You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Prompted by seeing the merch advert from ST on Facebook, thought I'd stick it up here too.
In short - if you ever ride trails shared by other users (walkers, families, ramblers, horse riders etc etc), this particular style of bell is as indispensable as a dropper post at making your ride more fun.
Bought this recently off of here, as my other wee thumb bell mount was knackered.
A normal bell 'TING', or indeed a rapidly back-pedalled hope free hub, can make people jump out of their shoes and be perceived as a little aggressive. And yes, when I'm walking this can have the same effect on me. Yes, it works, but its not particularly pleasant.
However, this wee Timber Bell ding-a-ling-ing down the trail (e.g. you can turn it on if its a blind bit of Singletrack, or maybe some. distance out as you see a busy bit of bridleway) produces nothing but happy smiles and generous responses.
Really, it's remarkable. It was my riding buddies following me who highlighted it, as they were the ones seeing the reactions more than me at the front. Now I pay a little more attention and they are right. Smiles, courtesy, happiness - even from the most miserable of buggers.
Game changer! (not really joking about that)
I've had one for a while and it's really nice but if path is too smooth you have to give the bars a wiggle to make a noise.
Yeah, got mine on my gravel bike - the only thing it could do with to make it perfect would be a way to manually ring it, for when you're on a smooth bit of trail - shaking the bars from side to side works to a degree.
Yep i total aggree does seem to get the walkers engaging in a much polite exchange of words.
Love mine! Agree on how people react to it: it's just a jolly noise you're making, not directed at anyone, (even if it is!)
And it is a rather jolly sound, sometimes I turn mine on for a descent, just for a little musical accompaniment.
this wee Timber Bell ding-a-ling-ing down the trail
I'm sure we'd all like to play with it
We have a lot of cheeky trails here, with some really nice nadgery downhill tracks that cross walking paths, brilliant bells.
Have one on my bike on my turbo trainer, goes like a bastard when I (try) to sprint, which I find encouraging 🙂
Will it not ting on a smooth road then? Not that the roads here are particularly smooth.
@avedave2 😂
@Watty - not really, there does need to be some bumps or wiggles, other wise the wee clapper just sits there without hitting bell.
I'm perfecting the tiny handlebar wiggle on smooth bits of trail 🙂
Yeah the ding-a-ling needs some vibration to get the clapper hitting the bell, to get it going.
Does anyone know if you can adjust the tension on the bell?
Mine still rings occasionally when fully locked out. And it's constant when not locked.
It would drive me insane ( I need all my bikes to run sliently)and I find a ting ting bell works just fine. The key is to ping the bell when a good distance behind the walkers and then add a polite "thanks" as you pass them.
I regularly get thanked by walkers
It would drive me insane ( I need all my bikes to run sliently)
There is the silencer on it. I find it quieter in comparison to my old bells (couple of basic cateye ones) both of which died after being bounced around offroad ringing wildly before breaking.
Do have to do some random fork bouncing to it working on the smooth paths but on anything more interesting it is good.
You can make it ring on smoother tracks by changing the angle of the bell on the handlebar. If it is at more of an angle, then it is nearer one side, so makes contact more easily.
I find people take offence to a manual bell ringing if.
a. You've left it waaaaaay to late
b. You don't slow down while passing.
I.e its the bell plus attitude
Obviously there are the exceptions to thus rule but the bell is irrelevant its just knobs not liking bikes.
However i love a little tinkle do i might get one.
Also the ne offends me clearly it should be timbre
everyone loves a ding-a-ling 🙂
I now have a Spur Cycle bell on ALL of my bikes; they're remarkably useful.
tjagain...its not annoying, you just flick the lever whilst coming up on walkers and it gentle jingles away so there's no sudden moment they realise you are there. As a plus it keeps in jingling as you pass so it gets a very positive reaction as they don't feel like you've pinged your bell at them. As you ride off you silence it.
On smoother paths, you can leave it turned on and just give the bars a tiny shimmy each time you approach walkers.
However...the lever on mine is less positive now so it often switches itself on which is annoying. And if you are doing a quick offroad descent, its a bit weird hooning down the hill whilst your bell constantly rings a warning to the walkers that are 20 metres off to one side and no where near you!
It doesn't really look like you can adjust it, anyone tried?
I’ve been using the Alpenhupe, which is like the Timber in principle but cheaper, and I’ve not found that I need to “encourage” it to ring on smooth roads. Switching it on and off is a less precise affair than the Timber but once you’ve got the knack it’s just fine.
These bells work great when approaching horses from behind. They’re especially useful at the moment when the rural roads round here are full of people riding horses, cycling or running.
The Alpehupe also comes in a neat fresian paint job 🙂
Ok, I've cracked and ordered a Timber! for canal towpath use - all in a good cause etc. Hopefully it will prevent the surprised jumping into my path that I get from a ting-ting bell. In a perfect world it would also make groups of people stand on one side of the path rather than both sides with a less-than-handlebar width gap but I'm not holding my breath for that.
I'd echo all the positive comments here, I really like mine. After trying most alternative solutions, I'd given up on them all in favour of old man whistling - similar effect and perception to the Timber bell, but a bit harder to do when you're blowing out o' yer arse...
However…the lever on mine is less positive now so it often switches itself on which is annoying. And if you are doing a quick offroad descent, its a bit weird hooning down the hill whilst your bell constantly rings a warning to the walkers that are 20 metres off to one side and no where near you!
It doesn’t really look like you can adjust it, anyone tried?
Same here - I gave it a good clean and it's a bit better at staying turned off, but not as good as when it was new...
If someone has come up with a solution I'd be interested n hearing about it.
Si
Ok, I’ve cracked and ordered a Timber! for canal towpath use – all in a good cause etc. Hopefully it will prevent the surprised jumping into my path that I get from a ting-ting bell. In a perfect world it would also make groups of people stand on one side of the path rather than both sides with a less-than-handlebar width gap but I’m not holding my breath for that.
I think even Moses had that problem, so don't hold your breath...
Quite a few YouTube videos showing these being ridden. They seem to be really effective.
But yeah people still stand both sides of the path/trail 🙄
However…the lever on mine is less positive now so it often switches itself on which is annoying. And if you are doing a quick offroad descent, its a bit weird hooning down the hill whilst your bell constantly rings a warning to the walkers that are 20 metres off to one side and no where near you!
It doesn’t really look like you can adjust it, anyone tried?
I was able to prise off the top cover on an older one and put a dab of superglue where the little plastic knobble on the switch was. It'd worn down so didn't connect with the little teeth to stop it self actuating.
Timbr bells on both our bikes. One of the best upgrades I've done.
Every bike I've had with a Timber bell has been stolen. Which is annoying, because it's a really useful bell and much less aggressive than a standard 'ting' bell which often gives you all the sarcastic comments from pedestrians/other trail users you could require.
Big fan of the thing, have three of them. The early ones had a mechanism that wore and meant the lock-out switch started to slip - as above. I opened up the case and used the end of a zip-tie to increase friction. Works fine. The later versions, according to the manufacturer, have this fixed.
The only other issue I have in the Peak is that grit accumulates on the inside of the bell and muffles the sound when conditions are damp and you're off-road. I've perfected the art of rotating it 180˚ and rinsing the inside with water from my hydration system while still riding along.
I also have a 'ping' bell fitted for the benefit of the hard of hearing / folk with ear buds rammed into their lug-holes 🙂
Read thread, ordered bell 🤑🔔
I broke the casting between the bell and the plastic handlebar end. I guess I could send it back as the manufacturer say they will repair......Or I much just buy another.
Very useful on shared paths!
Agreed, it's really very good. Just gets on with it's job without making a fuss. Would be good if it had a separate dinger, I know you can wobble the bars but you then need to unlock it first. I just use a normal bell in combination
Agreed, it’s really very good. Just gets on with it’s job without making a fuss. Would be good if it had a separate dinger, I know you can wobble the bars but you then need to unlock it first. I just use a normal bell in combination
The double dinger*. You're welcome, Timber.
*Or the double dong ding-a-ling?
Or maybe the 'More wood? Timber! Bell'.
Me with Bell
Ped: why do all cyclists insist on having a bell, it's really annoying and makes me jump, what's wrong with just saying hello?
Me without a bell
Ped: I didn't hear you when you just said hello like that, why don't you have a bell?
On all my bikes- ace.
Love it
But on the bikes that don't have it I just say 'ding ding' as I come up behind people. Nearly always raises a smile
I'm considering one of these but I don't know which mount to go for.
Does the bolt on version open up fully so you can get it on and off without pissing around with grips and brakes etc?
Or, if not, does the band version stick well enough to the bars to be easily operable without slipping?
Ta!
I got the bolt on version, it opens up enough to go over the bars without taking everything off.
Just make sure that the o-ring is seated correctly if using the QR one as it can ping off and you don't notice the bell has disappeared until you need it.
Great bells but as with all others has no effect on the people who would rather be in the countryside and block out the sounds of nature by wearing earphones
Bolt on version it is, then!
I'm thinking this will come in useful on quite a lot of the trails I ride from good bit to good bit.
You won't beat the "Alexander Graham bell" from Charlie on here,big brass thing, doubles as a headset spacer.
Best ting ever!
I should have done this at the beginning, but just in case you can't find it, I'll leave this here:
https://singletrackmag.com/shop/timber-bell/
^^ If I order from that link will ST get a kick back mate?
You've convinced me to get one op!👍
STW sell them in their own shop so just get one from them.
Ah, great, I'll go get one from there. Cheers!
Bolt on or the rubber band version guys?
Anything I need to know? It'll only be fitted to one bike, not moved around.
Bought from the STW shop. My birthday shopping......started.
Just ordered the bolt on from ST. 😀
I got the band on one. I recommend that you don't. It slipped unless I wrapped some tape round the bar. Still slips a bit, but it's OK. Otherwise echo what everyone else says, but the slipping is a bit disappointing for the money.
Jeez, is this how busy the trails are darn sarf, you need a constant bell? 🤔🤣
Jeez, is this how busy the trails are darn sarf, you need a constant bell?
On Saturday I rode one of my local trails where the only people I've ever seen on it was a couple where she was having a wee while he took pictures.
I had to stop for about 30 people coming the other way and 2 leisure cyclists and a girl with big earphones in front of me.
It's bloody mental out there at the moment . Everyone and their 5 dogs with their sullen kids are out for a walk.
she was having a wee while he took pictures
Not sure which way to interpret that statement 🙂
Not sure which way to interpret that statement
Yes you are.
It’s bloody mental out there at the moment . Everyone and their 5 dogs with their sullen kids are out for a walk.
Agreed. To hell with all the wholesome hand wringing "oh but isn't it lovely to see so many people realise the Joy's of the outdoors".
No it bloody isn't. The sooner the Johnny Come Latelys bugger off back to the pub/telly/whatever the better.
@dannyh - I've noticed that when the weather's been worse there are less people out and about. So either go out when the weather is rubbish or I've found going out early or late means it's quieter. Went out for a run at 6:30 this morning and there was no bugger around. Doing the same route from 11am - 6pm and it's mega busy.
It’s bloody mental out there at the moment . Everyone and their 5 dogs with their sullen kids are out for a walk.
Aye, and not only that, it's beginning to get all a bit "Get of my (bit) of land" I've seen more signs pop up on trails in the last few weeks than I have seen in perhaps that last 10 years. Folk are getting angry and resentful. and the trail network is getting busier and busier, and being used by folk who normally wouldn't be seen anywhere near them, have no idea about ROW or controlling their animals, and TBH riding just too damned fast inappropriately.
Stay safe folks.
she was having a wee while he took pictures
Not sure which way to interpret that statement 🙂
Let’s just say he wasn’t taking pictures of the countryside !
You've convinced me, bolt-on Timber Bell ordered 🙂
I find people take offence to a manual bell ringing if.
a. You’ve left it waaaaaay to late
b. You don’t slow down while passing.I.e its the bell plus attitude
This. Also, as someone who walks a lot (and sometimes as a carer with a vulnerable individual who would fare very poorly/life-altering fashion in a collision with a bike/rider) I will add that people not using bells on shared paths is a major gripe. Because (anecdotally, IME) the ratio of those who do vs don’t use a bell (of any type) at any time are so skewed that when I hear one it’s a genuine surprise that someone could be arsed/considerate.
We were biking some trails north of LA last year and there was a box of these bells at one trail with a sign to please take a bell and use it on these trails. The local residents had arranged these apparently.
Like others have said I've always taken the view that ringing a bell is akin to honking your horn in your car. So for the 2 miles that I go alongside the canal on my commute I've always just said morning, afternoon etc. to let people know that I'm there.
I've only had one idiot that blatantly ignored me and when I asked him if he could hear me he started ranting about a bell and how it was a legal requirement. That was a fun discussion and clear evidence that you can't beat stupid. Rode off in the end saying ding ding and wishing him a lovely day 🙂
But yeah since lockdown lots of my local riding now takes place on shared paths so I've decided to invest in a Timber Bell. Anyone know how long it normally takes to get stuff delivered from the STW shop? Can't believe I'm excited about a bell.
My delivery from STW was pretty quick - I think 3 days but might have been over a w/e.
My mini review;
- Doesn't ding on smooth surface. Hard to do the handle bar jiggle as am using it on a bike with a child sat in front of me. Will try angling it as suggest on this thread.
- I got the band on version. Comes with two sized o-rings. Using the smallest one it is sort of suitable for the 'fat' part of the bars near the stem but still rotates when you try and flip the switch. Is way too loose to position the bell on the thinner bit of the bars near the grip (though the radius of the band suggests it is meant to be positioned on the thinner part of the bars). Am I missing something? The larger o-ring must be far too big for even 35 mm bars, suggests I am missing something as does see pointless.
- The switch is very stiff. Combined with the loose fit is is a real faff to switch the switch as the thing just tries to rotate.
Somewhat underwhelmed to be honest.
nickc
Subscriber
Me with BellPed: why do all cyclists insist on having a bell, it’s really annoying and makes me jump, what’s wrong with just saying hello?
Me without a bell
Ped:I didn’t hear you when you just said hello like that, why don’t you have a bell?
Me with timber bell
Ped:I didn’t hear you when you just said hello like that, why don’t you have a bell?
Me: I do, [ting-a-ling], I've been ringing it [at you]
ped: oh is that what that was? It doesn't sound like a bike bell, you need a proper bell.
me: uh huh, [take your headphones out, and where is the dog you're carrying the lead for but is no where to be seen?] good afternoon!
Jeez, is this how busy the trails are darn sarf, you need a constant bell? 🤔🤣
It's brilliant for stuff that has blind downhill bends - Hayfield campsite descent for example. It doesn't give you carte blanche to go steaming into the blind right-hander like an idiot, but at sensible speeds it means walkers aren't quite as likely to stampede when you do appear at a reasonable, stoppable speed.
I avoided the band-on bell because I wasn't convinced it would grip the bar well enough to be able to switch it on and off without it slipping
Proper bolt on version is ace, no slippage. Thankfully haven't used mine in a while but all my riding is at night in the dark so most folks are at home and I have the outdoors all to myself 🙂
I love my Timber Bells! Both Christmas presents! 😊😊😊
Damn, I ordered the band-on version, I'll have to see how it goes. Wanted it so I can swap it between MTB and road bike.
Band on timber bell user here - no problems with slippage.
Am very impressed with its positive effect on the pinballing walkers that have filled the woods during lockdown.
Much less aggressive than a normal bell or shouting, people seem to respond well to it. I think they think I have it on all the time because I set it going when I see them in the distance and they approve of cyclists constantly ringing a bell like lepers.
Band on timber bell user here – no problems with slippage.
The security of strapped on things depend on bar material IME. After long experience with those flimsy Garmin rubber band mounts, I can confirm that what works on say anodised alu does not work on resin coated carbon!
Charlie from the merch shop here.
Band on or bolt on: if you have a lot of bikes and don’t want to buy a lot of bells. Go for the band on.
I am restocking the merch shop tomorrow so we don’t run out.
If you think a bell ain’t cool on a bike... check this out. I take one out with me when I’m running/jogging/crashing around like a sack of poo. It makes me look like a turbo dick... but it works just as well as it does on a bike.
Charlie, we need some video evidence of you running whilst dingalinging at the same time!😁
As someone had already said, I'm also excited to get this thing!
Lock down has odd effects on riders I think.😋
I’m not making my bike sound stupid to accommodate the 10% of dog walkers that don’t want to share the trails. The grumpy ones will be grumpy whatever yo do.
Well I received mine this morning. Just fitted it between conference calls. I'd ordered the band-on bell, but I've received the bolt-up bell. So popped it on the MTB to see how it goes. So far so good. It would be better if I had a single clamp for brakes/shifter or brakes/dropper lever as it's a bit too far inboard. I'll take it out for a run later this afternoon and see how it goes.
Mine just arrived.
If you order a band on one and have 35mm bars remove the foamy bit and use the shorter band and it seems to fit pretty well.
Re mounting I use the largest supplied band and mount it round my stem spacers. Sits nice and tight, faces forward for maximum effect, easy to flick on and off, keeps it out of the way and gives it a bit of angle for the clapper as mentioned above.
Rode with mine for 1st time today. Seems to get attention well - riverside was busy but everyone heard plenty of time and moved. Definitely seemed better received than previous manual one.
Noticed that how tight I had bars held/ pressure on them affected the action of it. Mainly on smooth path and if lightly held bars it rang well enough to be effective but if gripped/ weighted bars more less ringing. Not sure if anyone else said/ noticed this.
Mine arrived today (yesterday now) cheers guys!
Looking forward to trying it as soon as the bike is back together.
Noticed that how tight I had bars held/ pressure on them affected the action of it. Mainly on smooth path and if lightly held bars it rang well enough to be effective but if gripped/ weighted bars more less ringing.
It’ll have the secondary benefit of reminding me to loosen the death grip on the bars then 😄
Mine arrived yesterday, not had time to fit it yet.
First ride out with the Timber Bell this morning.
Big win = horses. A bridleway I ride goes straight through the middle of horse paddocks. I usually ride mega slow because some of the horses are pretty oblivious until you are level with them and then they freak. Today they were all stood up already looking my way with a "who the **** is that look". No spooking.
Probably 75% of the foot sloggers were ok with it and appreciated the advanced warning.
The other 25% had the same sour look they would probably have had on their faces anyway. No actively negative feedback.
Overall I think it is going to be a good purchase, but time will tell, I guess.
In terms of actually working and 'feel' it seems like a quality item.
Mine does seem to freak sheep out, I think they prefer you to just roll past silently.
Got mine on now. Can confirm that the band on version isn't grippy on renthal alloy bars! Doesn't really bother me though, the ability to swap between bikes is more important and it stays in place when riding along, just need to grab the whole thing when clicking the switch, not a problem.
It definitely attracts attention, although I felt like I got some looks as though people were thinking "alright, you only need to ding once!"
I like it, the paths round me are so busy at the moment that it's ideal for making sure my daughter doesn't just ride into unsuspecting people!!