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Different user groups come together on narrow forest paths and technical trails. Mountain bikers ride downhill at a higher speed, while hikers, joggers or dog owners are travelling at a more leisurely pace, which regularly leads to conflicts when bikers approach from behind and surprise other trail users. Many hikers find the sudden appearance of mountain bikers threatening, especially if there is no warning. A bell can defuse this situation by signalling the approach in good time and giving other users time to step aside.
Zéfal Bike Bell - Info & Price
- Weight: 106 grammes
- Fastening: Screw fastening with adapters for Ø 22.2 to 35 mm
- Material: brass, stainless steel, TPE
- Modes: free ringing, switched off
- Price: 29,95 Euro
Brass bell with 80 metre range
The Trail Bike Bell from Zéfal uses a metal bell made of brass, which produces a clearer and longer-lasting sound than conventional bicycle bells. The bike bell can be heard over a distance of more than 80 metres. This range makes it possible to warn other road users in good time before a critical situation arises. The brass is intended to provide a sound that differs from aggressive signalling tones and is less confrontational - the situation on shared paths is usually tense enough anyway. The bell measures 7.50 x 7.50 x 3.20 cm and weighs 106 g.
Switchable mode for different situations
A small lever on the handlebar clamp controls the function of the bell. In the upper position, the bell rings freely and provides a continuous warning in areas with low visibility, such as tight bends or densely overgrown passages. In the lower position, the lever blocks the bell completely, enabling silent riding. This function should prove particularly useful on climbs, as it allows bikers to concentrate on riding without the constant background noise. It can be operated with one finger without having to take your hand off the handlebars.
Screw fastening for a stable hold
The Bike Bell is attached using a screw connection, which is designed to prevent twisting even on uneven terrain. The adapters supplied enable mounting on straight handlebars and road bike handlebars with a round profile between 22.2 and 35 mm in diameter. This compatibility covers both MTB and gravel handlebars.
The opinion of the editorial team
A bell as a warning signal for other road users is an excellent idea, especially if, like the Bike Bell from Zéfal, it also works without you having to take your hand off the handlebars. Switching between the two modes works easily with one finger. It is best to position the bell directly next to the handlebar grip. Although the sound of the bike bell is pleasant in itself, the continuous ringing can sometimes be quite annoying, especially if you are travelling for a long time on poorly visible paths. What's more, the bell does not absolve us bikers from approaching other road users as slowly as possible and overtaking them carefully.
As nice as the idea of the bell may be, I will continue to favour my own solution: I approach other people at an appropriate speed, warn them with a friendly "Watch out, cyclist" and let hikers pass with a nice "Servus" before I roll on with pleasure - this usually nips conflicts in the bud and ensures relaxed interaction on the trails. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
Stefan Frey
Editor
