Bicycle Bell 2025: Top 10 Stylish and Loud Picks for Safe Riding

Why Your Bike Needs a Good Bell

Electric cars are silent and people wear noise-canceling headphones everywhere. Being heard on your bike is more important than ever. The bicycle bell has changed from a simple toy to essential safety gear for every rider. Faster e-bikes are everywhere now. A clear and loud signal is a must-have. But you don't have to give up style for safety. We want to help you find a bell that cuts through city noise and looks great on your bike. This guide comes from years of real-world testing to help you find the perfect match.

Quick Picks for Busy Riders

Here are our top choices that balance performance, style, and value:

• Best Overall: Spurcycle Original Bell – Amazing sound quality and built to last forever.
• Best for Style: Knog Oi Luxe – A sleek design that almost disappears on your handlebars.
• Best on a Budget: Van-Top Bike Bell – Surprisingly loud and clear for much less money.

Our Top 10 Bell Picks

After months of riding through dense city avenues, winding suburban bike paths and mountain trails, we’ve gathered not just the loudest or most stylish bells, but those that genuinely enhance the riding experience. These selections for 2025 are chosen for their ability to deliver a clear, attention-grabbing sound, withstand years of use, and add a touch of personality to any handlebar. Each bell here tells its own story—whether it’s the refined chime of hand-polished brass or the sharp clarity of modern engineering.

1. Spurcycle Original Bell

Best For: Serious commuters and road cyclists who want the best.

Sound Profile: With one smooth flick of the lever, a sharp, clear note rings out, pure enough to slice through the hum of traffic yet warm enough to be pleasant to the ear. The tone lingers in the air, carrying far down the street, so you only need to ring once. In busy urban riding, it gives you the confidence that your signal will reach every pedestrian and cyclist ahead.

Pros:

• Amazing, best-in-class sound quality and volume.
• Premium materials (stainless steel and brass) and construction.
• Timeless, simple design that looks great on any high-end bike.

Cons: The highest price on our list.

2. Knog Oi Luxe

Best For: Style-conscious riders and those with crowded handlebars.

Sound Profile: Its elegant wrap-around design hides the bell in plain sight, but the sound it makes is far from invisible. The ping is bright and polite, perfect for shared trails and park paths where you want to be noticed without startling anyone. It’s quick, crisp, and over in a moment—ideal for riders who value subtlety as much as clarity.

Pros:

• Unique and elegant wrap-around design.
• Low profile saves valuable handlebar space.
• Machine-made ringer and brass striker produce quality sound.

Cons:

• Sound doesn't last as long as dome-style bells.
• Setup can be tricky with some brake and shifter levers.

3. Crane E-Ne Bell

Best For: Vintage bike lovers and anyone who appreciates Japanese craftsmanship.

Sound Profile: Handmade in Osaka, this bell sings with a rich, warm chime that feels like it belongs to another era. On quiet streets, the brass dome’s deep tone rolls smoothly through the air, while in traffic, its clarity cuts through the noise with calm authority. It’s a bell that feels as much like a piece of art as a safety tool.

Pros:

• Beautiful, classic look made in Osaka, Japan.
• Strong, all-metal construction.
• Makes a loud, clear sound that carries well.

Cons: Slightly bigger than modern simple designs.

4. Timber Mountain Bike Bell

Best For: Mountain bikers and trail riders.

Sound Profile: Instead of a single chime, this bell gives a steady cowbell-like jingle that moves with the bike. Flip the on/off switch, and it stays quiet while you climb, then sings constantly on descents, letting hikers and other riders know you’re coming long before they see you. On forest trails, the sound blends naturally with the environment while still standing out.

Pros:

• Motion-activated design is perfect for trails.
• On/off switch gives complete control.
• Effectively tells others you're there without constant manual ringing.

Cons: Not ideal for on-demand ringing in city environments.

5. RockBros Electric Bike Horn/Bell

Best For: E-bike commuters and riders in heavy traffic.

Sound Profile: Offers several modes—from a piercing 120dB horn that commands attention in traffic to a softer chime for calmer streets. The horn is powerful enough to make drivers check their mirrors, while the gentler setting works well for bike lanes and paths.

Pros:

• Extremely loud horn function works well for alerting car drivers.
• Multiple sound options for different situations.
• USB rechargeable and easy to install.

Cons:

• The horn sound can be too aggressive for bike paths.
• Adds another device to keep charged.

6. Lezyne Classic Brass Bell

Best For: Road and gravel riders looking for a simple, effective bell.

Sound Profile: A sharp, crisp, and high-pitched ring. The small brass dome and simple striker create a sound that is loud enough for most situations and cuts through background noise well.

Pros:

• High-quality materials and polished brass finish.
• Small and lightweight.
• Simple, reliable design.

Cons: Mounting band may not fit all oversized handlebars.

7. Portland Design Works King of Ding II

Best For: Cruiser ebikes and riders wanting a nostalgic feel.

Sound Profile: The unmistakable double “ding-dong” is warm, loud, and full of personality. It’s a cheerful sound that feels right at home on beach cruisers or relaxed weekend rides, carrying easily through open air.

Pros:

• Classic, fun ding-dong sound.
• Large dome produces significant volume.
• Solid, sturdy construction.

Cons: Very large and takes up significant handlebar space.

8. Van-Top Bike Bell

Best For: Budget-conscious cyclists and outfitting kids' bikes.

Sound Profile: Delivers a surprisingly sharp and clear ping for such an affordable bell. It doesn’t have the sustain of higher-end options, but it’s more than enough for casual rides through the park or neighborhood streets.

Pros:

• Very affordable.
• Loud and clear for the price.
• Easy to install with a simple thumb-flick striker.

Cons:

• Build quality and materials are basic.
• May not last as long.

9. HideMyBell Raceday SL

Best For: Performance road cyclists who value aerodynamics and integration.

Sound Profile: The sound is a short, clear ping—enough for a quick heads-up on a group ride or quiet road. This bell is all about integration, doubling as a cycling computer mount to keep the front of the bike clean and streamlined.

Pros:

• Combines a bell with a computer mount, saving space.
• Clean, aerodynamic look.
• Lightweight and strong construction.

Cons:

• The bell is a secondary feature; sound is not its strongest point.
• Expensive for a bell/mount combo.

10. Trigger Bell

Best For: Riders who prioritize safety and keeping hands on the brakes.

Sound Profile: A crisp, focused ring from a small brass dome, placed so you can use it while braking or shifting. Ideal for crowded streets where split-second reactions matter.

Pros:

• Smart design allows you to ring while braking and shifting.
• Flexible mounting position for any bike type.
• Promotes safer riding habits.

Cons:

• The look is functional rather than beautiful.
• Can feel slightly less natural at first compared to a standard lever.

How to Choose a Bell

Beyond our top picks, use these standards to judge any bicycle bell and find the perfect one for your ride.

Loudness and Sound Type

A bell’s main job is to get attention, and volume plays a big part. Loudness is measured in decibels (dB), but the tone matters just as much. A sharp ping can slice through the roar of city traffic, while a warmer, sustained ring feels friendlier on quiet paths and parks.

For context:

• 90dB – about the same as a lawnmower.
• Most bicycle bells – 80–105dB.
• Electric bike horns – can hit 110–140dB, close to a car horn.

The right volume depends on where you ride. City commuters may prefer a sharper, high-volume tone, while leisure riders might choose a softer, more melodic chime.

Material Matters

The dome material shapes the sound and character of a bicycle bell. Brass is often seen as the gold standard because it produces a warm, rich tone that lingers in the air, giving it both presence and charm. Many riders choose brass for relaxed rides or touring, where a pleasant, sustained note gives plenty of notice to pedestrians and other cyclists.

Aluminum offers a very different personality. It’s light and delivers a bright, high-pitched ping that cuts through traffic noise quickly. This makes it ideal for busy city streets where you need short, sharp alerts. However, the sound fades faster than brass, so it’s less suited for situations where you want a long, clear ring.

Steel is the workhorse material. It’s strong, affordable, and common in budget bells. While it produces a straightforward tone that’s loud enough to be heard, the sound is usually flatter and less musical than brass or aluminum. For riders who prioritize durability and value over tonal quality, steel can still be a smart choice.

Mounting and Handlebar Space

Handlebar space is precious. Consider how a bell will fit with your lights, GPS, and shifters. Where you mount your bell affects both its convenience and your handlebar layout. Standard clamp mounts use a screw-on bracket to hold the bell firmly in place, making them reliable for most types of riding, from smooth city commutes to bumpy gravel roads. They’re simple to install and stay put once adjusted.

Flexible strap mounts, like those on the Knog Oi, offer more versatility. They can adapt to different handlebar shapes and let you fine-tune the bell’s position so it’s always within easy reach. This is especially useful if your bars are already crowded with lights or shifters.

Some bells feature integrated mounts that combine the bell with another component, such as a GPS or light mount. This saves valuable handlebar space and keeps your cockpit neat. For an even cleaner look, certain models use a steerer tube mount, replacing a headset spacer so the bell blends seamlessly into the bike frame—something you’ll see on high-end designs from brands like Crane and Spurcycle.

Always check your handlebar diameter (usually 22.2mm, 25.4mm, or 31.8mm) before buying. How you activate the bell affects its ease of use. A spring-loaded thumb lever is the most common and provides a consistent ring. A simple metal or plastic striker requires a manual flick. It's simpler but can be less comfortable to use.

Believe it or not, bells are often required by law. Laws vary greatly by city, state, and country. For example, New York State law requires a bicycle to be equipped with a bell or other audible device that can be heard from at least 100 feet. Always check your local rules to ensure you're following the law.

Bell vs. Horn Debate

Choosing between a bell and a horn depends entirely on where you ride. The main difference is intent: a bell is a polite "excuse me," while a horn is an urgent "watch out!"

Scenario 1: The Urban Commuter

• Challenge: Moving through a mix of cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
• Recommendation: A loud, clear bell like a Spurcycle is your main tool. For routes with heavy vehicle traffic, a secondary electric bike horn (like the RockBros) provides the power needed to communicate with drivers.

Scenario 2: The Path Rider

• Challenge: Shared-use paths with walkers, children, and pets who can be easily startled.
• Recommendation: A friendly, traditional bell (like a Crane or PDW) is ideal. A loud horn is wrong here and can cause more panic than it prevents.

Scenario 3: The E-Bike Rider

• Challenge: You approach others much faster and more quietly than they expect.
• Recommendation: You need both politeness and power. A dual-tone device or two separate devices (a friendly bell and a loud horn) is the best solution to handle both path and road situations safely.

Scenario 4: The Rural Road Cyclist

• Challenge: Dealing with high-speed vehicles on open roads with long sightlines.
• Recommendation: Here, a loud bike horn is more effective than a bell for alerting a driver from a safe distance.

Using Your Bell Effectively

Owning the best bell is only half the battle. Using it correctly is an art that makes you a courteous member of the cycling community instead of a hazard.

1. Ring Early, Ring Gently. Your goal is to inform, not to startle. Give people enough time to hear you and react calmly, especially if they have children, pets, or shopping bags in hand. A light, friendly ring at a distance often works better than a loud blast at the last second.

2. The "Two-Tap" Rule. For pedestrians who might be wearing headphones or are otherwise distracted, start with a soft tap as an early warning. If they don’t respond, follow with a clearer, firmer ring as you get closer. This gentle escalation helps avoid startling them while still ensuring they know you’re there.

3. Combine with a Voice. Your bell draws attention, but your voice adds context. Pair a ring with a friendly “On your left!” or a quick “Thank you!” as you pass. This not only clarifies your intent but also makes the interaction more human and less abrupt.

4. Understand Your Environment. In busy city streets, a louder, more urgent ring might be necessary to cut through traffic noise. On a quiet park trail, the same tone can feel rude and out of place. Adjust your volume and timing to fit the setting.

5. It's a Signal, Not a Demand. A bell is a request for awareness in a shared space, not a demand for others to jump out of your path. Ride with the assumption that you may still need to slow down or stop, because as top cycling publications often note, the goal is to normalize courteous communication.

Installation and Maintenance

A bell is a simple device, but proper placement and care ensure it works when you need it.

Installation: The most important step is positioning. Mount the bell so your thumb can reach the trigger without taking your hand off the grip or brake lever—this usually means placing it right next to the grip. Many bells include plastic or rubber shims to help match different handlebar sizes, and using the right shim ensures a snug fit that won’t rotate when you ride. Once in place, tighten the mounting screw firmly, but don’t overdo it; too much force can damage the clamp or even mark your handlebars.

Maintenance: A bell works best when it’s clean and properly aligned. Dirt, grime, or moisture inside the dome can dampen the sound, so give it a quick wipe now and then. Check that the striker or hammer lines up perfectly with the dome—if it’s bent or out of place, the tone will lose its clarity. Over time, road vibrations can loosen the mounting screw, so make it a habit to check the bell every few weeks to ensure it’s still secure. A little care goes a long way toward keeping your bell loud and dependable.

🔔 A good bell isn’t just for looks — it’s your voice on the road. Whether you want something sleek or loud enough to cut through city noise, the Leoguar bicycle bell is built to keep you safe while adding style to your ride. Ring it once, and everyone knows you’re coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How loud should my bicycle bell be?
A: Most bicycle bells range from 80-105 decibels, which is loud enough for most situations. For city riding with heavy traffic, aim for bells closer to 100dB. For quiet bike paths, 80-90dB is usually sufficient and less likely to startle pedestrians.

2. Q: Are bicycle bells required by law?
A: Yes, in many places. Laws vary by location, but many cities and states require bicycles to have an audible warning device. New York State, for example, requires a bell that can be heard from at least 100 feet away. Check your local regulations to ensure compliance.

3. Q: What's the difference between a bike bell and a bike horn?
A: Bells produce a traditional ringing sound and are considered more polite for shared spaces like bike paths. Horns are much louder (often 110-140dB) and are better for alerting car drivers in traffic. Many cyclists use both depending on their riding environment.

4. Q: How do I install a bicycle bell on my handlebars?
A: Most bells use a simple clamp system. Position the bell within easy thumb reach, use the appropriate shim for your handlebar diameter, and tighten the mounting screw securely without over-tightening. Make sure the striker aligns properly with the dome for optimal sound.

5. Q: Why does my bicycle bell sound muffled or quiet?
A: Common causes include dirt or water inside the dome, misaligned striker, loose mounting that dampens vibration, or worn-out components. Clean the bell regularly, check that the striker hits the dome properly, and ensure the mounting is tight but not over-tightened.