*Look away now if you don’t like alliteration or assonance.*
It’s a bike bell bounty, baby! Here are a few ring-a-ding-things that will grab attention in more ways than one. (You were warned.)
You’ve probably heard of a crystal ball before, but what about a Crystal Bell? These little cuties are more practical than magical, but we like them no less for it. Plus they’re made in Japan by Tokyo Bell, the country’s largest bell company.
These classic bells from Denmark’s Sögreni are made to fit most standard handlebars. They’re available in brass, steel, copper or zinc so you can choose a bell to match your style. Word on the street is that the brass bell has the clearest sound.
In the world of high-end bicycle bells Spurcycle is one of the kings. Precision made of premium nickel brass and stainless steel; the bell has a distinct dome shape and comes in a brushed steel or matte black diamond-like coating. It’s beautifully designed, substantial, and was the beginning of the humble bicycle bell being treated as not only a functional accessory, but also a beautiful one. And though the cost may seem a little steep, the reason the bell is so popular is that it backs the belief that not all items should be disposable.
If there’s one thing we’re happy about it’s that bikes have started to become extensions of people’s personalities. Gone are the drab A-to-B vehicles; here are the frames with flair – to which the perfect accompaniment is a steel Beep Bicycle Bell. Hand-painted colourful designs are the norm and with plenty of options to choose from it’s easy to find something unique to you.
We can’t guarantee that this Lucky Cat Horn will bring you good fortune, but this Maneki-neko-inspired accessory will certainly look cute on your handlebars.
Oi eschews the usual dome shape for a sleek, hollow handlebar ‘bracelet’ with a spring loaded striker. In place of the classic – many would say annoying and uptight-sounding – single note of most bike bells, Oi produces a harmonic chord when struck. It’s made from alloy coated in a brushed aluminium, brass or copper plate. There’s an upmarket titanium version too.
Words Georgia Thomas, Eleanor Scott & Kath Dolan
These articles originally appeared in Treadlie Magazine.