Gearbikesreview is audience-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission that we use for site maintenance. Learn more

Parts

Best Bike Bells: Review & Buying Guide (2024)

Looking for quality bike bells to buy? You have arrived at the right place. Here, we will be elaborately discussing everything you need to know to choose the right model. Remember, a single honking can make a difference between life and death when you are riding on a busy road or a crowded place, so buckle up for our journey to discover the best bike bells that money can buy.

Bells come in different designs and varieties though they always perform similar functions. This guide presents the top 10 bicycle bells on the market to enable you to choose the option that suits your preference.

Best Bike Bells – Top 10 Reviews

1 Knog Oi Bike Bell (Top of the List)

Knog Oi Bike Bell

The Knog Oi Bike Bell offers many compelling features that make it the best bicycle bell as per our findings. First, its unique design distinguishes it from the traditional ones we already know. It has a hollow cylindrical shape with a plastic clamp for handlebar attachment. You will notice that it is easy to mount, looks more beautiful, and has less interface with handlebar cables.

The Knog Oi is engineered from high-grade aluminum and ideal for use under any severe weather conditions. The tone quality is excellent. It comes in two sizes – the small 22.2mm, which fits mountain bikes (MTB), BMX, and most commuter bikes. The large size has spacers that allow you to use it on bike diameters ranging from 23.8 to 31.8mm.

We tested both the largest and the smallest sizes, but many prefer the small ones because of their quieter tone and ease of reach. When trying the two sizes, we noticed that the sound was not loud enough for busy environments.

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Pleasing tone
  • Slick looks
  • Available in many sizes and colors
  • Excellent clamping system

Cons

  • Lever is flimsy
  • Low sound

Our Verdict

We made the Knog Oi Bike Bell our top choice since it met many of our criteria for choosing the best bicycle bell. It has a beautiful look and is available in other colors to blend with your bike. Though it is much quieter when compared to most models on this list, it tops in many other features you will need from a reliable product.

2 BONMIXC Bike Bell Brass (Choice for Straight Bikes)

BONMIXC Bike Bell Brass

Another top option on our list is the BONMIXC bike bell. This one is pretty cheap and designed for smaller bikes with handlebar diameter of 21mm to 23mm. It has a simple construction with a shape that reminds you of the typical traditional bells.

When compared to our Knog Oi model, this one produces a louder sound allowing others to detect the biker on time. It is made of brass but available in both gold and silver colors.

The installation is simple – with only a screwdriver, your signal device is ready. Ringing the bell is also easy since you only need to stretch your thumb a little to press the lever. However, you can only operate it with the right hand, so mounting it on the left could limit its ease of use.

Besides the unique features, you can purchase it for $7. Other bells with similar specs and build quality are more expensive when compared to this one.

Pros

  • Louder noise
  • Sturdy construction
  • Affordable
  • Easy to mount

Cons

  • Single hand use
  • Limited size

Our Verdict

One of the best bike bells out there, the BONMIXC bell comes at a pocket-friendly price without compromising on any of the core features. Though we will always prefer our top choice by looks and size, this one is better by both cost and sound.

3 Pioneeryao Bell for Bike (Classic Choice)

Pioneeryao Bell for Bike

The Pioneeryao Bell has been designed to enhance your safety on the road. Its classic design and sturdy construction ensure that you do not experience a fuss when putting it to use. It comes with two adjustable stainless steel bands that allow you to attach it to handlebars of diverse sizes.

We can say with confidence that this one of the few products for sale that can fit almost any bike type. Apart from the hex in the package, you will not need any other tool to install it, indicating how easy you can put it to use.

The sound quality is excellent. Though not as loud as the BONMIXC model, it gives a good scare on the road. Also, you can fix it on any side of the handle since it is not limited to right-hand users.

It comes with a 1-year warranty and you can always check with the manufacturer if it does not meet your expectations. It is available in four different colors and is beautiful enough to complement any high-end bike. The only downside is a little rattling sound that was not a turn-off for us.

Pros

  • Pleasing sound
  • Offers both hand use
  • Fits most bike sizes
  • Four colors available
  • Warranty

Cons

  • Rattling sound

Our Verdict

An excellent option for someone looking for a classic bell to compliment an expensive bike. It is relatively affordable, well-made, and will last a long time.

4 Crane E-Ne Bicycle Bell (Loudest Choice)

Crane E-Ne Bicycle Bell

Our reason for choosing the Crane E-ne is that it gave us the loudest sound out of the products we tested, and yes, it’s made in Japan! Though it came in at around $30, we could not complain after discovering it is quite the right product and worth the price.

The Crane bell has a fantastic quality and looks great on any modern road bike. It produces a loud ringing ding, depending on how you pull the lever. This is the ideal option for use on roads with heavy traffic since anyone can hear the rider.

However, we have noticed that its attachment system is a little flimsy and comes with a single long strap that limits the position of installation. It is worth noting that the different color options sounded differently and a little research will help you identify the right one.

Pros

  • Well-made
  • Much Louder
  • Easy to install
  • Different color options

Cons

  • Flimsy clamp

Our Verdict

This Japanese chime comes with impressive features to guarantee your safety in the busiest environments. Genuinely worth the few bucks you are paying. Looks cool and offers a good value for the money.

5 Crane Riten Brass Bell (Sturdy Choice)

Crane Riten Brass Bell

This one is another attention-getting model from Crane with complete steel and brass metal construction, eliminating the issues you will likely face when buying bells with plastic parts. It comes with an adjustable clamp that fits handlebars of a diameter of 22.2 to 25mm.

Costing around $25, it may seem expensive. But looking at its build quality, you are buying at a giveaway price.

This product works well under any weather condition and does not produce sound if the bike hits a bump. Like our previous crane model, it has an old fashioned/vintage look but equally delivers high pitch sounds repeatedly ringing after a single push. So, it is useful when riding in a crowded environment. Another exciting feature is that you can install it in any orientation that makes it ideal for ambidextrous use.

Pros

  • Sturdy construction
  • Stainless steel and brass
  • Audible ring
  • Use on both hands
  • Multiple rings

Cons

  • Not available in other colors

Our Verdict

We found this bell so amazing in operation with the capability to produce multiple rings with one push. Its high ratings on different eStores speak for its quality and user satisfaction. Moreover, it comes with an easy mechanism that allows you to fix a bell if it gets broken or damaged for any reason.

6 TIMBER! Mountain Bike Bell (Choice for MTB)

TIMBER! Mountain Bike Bell

This Timber bell might be a departure from the usual designs, but it is perfect for mountain bikes.

What interests us more is its motion sensor feature that causes the bell to ring when you are riding through rough terrain. The sound comes from a ball metal attached to the cable inside.

When it is activated, the ball moves with the rhythm of the bumps on the trail, producing high-pitched noise. Besides, you can deactivate the sound by pulling the lever to prevent the movement of the ball.

This Timber bell comes with a flexible o-ring that allows you to easily attach or detach it from the bike depending on your desired terrain.

From our observation, it is not ideal for smooth roads since it only responds to bike movements. However, an easy way to ring it when riding on flat paths is to make a quick twist of the handlebar to either right or left.

The coolest part is that it is made of brass that makes it sturdy and durable.

Pros

  • Easy to attach and detach
  • Loud noise
  • Sound lock
  • Brass construction
  • Motion sensor

Cons

  • Not ideal for smooth roads

Our Verdict

This product is designed for difficult terrains and effectively signals both humans and animals alike. It is a little advanced than the other mechanical bells in its price range. Its best point is that you can set it to work without your control.

7 Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2 Bike Bell

Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2 Bike Bell

The Incredibell is among the trendiest bells on the market because of its build quality and loudness making it perfect for use on busy bike roads.

This cute looking model comes with an adjustable strap that allows you to fit it across handlebars of 15mm to 39mm diameter. It means you can use it on any bike. The bell’s dinger adjusts to any position so you can operate with any of your fingers.

Made of lightweight aluminum, it’s rust-free that helps keep the sound unchanged. Though a few users complained about their inability to keep the bell in place, it was not an issue for us since we used the zip tie that is available in the box.

It costs a little under $10, making it one of the cheapest bicycle bells on this list.

Pros

  • Light and compact
  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Fits kids and adults bikes
  • Extremely loud

Cons

  • Difficulty in fixing it securely

Our Verdict

This is one of the lowest profile bells on our bike bell review that’s designed for almost all types of bikes. We did not have any issue with its sound quality, so we will recommend it to any biker with interest in staying safe on the ever-busy bike paths.

8 REKATA Aluminum Bike Bell

REKATA Aluminum Bike Bell

The REKATA Aluminum is designed to meet the needs of cyclists that prefer to ride with a high sounding bell. It is easy to install, using only a screw and screwdriver. Unlike most models for sale, it has a unique design that allows you to ring it with ease; making it an excellent choice for boys, girls, and adults alike.

Interestingly, it is available in over 15 colors for you to choose from and should be ideal for children’s bikes. This model is the least expensive on our list, as it costs around $6. It has a few plastic parts that may threaten its durability, but you should not expect total perfection in a product at this price.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Clear tone
  • All-ages friendly
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Cheap plastic parts

Our Verdict

The REKATA model is made for everyone considering that it fits both kids’ and adults’ hands and available in diverse colors. It is cheap and should be handled with care if you expect it to last longer.

9 Firmstrong Classic Beach Cruiser Bicycle Bell

Firmstrong Classic Beach Cruiser Bicycle Bell

If you are looking for a bell with both classic and modern features, this Firmstrong model is the product for you. Like the REKATA, it’s also available in multiple colors and can be easily mounted on most bicycles, tricycles, and scooters with the help of a screwdriver. So, it is a right choice for customizing your bike and giving yourself a prestigious feel on the road.

The Firmstrong bell is made of metal and would last for an eternity. It has a sweet ringing sound and pushes so quickly that even a two-year-old can ring it. It is sold around $10, so it is among the most affordable on the market.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Looks great
  • Available in many colors
  • Easy to mount or detach
  • Loud enough

Cons

  • Not ideal for bikes with thick handlebars

Our Verdict

It’s hard to believe that such a bike accessory at this price range could give you this much joy as you ride your bike on the streets. Don’t be fooled by the amount you are paying; it will serve you beyond your expectations.

10 Mirrycle Original Bicycle Bell

Mirrycle Original Bicycle Bell

This unique model from Mirrycle looks excellent and produces intense sounds. It is slightly bigger and heavier than our previous Incredibell bell and makes louder noise. It is made of alloy and available in black, brass, and silver colors.

It also features a strap that lets you attach or detach it to and from the handlebar resulting in a secure fit. This model is easy to use with both hands and dings whenever you pull the lever. We love the fact that it does not produce any sound when you are taking a bumpy trail.

This model is long-lasting and highly rated so you can be sure of its quality. It has no risk of rusting, so you can use it in the rain or snow.

However, we noticed that it was not as loud as most models on this list and may not be helpful for busy city riding. It costs around $10 – a reasonable bargain.

Pros

  • Adjustable attachment
  • Sturdy build
  • Easy to mount
  • Works great
  • Fits securely

Cons

  • Not very loud

Our Verdict

This model is affordable and seems to work great in diverse conditions, but you need to do a little homework concerning the traffic in your area since it might not be loud enough for most users. However, if your purpose is to buy a reliable bell at a low cost, this might be more than what you need.

Why You Need a Good Bicycle Bell

Bells are percussive signaling equipment and fall among the most vital accessories for your bicycle, and that is the reason you should get only the best. They help to keep you and the other road users from danger by letting them know you are on the path.

As mentioned earlier, if you are riding in a congested environment with high foot and vehicular traffic, ringing the bell will warn everyone around. Besides, ringing the bell will make other drivers notice you even in the dark, saving you from an accident. In most climes, especially in the United States, it is an offense against the law to ride a bicycle without a bell.

Not only does the best bicycle bell produce sound but is easy to strike, easy to mount, and can withstand any weather condition. When thinking of keeping everyone safe, choosing one with the right features besides being audible enough to both humans and animals is a plus.

Best Bike Bells: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Best Bike Bells Buying Guide

1. Type

These ‘noisemakers’ come in various styles, which is worth considering. They mount where you can reach them with ease, and often ring by moving a trigger or pressing a button. Each of them falls under these categories:

  • Classic – These are the oldest and most common types of bike ringers, having the traditional looks that we all know. They make a sound when you move the lever attachment. The alarm is audible, short, and effective at telling others of your presence. These old school design models are for all types of bikes—from adults to toddlers.
  • Modern classic – They are similar to the conventional types but produce noise as the gears move within the cylinder.
  • Horn – Many road users detest the sound of the horn, but they are quick to get the signal. They produce loud noises from compressed air, though you need to inflate the tube regularly. Horns are pretty loud (not to mention about the bullhorn models), making it ideal for use on roads with heavy traffic.
  • Electric bells – As the name implies, they produce electronic resonance once you press a button. They use a battery and would require regular charging and other forms of maintenance.

2. Sound

The louder the bell, the better. It becomes useless if others do not hear it. However, being too loud can cause panic to the passersbys; so, the need to adjust noise by the manner of its operation. The variation allows for a lower pitch with a gentle pull and higher pitch with a forceful yank.

3. Build Material & Color

The material construction will determine the bell’s durability, sound quality, weight, and ease of installation. Most options include aluminum, steel, brass, and plastic. Each of them has its benefits and drawbacks.

For example, plastics are the cheapest but are brittle that make them tough to mount. Looking at aluminum and steel, you would think it makes the loudness sound. The answer is NO. Ideally, they produce a thinner effect though they are strong and durable.

The best material is brass as it is durable, makes clear sound, and easier to install. You will also find copper bells that sound as good. For high end performance and durability, you may go for titanium models but they’ll be quite expensive.

In terms of color, most popular ones are chrome, silver, steel, black, blue, red, pink, white, yellow, green and rainbow.

4. Ease of Installation

It hurts when you cannot mount your new bike’s accessory yourself. As we already said, plastic bells are usually brittle and harder to install. To avoid such issues, opt for the type that easily fit your ride. Most models do not need screws that make them easier to attach or detach for use on another bicycle.

5. Ease of Use

Most bells are more comfortable to use than others, depending on their design, bike type, and mounting position. Of course, you will always prefer one that rings with a single push of a button to those that need extra force to get a sound. Also, it is essential to mount them close to your hands for easy accessibility.

6. Handlebar Size and Diameter

Bicycle handlebars are of different sizes, which is the reason you need to check the manufacturer’s chart before selecting your bell. If you are not sure of your handlebar size, we recommend that you choose one size for all bells.

A few of the most popular bars and diameter include:

Bike Type Handlebar Type Diameter (mm)
Road bikes Drop bars 31.8
Mountain bikes Flat or Riser bars 22.2
Commuter bikes Flat, Mustache, Drop, High rise, Variable
 Kid’s Bike & BMX Bike Flat or Riser bars 22.2

It’s Time to Wrap Up

The choice of a good bell for your bike could be tough, but with a little research you can always get that right.

If you are really looking for the best bike bells, you cannot go wrong with any of the options on this buying guide.

If you want a horn that looks different from the traditional types on the market, you can opt for the Knog Oi model. It is beautiful, lightweight, and available in other sizes. It can fit mountain, BMX, and commuter bikes.

If your interest is in affordability, durability, and loudness, then our BONMIXC model is the right choice for you.

When considering the loudness, always ensure that you check your bike’s handlebar to know if the bell’s fit before buying. We are hopeful that this bike bell review will provide you with everything you need for a safe, adventurous, and comfortable ride.

About the author

James Jordan

As a kid I inherited the love for mountain bikes from my father who used to ride for weeks through the Colorado trail in the city of Denver. He had his gang, and I followed pretty much the same track.

Later on, my interest in biking grew more after joining the Enduro race back in 2013. My buddies and I also participated in the Downhill racing for the third consecutive year, and it’s been an amazing experience.

Leave a Comment