1. How do you mount the bike bell?
First, decide where on your handlebar you want to mount the bell. Some people prefer it closer to the grips, some closer to the center stem. If you have frequent need to use your bell, you can mount in directly on your grips, so you always have both hands on the bike and instant shifting between silent and ring mode. You want to make sure that there are no brake or shifter cables touching the bell, as they will mute the sound somewhat.
We recommend that you face the bottom of the bell slightly forward (and away from your knees), in order to avoid possible injury during a crash. This also increases the frequency of the ring.
2. What's the best way to use a TIMBER mountain bike bell?
The DEMO page will give you a good example of a typical usage for our bells. When riding on trails with good visibility, we typically leave TIMBER in silent mode until we are approaching a passing situation. We then flip TIMBER to ring mode until we have successfully passed. When riding a downhill section or in an area with blind corners, we may choose to leave TIMBER in ring mode. The same applies when riding in an area where wildlife such as bears or mountain lions may be present.
3. Should I buy the quick release or bolt-on model?
If you use your bell on most rides, we recommend the bolt-on. It mounts sturdier on the bars, and it's harder to steal. The bolt-on is also preferred if you shift a lot from ring to stealth mode.
If you engage the bell less frequently, or if you like to take the bell off quickly and easily for certain rides (or move the bell from bike to bike) you'd probably prefer the quick release.
Both bells fit all bar sizes including 35mm.
4. Does TIMBER work on road bikes?
The short answer is yes, but read on. TIMBER was designed for mountain biking, so the bumpier the ground, the more it rings. The sound of the bell is so crisp and sweet, it makes hikers shuffle to the sides of the trail like Moses parting the Red Sea. And your TIMBER will definitely ring while riding on the road. (It's great for pedestrian clogged bike paths.) On smooth roads, it tends to ring more when you pedal, and go fairly quiet when you coast. If you need a little extra sound while on the road, you can always give the handlebars a brief shake, or lightly tap the brakes. And definitely mount it at a diagonal. But we don't want to mislead you, it wasn't made for noisy city streets, or urgent signaling situations. A Manhattan cab driver may not notice TIMBER'S ring while he's screaming into his cell phone over the sound of jackhammers. So if you are riding in heavy traffic with lots of distractions, TIMBER will probably not solve all of your signaling issues.
5. What if anything else breaks, or I'm not happy
If anything else breaks on your TIMBER, let us know. We'll either help you fix it or get you a new one. Please see our warranty page for more information.
With every production run, we continue to make improvements, so our bells keep getting better and stronger. If you're just not happy at all, with your bell you can always return it for a full refund.
6. How much do you charge for shipping?
USA: Free Shipping
Canada: $10 per order. (Pay for shipping on the first bell only. All others are free.)
International: $15 per order. (Pay for shipping on the first bell only. All others are free.)
7. Can my NICA team or local trail group get discounted bells, or bells imprinted with our logo?
TIMBER supports trail clubs, teams, and non-profits. Just shoot an email to info@mtbbell.com Let us know about how many you think you might want and we'll get back to you right away with details and pricing. We can sometimes add logos, depending on volume and timing.
8. What is the weight of the bells?
The bells weigh about 90 grams, including the mount.
9. The ringer on the bell sometimes sticks.
Occasionally your clapper become stuck to the silencing mechanism, even after you have lowered the lever. A quick bounce of the bars will normally dislodge it. If it continues, a quick spray of some chain lube to the top interior of the bell should fix it.
10. Will it fit DH handlebars?
Yes, our new Model Yew! bells fit 35mm and all bar sizes.