Bells, Horns, and WhistlesBy Dennis Coello
If you ride a lot in crowded urban parks or on rail-trails (abandoned railroad tracks converted to trails for human-powered travel), I suggest you add a bell to your handlebar. No one likes getting blasted electronically even by a lower-volumed horn, and chances are good that on rail-trails you'll be passing the same folks when you pedal back to the trailhead. Too many frowns and muttered comments can ruin a perfect day. A few years ago the Mirrycle Corporation (out of Boulder, Colorado; 303-442-3495) began distributing the inexpensive, lightweight, perfectly named, and all-around wonderful "Incredibell." These tiny beauties weigh in at an ounce, can be positioned for thumb or finger engagement, have no moving parts to rattle about, and offer the rider a number of volumes (from surprisingly loud to very gentle) depending upon how far back you pull the striker. Since then a "ring-a-ding" model has appeared, but I've not yet tried it out. I can't imagine how the one I have could possibly be improved. I use it often but trust my lungs alone for times when I'm talking with cars. Performance offers a somewhat similar bell called the "Zefal Ping," and Bike Nashbar has a small CompassBell with you-know-what on top. But neither is as sleek.
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.
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