Do you have a bell on your road bike?
09-10-09, 12:12 PM
#76
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Bells on bikes are like horns on cars. If you have time to ring it, you would be better served to simply slow down and avoid the problem.
As for using it to pass on the MUP, as a runner that sees this all the time, it is very annoying. Most runners see the person on a bike ringing a bell behind them as a clueless demand for us to get out of their way. A simple "passing left" is much more polite and will normally get a better response from anyone but the space case walkers. Those people are unpredictable regardless, which goes back to just slow down and pass them carefully.
As for using it to pass on the MUP, as a runner that sees this all the time, it is very annoying. Most runners see the person on a bike ringing a bell behind them as a clueless demand for us to get out of their way. A simple "passing left" is much more polite and will normally get a better response from anyone but the space case walkers. Those people are unpredictable regardless, which goes back to just slow down and pass them carefully.
However, on the MUP here, at least 50% of people who hear "on your left" turn to look and walk right into your lane. I have had several people tell me that they prefer the soft ring of a bell to having people "yell" at them, which they consider rude.
09-10-09, 12:51 PM
#77
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[QUOTE=kle;9649637]Whenever I get my bike back from the shop I'll take a picture of it (I can't believe that I don't have a good picture of it already...). It's a Mirrycle Incredibell. Basically, the strap closes around the bartape...squishes it, really. PITA to get on there, for sure.
OK! Looks like I can use my bell like that; just use an extra rubber strap...
OK! Looks like I can use my bell like that; just use an extra rubber strap...
09-10-09, 02:32 PM
#80
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
https://mirrycle.com/adjustabell.php
They also have the "Triple", which has shims to fit different sizes of bars:
https://mirrycle.com/triple.php
If you have Shimano road shifters, you can probably use their road bell ( https://mirrycle.com/road_bell.php ), although it's only immediately accessible from the hoods. That's what I've got, but I like where kle put his bell, too -- accessible for dinging, but stays away from where you'd actually grip the bar.
09-10-09, 02:52 PM
#81
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Heh heh.
You know, I really like the Incredibell. I have bells on my errand bike and my cruiser; it's just really practical to have one if you're in a crowded area. Although I have rung it and yelled, "ON YOUR LEFT" and people don't move. That's when I use the "People's Elbow" on their "Rooty Poo Candy Asses". Just ask the elderly Chinese lady. That's right. She got served a cold serving of broke down pie.
You know, I really like the Incredibell. I have bells on my errand bike and my cruiser; it's just really practical to have one if you're in a crowded area. Although I have rung it and yelled, "ON YOUR LEFT" and people don't move. That's when I use the "People's Elbow" on their "Rooty Poo Candy Asses". Just ask the elderly Chinese lady. That's right. She got served a cold serving of broke down pie.
09-11-09, 10:26 AM
#82
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Funny - how a bell can make your day - your ride, I mean. kle thnx.
09-11-09, 07:51 PM
#85
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I appreciate the warning bells on the trails, and it's more friendly-sounding than some of the "on your left" screams.
09-11-09, 08:10 PM
#87
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Anybody ever consider a greeting as you approach people? They turn around to look at you, move away from the side you are on, and everybody's happy. 
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09-11-09, 08:15 PM
#88
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I've used the bell on my mountain bike many times to warn pedestrians that I'm coming up on them. Never seen a negative response. A smile and "thank you" as I pass helps.
09-11-09, 08:22 PM
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Get a Powertap or a Chris King hub.
They're so loud, you just coast for a minute and people will get out of the way.
They're so loud, you just coast for a minute and people will get out of the way.
09-11-09, 08:30 PM
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Mine is silent, more or less. Just an OEM formula hub. I love the silent ones. That's how I like my bike. If I pedal back it makes it kind of louder.. Well, people will hear it if they are listening for one. Otherwise shifting will usually do it.
09-13-09, 06:10 AM
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I have a few bikes, some with bells, others without and I've found that bells are generally not that useful on my commute. on the path, I don't pass someone unless I can take the entire oncoming lane, so there's no need to ring. On the street, a bell can't be heard by car drivers so I whistle or yell "HEY!!" instead. works perfectly. sadly, there is a law where I am (Ottawa) that mandates that you must have a bell to ride on the paths...I guess that they just haven't heard how loud I can yell!
Allan
Allan
