Is it really that uncool to have a bell.......

[Fnaar]

I have a bell on both my mtb (largely used for commuting) and my roadie...
I find pedestrians/horseriders/slower riders () are generally appreciative if you anticipate their need to know you are there, and use it accordingly...

 

[Brahan]

When I'm on my TT bike all I need to do is grab the front brake. It has a carbon rim and the noise that comes off it is unbelievably loud. It actually hurts my ears so I do it a good distance back so as not to frighten them, but if I'm feeling a bit naughty I'll sneek up at speed and SCREEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!! it certainly clears the path. A dog the other day almost swallowed its own head in fear.

 

[BSA]

​

This thread would have been more interesting if each post had the persons age and gender stated as well.

I think you will find it is mainly the males that think bells are “uncool”. Females and more elderly gentlemen are less interested in attracting a mate so being cool doesn't matter!

I have probably a offended most people on this site now but I do post this tongue in cheek.

Anyway I will start

Male, 30, mainly commute .... bells are “uncool” (and ineffective on my commute)

 

[arallsopp]

Male, 35, mainly commute .... bells on both bikes. No use on the journey, but lovely to ding the neighbours as I pass each morning. Nice street this. Get a wave every time.

Always had one aboard. Even before getting married.

 

[Woz!]

Male, 41, mainly commute. I've got one of the 'ping' type bells on my commuter bike and I use it reasonably often because I go down a few bridleways. I find that a few little dings will alert a horse rider that you're around, and once they've seen me I say "Goodmorning/evening" to let the horse know I'm human and not some sort of man/machine monster!

Having see the link posted above, I'm tempted to get one of the retro styled bells though!

 

[jig-sore]

male, 36

yes i do have a bell fitted when i commute and it's got bugger all to do with if it's cool or not.

just last week i had a school girl walk straight out in front of me, busy texting away. if i didn't have the bell, i would of hit her.