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After browsing over 100 bells, I narrowed the list to just a few. Then I bought them, tested their noise levels and build quality, and featured them in this roundup of the best bike bells.
I also shot videos of every bell so you can actually hear how they sound!
And the winner? The Pioneeryao bike bell is well-built, produces a loud sound (exceeding 110 dB, the highest overall), has a long noise duration, and is available in multiple colors.
Continue reading to learn about bike bells and how to choose one.
How Did I Choose the Best Bike Bells?
I researched hundreds of bells and narrowed them down to just a few models based on customer reviews. Then I bought them and tested multiple features, such as noise level, noise duration, build quality, etc. Learn more about this bike bell testing procedure.
What Is the Best Bike Bell?
1. Pioneeryao Bell (My Favorite Bike Bell)
The noisiest bike bell in this roundup…
Noisiness 5/5 | Sound Duration 5/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Ease of Installation 3/5 | Design 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.5/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~110.6 dB (highest in my testing)
- Sound duration: 8s
- Weight: 46g
- For handlebar diameter: S: 22 – 26 mm, L: 30 – 36 mm
The Pioneeryao bell is almost completely made out of metal. Thanks to this, it delivers a loud, crisp, and long sound and excellent durability. It’s also the loudest bell in this roundup.
Its installation is a little more complicated due to the metal sheets, but I am sure you will manage it.
If you opt for this bicycle bell, here is a quick installation tip: Loosen the screws a bit. The installation will be much easier. It fits 22-26 mm or 30-36 mm-diameter handlebars.
2. Greallthy Bell
Bike bell for those who appreciate wide color selection…
Noisiness 5/5 | Sound Duration 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Ease of Installation 4/5 | Design 2/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.0/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~107.8 dB
- Sound duration: 7s
- Weight: 63g
- For handlebar diameter: 22.2 – 25.4 mm
The Greallthy bell offers an excellent price-to-value ratio. Its simple design and availability in multiple colors make it easy to match with your bike.
The sound of the bell is loud and clear, and it feels well-made. It’s definitely one of the surprises in my tests. It fits 22.2-25.4 mm-diameter handlebars, so it’s suitable for various bike types.
3. Pro Bike Tool Bell
Easy to install and well-made bicycle bell…
Noisiness 2/5 | Sound Duration 2/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Ease of Installation 5/5 | Design 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.2/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~94.7 dB
- Sound duration: 4s
- Weight: 38g
- For handlebar diameter: 19.2 – 31.8 mm
The Pro Bike Tool bike bell is characteristic of its high-quality construction (it’s made of metals) and easy installation. Thanks to the rubber bands, you can attach it to your handlebars within seconds. And you don’t need any tools! It’s a shame that this bell has a relatively short sound duration and isn’t a little louder.
But it’s still loud enough to notify those around you. It fits 19.2 – 31.8 mm diameter handlebars, and thanks to the rubber bands, it’s also suitable for drop handlebars of road and gravel bikes.
4. Knog Oi Classic Bell
Bike bell with the most beautiful sound and longest sound duration…
Noisiness 1/5 | Sound Duration 5/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Ease of Installation 4/5 | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.4/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~87.5 dB
- Sound duration: 11s
- Weight: 25g
- For handlebar diameter: 22.2 or 31.8 mm
The Knog Oi Classic bike bell looks like a ring. Although it has the lowest peak noisiness, its noise is the most beautiful and pleasant.
It takes very little space and looks sleek, also thanks to the outer ring. Its downside is that the plastic piece and the spring are not too durable. You also have to be careful where you install it. If you tighten it too much, it won’t create a loud enough noise.
Therefore, choose the right size. It’s available in 2 sizes (small and large). The small bell fits 22.2 mm handlebars, and the large 31.8 mm diameter handlebars.
5. Mudder Bell
One of the best budget bike bells on the market…
Noisiness 5/5 | Sound Duration 2/5 | Build Quality 3/5 | Ease of Installation 5/5 | Design 2/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.6/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~106.8 dB
- Sound duration: 2s
- Weight: 24g
- For handlebar diameter: 22 – 35 mm
The Mudder bicycle bell is sold as a 2-pack. Its build quality is relatively low, and it feels cheap. But this is not surprising at this price point. It produces a loud peak noise level exceeding 106 dB. However, the sound lasts only a short time (around 2 seconds).
Additionally, its installation is effortless, thanks to the rubber bands. Its low weight and flexible attachment mechanism make it suitable for road cyclists.
6. Sportout Bell
Bike bell with a beautiful sound…
Noisiness 5/5 | Sound Duration 5/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Ease of Installation 4/5 | Design 2/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.6/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~107 dB
- Sound duration: 9s
- Weight: 40g
- For handlebar diameter: 22.2 – 22.8 mm
The Sportout bike bell is a tiny bell suitable for a narrow-diameter handlebar. It surprised me with its loudness and its long, beautiful sound.
Of course, it comes with a hex wrench, so you can install it even if you don’t have your own tools.
7. Crane Japan Bell
One of the most well-made bells on this list…
Noisiness 5/5 | Sound Duration 5/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Ease of Installation 4/5 | Design 2/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.6/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~108.4 dB
- Sound duration: 8s
- Weight: 56g
- For handlebar diameter: 22.2 – 31.8 mm
This Crane Japan bike bell is one of the best-made on this list. It feels premium, thanks to the materials used. It also won’t let you down in terms of noise and sound duration.
The only thing I dislike is the attachment mechanism, which requires a little patience. But it’s secure and suitable for multiple handlebar diameters and, therefore, bike types.
8. Timber MTB Bell (Best Bike Bell for Mountain Bikers)
Bike bell like no other…
Noisiness 4/5 | Sound Duration 1/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Ease of Installation 4/5 | Design 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.4/5
Main Features
- Noisiness: ~101 dB
- Sound duration: 1s
- Weight: 75g
- For handlebar diameter: 22.2 or 31.8 mm
My list of bells would not be complete without an iconic Timber mountain bike trail bell. It has two modes: ring mode and stealth mode. When in stealth mode, it makes no noise.
But once you switch to the ring mode, it will ring every time you hit a bump. This makes it suitable for trail riding because you won’t have time to ring the bell manually. For this reason, it’s the best mountain bike bell. Remember, it’s not suitable for commuting.
Honorable Mentions
The following bells are worth mentioning and could also be a good choice:
| Bike Bells | Noisiness | Sound Duration | Handlebar Diameter | Buy | Noisiness | Sound Duration | Build Quality | Ease of Installation | Design | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneeryao Classic Bell | 110.6 dB | 8s | S: 22 – 26 mm L: 30 – 36 mm | Check Price | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
| Greallthy Classic Bell | 107.8 dB | 7s | 22.2 – 25.4 mm | Check Price | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4.3 |
| Pro Bike Tool Bell | 94.7 dB | 4s | 19.2 – 31.8 mm | Check Price | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3.2 |
| Knog Classic Bell | 87.5 dB | 11s | 22.2 or 31.8 mm | Check Price | 1 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.4 |
| Mudder Bike Bell | 106.8 dB | 2s | 22 – 35 mm | Check Price | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3.6 |
| Sportout Bell | 107 dB | 9s | 22.2 – 22.8 mm | Check Price | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4.6 |
| Crane Bell | 108.4 dB | 8s | 22.2 – 31.8 mm | Check Price | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4.6 |
| Timber MTB Bell | 101 dB | 1s | 22.2 or 31.8 mm | Check Price | 4 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3.4 |
My Verdict
My favorite bell from this selection is the Pioneeryao bike bell. I like its minimalistic style and build quality (it is made almost completely from metal). And, of course, it is loud enough (the loudest of all bells) to notify others well in advance.
However, the Sportout and Crane bells share first place (based on the scoring criteria). They offer excellent peak loudness and sound duration while maintaining good build quality and ease of installation.
How to Choose a Bike Bell?
Before buying a new bicycle bell, choose one that fits your handlebar diameter. Most bells will fit most handlebars. But it’s not always the case.
So, measure your handlebar diameter (watch the following video on how to do it) or check out the handlebar diameter standards below.
Handlebar Diameter Standards
There are many types of handlebars. Below, you can see the most popular types. These diameters refer to the grip area’s diameter – the area where you attach the bike bell.
- 23.8 mm – Road bikes
- 22.2 mm – BMX, kids, and mountain bikes
- Various diameters – Hybrid, city, commuter, trek, fitness bikes
Sources: sheldonbrown.com, knog.com
Noisiness & Sound Duration
Most bike bells are loud enough to notify others. Unfortunately, many manufacturers don’t state how loud their bells are.
Therefore, you have to rely on independent reviews like this one. The following chart shows the loudness of the best bicycle bells.
Another feature you can consider is the sound duration. The following chart shows approximately how long the bell’s sound lasts.
Ease of Installation
Bells use multiple attachment mechanisms. Here are the most popular ones with their pros and cons.
- A plastic clamp requires a hex wrench (usually included in the packaging). It’s secure but takes more time to install.
- A steel strap is more secure than a plastic clamp, but more difficult to install. It requires a hex wrench to tighten the screw at the top of the bell.
- A rubber band is very easy to install because it doesn’t require any tools, but the mount is not very secure, and the bell can move.
The following chart shows the ease of installation on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the easiest.
Weight and Build Quality
The weight can provide information about the build quality.
Heavier bells are usually made of metal and are of higher quality than plastic bells.
Why Use a Bike Bell? Here Are 3 Reasons…
Here are 3 reasons to buy a bike bell.
1. You Increase Your Own Safety
A bike bell will notify pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists of your presence. In traffic, everyone must be aware of each other. This awareness helps them respect each other and avoid an accident. In the Best Bike Mirrors article, I mentioned the number 857. This is the number of cyclists who died in car accidents in the USA in 2018. Let’s lower this number together.
TIP: Use one of the best bike wheel lights to increase your visibility at night.
2. You Increase the Safety of Others
When you use a bike bell, you don’t just increase your safety but also the safety of others. Imagine a situation where you walk along a bike path and an unseen cyclist approaches from behind. Then they might not leave enough space between you and himself, and you swerve unexpectedly. The cyclist might hit you. This is not a situation you want to experience…
Feel free to read more about bicycle safety. The article includes 20+ safety tips.
3. You Follow Good Manners
Another benefit of using a bell is that you don’t have to yell. Use the bell instead. This way, you follow good manners. We should all respect unwritten rules and etiquette. It’s like saying ‘Hello’ when you enter your local store.
Using a bell is not an insult. It’s a show of mutual respect.
Bicycle Bells FAQ
This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.
