Match the bike bell to your style and budget.
The Backcountry Wilderness Area trails welcomes users of all kinds, all year long. In the busiest hours, days, and season—hikers, runners, birders, and bikers all must figure out how to use the trails in harmony. One of the easiest, cheapest, and more respectful ways for bikers to let the on-foot recreationalists know that they are near is to add a tiny accessory to their bike: a bell.
Whitney Tabaian, the manager at Elevation Cycles in Highlands Ranch—a Backcountry Backer corporate sponsor, gave us her top three picks for bells that will improve the trail experience for riders and other users alike.
The Lightswitch: Timber! Bell
Does it always seem too late to ring your bell when another trail user is just feet ahead of you? The Timber! Bell has a handy on and off switch. Riders can turn on the Timber Bell, and it stays on and sounds like an ice cream truck! This bell is perfect for high-use areas with blind corners to keep riders and other trail users safe. It allows you to keep your hands on the handlebars while still making noise. And when you're just slowly cruising or climbing, turn it off and enjoy the sounds of nature. The Timber! Bell is available at Elevation Cycles. Cost $25
The Minimalist: Knog Oi Luxe Bell This bell is the trifecta: looks good, sounds good, feels good. Knog markets the Oi Luxe Bell as "looks sexy & sounds like an angel playing a glockenspiel." This low-profile ringer and dinger combo is available for both mountain and road bikes. It attaches to the bike with a "vegan" leather shim and stainless steel. Available in black, silver, and brass. Get it here! Cost $39.99
The Budget Bell: Mirrycle Original Incredibell
Enter the get-the-job-done bell. Don't let the size of the Mirrycle Original Incredibell trick you. This bell is LOUD. The ring is adjustable and can attach to any part of your handlebars. Available in black, silver, & brass. Get it here! Cost: $10.99-$12
Lindsey McKissick is the Outreach Coordinator for the Backcountry Wilderness Area. She is Colorado-born, Chicago raised, and Wyoming educated. For Lindsey, there is nothing better than waking up in a warm tent on the side of a remote river with coffee preferably made by someone else. You'll find Lindsey on river rafting/SUPing, mountain biking, or camping with her husband and two pint-size, adventure-seeking daughters.