The TIMBER bicycle bell features a simple multi-setting lever that allows the bell to be entirely on when open, quieter in the middle position and then silent when set to off. Instead of a continual cowbell or bear bell design that never goes off, or a traditional on-demand chime bell, you can turn the TIMBER on or off, so it’s loud when you need it and quiet when you don’t, which makes for an incredibly functional entity.
It comes in two models, the original Quick-Release and the newer Bolt-On, both of which retail for $19.99.
For further information refer to mtbbell.com.
TIMBER Quick-Release
I tested the original Quick-Release model of the TIMBER mountain bike bell. It comes with two separate o-rings to fit all handlebar sizes, so it’s easily swappable between different bikes, and you can get spare o-rngs when they stretch out, lose or break one.
How Does It Work?
The lever actuates a cable that is attached to a solid brass bell which offers has a crisp, clean sound. Moving the lever downwards lets the ball hang loosely down so it can freely clang away against the sides while moving the lever up tucks the ball tightly into its top receptacle for a silent mode.
When the lever is in the open and middle positions the motion of the bike activates the sound, and the volume and frequency increases when riding rougher trails. Sometimes when riding on smooth and calmer trails it might not make enough noise, but a simple wiggle of the bars will make your presence known. The active functionality of the TIMBER helps communicate to others users a “Just a friendly reminder that I am here.” Of course, it will likely not work for those users that have earbuds jammed in their ears that are playing at loud volumes, but those are a problematic group.
Installation
Depending on your requirements and personal desire, you can install it next to the stem or over next to the grips for instant sound shifting, and either location is within an easy reach of your hands. It will fit 22mm to 35mm handlebar diameters to cover the gamut of modern mountain bikes styles.
Why Use A Bell?
Having a bike bell of any sort is a paramount piece of equipment as it informs other trail users of your presence with a perceptible communication (ding ding), and it’s especially crucial with issues surrounding advocacy, preserving trail access and trail group clashes. Utilizing a bell makes an encounter with other riders, hikers, horses, and wildlife including bears and mountain lions a much more pleasant, friendly and helpful endeavor so that everyone can enjoy their own outdoor experience and not feel like they’re being run over. There are multiple methods of alerting and warning others users while biking, such as bear bells, shouting out your presence and using a traditional on-demand bike bell, but the TIMBER combines the best of all the bell designs with the ability to turn the bell off when it’s not needed.
The TIMBER is a highly functional bicycle bell that was specifically designed for mountain bikers. During my extended test period, it has been durable and useful, and I have enjoyed the ability to switch it on and off at my discretion, and it’s obviously a great way to warn trails users of my presence.
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