Bells on bikes to warn hikers of your presence...

[Waldo]

Originally Posted by JustBike

I just yell "corner" when i'm turning on a blind turn

Why not mix it up with a song?
"He'll be comin' round the mountain..."

[genusmtbkr5]

I ride Aliso a lot and when I go up trails like Rock it, I'm fully aware that there are riders going down it. There are a lot of blind spots on Rock it and a couple dings from my bell has warned the opposite traffic that I was climbing.

I also came up on a group of 20 female hikers on Coyote one day and gave them a little ding as I heard them talking through the trees. When I finally came around the corner, they were off the trail, smiled and thanked me for the warning. I greeted them, thanked them as rode SLOWLY by them.

Like most have said, for me it's just a courtesy call to let them know I'm there. Not that I'm about to BOMB past them. I ding my bell, smile and thank them. 99.9% of the time, I'm thanked and greeted with a smile.

[sladnas]

I usually aim directly at them with my legs stickin' out so if they run I still have a chance of nailing 'em.

[Paul000]

That bell that REI sells looks like a good deal... for only about $4 you get a bell with a magnetic cover to make the ringing stop if you're annoyed at times.

Last time i was on the Fully Loop, it seemed i scared more than one jogger... one jogger didn't hear me because he was wearing his iPod... when I finally said hello, he almost jumped out of his skin. hopefully a bell can help avoid this on future rides...

also in Chino Hills state park, there are a few single tracks with blind spots... the bell will definately help in this area fo sure!!

great thread!!! i wouldn't have even considered a bell without this topic.....

[RustyIron]

Originally Posted by Paul000

also in Chino Hills state park, there are a few single tracks with blind spots... the bell will definately help in this area fo sure!!

Hey Paul,
Just got in from doing the North Ridge to Four Corners and back down the canyon. No bell needed today. It just sat there on my bars looking cool.

Rob

[emejay]

I just put a bell on my bike last week and I like it. I don't find it annoying and hikers seem to appreciate the warning. I never heard of a "bear bell" until this post, but I'll go to REI to get one (I've got a cheesy parakeet bell now, need more bell MOJO).

[snowdenn]

I think hikers would much rather have a bell ringing to warn them instead of yelling something from a distance. A bell is much better than nothing at all.

yeah, i had an feisty old lady tell me to get a bell even though i slowed down, she heard me coming, i gave a greeting, and there was plenty of space where i passed her.

[Endo Verendo]

Hikers LOVE bells! I get thanked all the time. They don't need to stop and see where you are, they just move to the side a little. Riding without one seems like a chore. Hikers HATE "on your left" or even "HELLO!" Scares the crap out of them, makes them stop. Been riding with my bell for 5 years now and it feels like standard equipment... like my helmet, gloves and bike shoes. I broke it once and hated riding without it.

Click on the link in my signature to buy a cheap bell and help Corba save our trails.

[Edog]

I just run Avid Rotors with Hayes Calipers & let the squealing announce my arrival

[nomad]

So I Guess An Air Horn Is Out Of The Question

[FoShizzle]

I am always happy to ring the bell after I huck the poor sap. I especially like to use the bell, while backpedalling loudly, to scare the horses in order to expedite their arrival at the glue factory......stupid horses

[mullarks]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

I also came up on a group of 20 female hikers on Coyote one day and gave them a little ding as I heard them talking through the trees. When I finally came around the corner, they were off the trail, smiled and thanked me for the warning. I greeted them, thanked them as rode SLOWLY by them.

Probably the only freaking time you have ever slowed down!

[tbowren]

That link on your sig isn't working.

[FoShizzle]

Originally Posted by mullarks

Probably the only freaking time you have ever slowed down!

mmmmmmmm.......lesbian hiking

[Pain Freak]

Joe, I understand what your saying, but after speaking with a number of hikers on this same issue they almost all have stated that they love the bells. I like to ring it, and then watch what side they choose to stand on, or if they don't want to move that's fine to. I'll ride up close, dismount and walk my bike around them. Most are happy to move to a side and I almost always engage them in some chit-chat and wish them well. Very few have responded negatively. I tried riding with the cow bells and a lot of hikers thanked me but after a while it was driving me nuts.

[nomad]

How Bout An Air Horn Like The General Lee On Dukes Of Hazard