SystemEX Bell with Integral Aheadset Spacer

This System EX bell with integral Aheadset spacer is a convenient, unobtrusive means of carrying a bell. However, courteous greetings are arguably more effective, and weigh and cost nothing.

The bell is made from powder coated aluminium alloy and is available in five pretty colours. Employing a very simple sprung striker, there are no other moving parts to corrode, or break: simply flick it against the dome using thumb, index or forefingers.

The spacer comes in any colour or size you like, so long as it's gloss black, 10mm deep and 1 1/8in diameter. Look closely and you'll notice three neatly machined flanges. Other than hosting the bell, these prevent it orbiting the steerer when refitting stems, or adjusting bearing tension.

I prefer the outright convenience of discrete 'ping' type bells that can nestle against old school bar-end shifters; this arrangement still keeps the striker within easy reach while retaining an uncluttered look.

Nonetheless, two swift rings seemed sufficient to attract the attentions of horse riders and ramblers from approximately 25 metres along quiet bridle/towpaths without driving dogs into a frenzy. That's better than many OEM giveaways, this suggests it would comply with Dutch guidelines. It tempered some anti cyclist sentiments when combined with a polite call-out.

Only the 100+ decibel horn models make any impression on the Queen's highway; the SystemEx's chirpy metallic ring proved almost completely mute, even along lightly trafficked side-streets.

However, there are countries where having a bell fitted is mandatory and while it would be a cruel copper who booked you, £5.99 is markedly cheaper than a fine when touring on the continent.

Verdict

Interesting concept and nicely finished but bells are little more than ornaments on British roads