I'm new to the MTB and pulled my bear bell from my backpacking kit and put it on my bars. The trails I ride have hikers and they hear me coming from far off and prepare to make room for me. Their conversations are not interrupted and they are not startled. It's win win. (Earbuds and the people who wear them are stupid. If they stop wearing earbuds, will they not continue to be stupid?) My MTB enjoyment levels have increased since I started riding with the bear bell so I will leave it on my handlebars.