Using a "Ding Ding" Bell on Mountain Bike trails.?

Question

I have a small bell mounted on the handlebar of my Intense Uzzi VPX. When riding with my group I am the only one who has a bell and I use it before I pass Hikers, horse riders or other mountain bikers. I give a quick "Ding Ding" a few yards before passing as a courtesy to other trail users. Well, a lot of other mountain bikers I ride with tell me it is not necessary to use a bell, it is annoying and it looks silly on my freeride bike.

On the other hand, when I use my bell when passing hikers and horse riders almost everyone says, "Thank you" or "Hello". What do you other riders think about bells being used on Mountain Bike Trails? I seem to be the only one who has one in my area.

Answer 1

Keep the bell.  I have one on my bike and I use it when I'm too lazy to say, "On your left."  And people don't usually hear that anyway.  A bell carries farther.

Answer 2

keep the bell, show courtesy to other people!

Answer 3

Bells or another noise making device are great to have, If you are on a tear and out of breath a bell comes in handy. While some might not like a bell I've seen other noise makers that are novel there are frogs, dino's and even if you never use them they make great conversation pieces.

Answer 4

Well im a frequent mountain biker. I have a Kona Coiler and im one of those speedy people. And depending of your skill, sometimes you dont have the time to use that "Ding Ding". Usually if there infront of my resting, they are off the side of the trail. But if im passing hoarses then i just usually shout.