timefly Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 Just curious - why, apparently, does no-one have a bell on their bike?It has long bothered me, then this morning on the bike lane I heard a guy saying "right" behind me. I took that to mean he wanted get past me, but why not just have a bell? and the other thing: most people these days have decent front lights but many have pale blinky christmas light things on the back - when cars come from behind those little lights really do not show up very well. sure, maybe an old school bell might not look cool on a non commuter bike, but there are plenty of slimline small and smart bells to be had.
Cyclewizz Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 A bell will add weight while shouting releases some frustration. Agree with you though that a good rear light is a must.The new LED one's are great, they even rechargeable so one doesn't have to worry about batteries.
timefly Posted November 9, 2017 Author Posted November 9, 2017 well yes, but a bell is about 50g and is more relaxing :-)
Pure Savage Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 I went to buy a bell that fits on my carbon bars and the person at the shop asked for R899. I was like, GTFO. Other bells dont fit the oval carbon bars. Would love one.
Pure Savage Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 But a carbon aero bell..... How does this help?
bikebloke Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 Just curious - why, apparently, does no-one have a bell on their bike? It has long bothered me, then this morning on the bike lane I heard a guy saying "right" behind me. I took that to mean he wanted get past me, but why not just have a bell? and the other thing: most people these days have decent front lights but many have pale blinky christmas light things on the back - when cars come from behind those little lights really do not show up very well. sure, maybe an old school bell might not look cool on a non commuter bike, but there are plenty of slimline small and smart bells to be had.you must be new to this road cycling thing .................
Bateleur1 Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 As Savage said. You don't get a bell for aero bars and also the space on the Road bike bar is limited. I do have one on my MTB and beleive me I use that bell on my commutes, especially in summer. I sometimes think I sound like the Icecream salesman on steroids. On the road bike commutes I just assume people do not know of my presence and slow down and pass them safely and then go again.
timefly Posted November 9, 2017 Author Posted November 9, 2017 Hehe - I just ride my Dutch bike to work and back in normal clothes, ditto the kids to school. I had not considered the oval carbon bar thing, I do have an old steel frame bike with derailleurs and drop bars, that thing has a lovely little brass bell on the stem. In Germany it is quite comical - one gentle little ping and people leap out of your way and look very sheepish
Bateleur1 Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 Hehe - I just ride my Dutch bike to work and back in normal clothes, ditto the kids to school. I had not considered the oval carbon bar thing, I do have an old steel frame bike with derailleurs and drop bars, that thing has a lovely little brass bell on the stem. In Germany it is quite comical - one gentle little ping and people leap out of your way and look very sheepish And normally an appolgy as well.
Ed-Zulu Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 What about instead of shouting "right", shouting Ding Dong, Trieng Treing etc
Flemish Lion Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 In Belgium it is COMPULSORY for every bike to have a bell, reflectors, etc. Police verified / enforced this and visited us at school to educate us... I've told myself often I need to get a bell on my commuter but have been procrastinating this for the last 2-3 years even after having freaked out many a pedestrian and fellow cyclists! They are useful but not very common here
timefly Posted November 9, 2017 Author Posted November 9, 2017 It is compulsory in SA for every bike to have a bell and front and rear reflectors too... when I was at school in Cape Town in the 80s the cops used to wait outside and fine people for missing reflectors and bad brakes etc. They even used to check for licenses!
Pure Savage Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 It is compulsory in SA for every bike to have a bell and front and rear reflectors too... when I was at school in Cape Town in the 80s the cops used to wait outside and fine people for missing reflectors and bad brakes etc. They even used to check for licenses!Wait, was this the 1880's or 1980's? Your username could explain it...
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