Bike bell Black Friday: discounted models

A bell suited to your handlebars

The bell is mandatory on every bike and must be audible from at least 50 metres, according to service-public.gouv.fr. Place it within thumb’s reach without letting go of the brake handle. The tube diameter in this location determines the model: on a flat handlebar, it is usually 22.2 mm at the grips, and 31.8 or 35 mm in the centre. A flexible strap fits several diameters, a ring surrounds the handlebars without protruding, a mini bell fits under the headset cover, and some versions attach to a road handlebar.

The sound, material, and style

Brass produces a long, clear ring, aluminium a shorter sound, and plastic a drier ping. A large bell carries further than a mini bell, which is best kept for quiet roads and bikes where space is limited. For a child, a patterned bell encourages them to signal their arrival; check that they can operate it with ease.

Mirrors: left side

In France, the mirror is fitted on the left side for overtaking. The model at the end of the handlebar replaces the grip cap, while the clamp model tightens onto the handlebars. Adjust it while seated in a riding position to view the road behind rather than your shoulder. Detailed fittings and adjustments are available year-round on the bike mirror and bell page.

Brands of bells and mirrors

Crazy Safety, whose children’s helmets come in animal shapes, is Danish and features the leopard, tiger, shark, dinosaur, or dragon on its bells.

XLC offers various fittings: the DD-R01 ring bell around the handlebars, mini DD-M37 for diameters from 28.6 to 31.8 mm, and DD-M10 attached with a lace.

Knog presents its Oi ring in two finishes: Classic, partly plastic, and Luxe, entirely metal with a brass striker and a vegan leather interior.

Zefal sells its Espion mirrors here, the E100 for the left side and the E80 for the right side, along with a bell.

Crane, manufacturer of Osaka that produces its bells in Japan, mounts a 55 mm brass dome on the Suzu, fits it under the headset cover in Headset version, and adapts the E-NE SBR for road handlebars.

Compare discounts and complete

The same bell often comes in multiple colours and materials, and some references are sets intended for workshops, marked by "x" followed by a number. Before assessing a promotion, check the description: a crossed-out price is comparable for the same material, brass against brass, and individually, never against a set price. To finish off your gear, check the kickstands and mudguards for the Black Friday, gathered in the bike protections. When not on sale, look at the clearance for discontinued colours and the new arrivals for recent bells.

Frequently asked questions

Can an electronic horn replace the bell?

Not in France: the Highway Code requires a bell or a bell that can be heard from 50 metres, and the use of any other sound signal is prohibited.

Where should I mount my bell on the handlebars?

Usually on the left, near the grip, so you can operate it with your thumb while keeping your hand on the brake. On an electric bike, leave space for the assist button.

When can I take advantage of discounts on bells?

During Black Friday, with the Friday after Thanksgiving marking the peak. The Black Friday discounts from Vélo-Store on bells and mirrors extend throughout November.

How can I determine the diameter of my handlebars?

Measure it at the exact point of fitting, using calipers or by dividing its circumference by 3.14. It is thinner near the grips than near the stem.

Is the mirror part of the required equipment?

No rule makes it compulsory for cyclists. However, it is useful for monitoring approaching vehicles before changing lanes, especially in the city and on a loaded bike.