. These bells don’t merely ding; they announce your presence with an unmistakable touch of class (or at least you will know they are your tiny touch of class.)

Who knows, maybe you will stop in Central Park and talk to the blond girl walking her black poodle named Fifi and tell her all about your bell, perhaps she could even ding it for you. The possibilities are limitless.

The Lezyne Classic Brass Bell

Crane Alloy & Brass Bell

The Knog Oi

Did you know that the first bicycle bell was invented in 1877 by John Richard Dedicoat? (Dear Mr. Dedicoat also invented the pencil sharpener—your trivia mind is now satisfied.)

This ingenious device revolutionized cycling safety by providing a clear and attention-grabbing way for cyclists to announce their presence on the roads.

While bells are primarily used for safety, they can also be used as a means of self-expression. Some cyclists customize their bells with unique patterns, colors, or decals to showcase their personality and make a statement on the road. Even just owning one of the more premium bell types, might just be your path to enlightenment and greater self-confidence for the next 60 years.

Bicycle bells have evolved over the years to incorporate new technologies. Some modern bells feature built-in electronic sound effects, allowing cyclists to choose from a range of different tones or melodies.

My preference is the crisp metallic ding rather than a warble of electronic sounds. What is your preference? These premium, innovative bells combine traditional functionality with a touch of modern flair—lovely indeed.

The Knog Oi CLASSIC S

The AXL Cycling Bike Bell

Timber Bike Bell

A well-crafted story is easier to remember than a list of product features or benefits. It’s how our brains are wired – we remember stories and narratives much more readily than cold, hard facts.

Emotions are intrinsically linked to our memory. When a story triggers an emotional response, it’s more likely to be remembered.

You Know Why Storytelling is a Marketing Superpower: It’s Time to Become a Storyteller

After extensive research and rigorous wondering if a bicycle bell is the final piece of kit I will buy for my bike, the crown for the best bicycle bell of the moment goes to two outstanding contenders in their respective categories.

For those on a budget, the ‘Pro Bike Tool Bell‘ offers exceptional value for money. With a resonant chime that can cut through the hustle and bustle of city noise, and a robust design built to withstand the elements, it proves that premium features can come without a premium price tag.

On the other hand, if cost is not a constraint and you’re seeking the best of the best, the ‘AXL Cycling Bike Bell‘ reigns supreme. With its precision-tuned sound, artful craftsmanship, and tough-high quality metal—it delivers an unrivaled blend of form, function, and dual-tone finesse.

But like socks and space helmets, bells can turn out to be a very subjective matter. Whether you opt for the ‘Pro Bike’ or the ‘AXL,’ or some other wonder-dinger, rest assured, you’ll be adding a reliable and stylish companion to your cycling adventures this year.

Interested in my geeky favorite folding eBikes? These are the perfect supplement for all your long hours behind the computer screen looking for a missing comma in JavaScript code. Get a little outdoor adventure and vitamin C; your heart will love you for it. Read my article on the Best Folding eBikes: A Revolution in Urban Sneakiness, Sleekness, and Fun.