The Knog Oi Prima Bike Bell is a long-overdue revamp of the near-instant classic and much-copied Oi bell. With its low-profile looks and hinged clamp, it fits quickly and snugly to most bikes, and releases a clear sound when required.
> Buy now: Knog Oi Prima Bike Bell for £19.99 from Bikeinn
We reviewed and liked the original Oi bell back in 2017, citing its then-unique curved shape as a great design that fitted most bikes while looking not like a bell at all.
I’ve had one on each of our bikes for the last seven or so years, and in all that time they have all worked flawlessly. I was therefore very intrigued to understand how the new Oi Prima would up the game.
The Oi Prima comes in two sizes to suit 22.2mm or smaller and 23.8-31.8mm bars. So logically, near the grip on a flat bar and near the stem on a drop bar. This does leave 35mm drop bars out of the picture, but they aren’t that common.
In the cardboard packaging you get two thicknesses of rubber spacer, plus a hex key for the screw. Unlike the Classic Oi, which you had to bend open to install, the Prima has a hinged gate, which makes fitting easier and less likely to damage the bell. There’s plenty of space to accommodate cables under the mount too.
Made from quality materials, the Prima feels – er – premium. You get a choice of two colours – black and grey (more silver, really).
The striker is a step up from the classic Oi, and delivers a real thwack to the bell; ringing the two side by side there’s a noticeable difference. Knog claims the Prima is good for 80dB of ring; I found it plenty loud enough and able to alert people well back and in time. Of course, if they are wearing headphones all bets are off.
I battered about some pretty rough tracks and didn’t notice any false rings, which was an issue with the Classic to begin with.
The £28 Prima sits in the middle of Knog’s bell range – between the Classic (£20) and the brass, faux leather and all-metal construction of the Oi Luxe (£35). The decider between the Prima and the Luxe won’t be £7, it’ll likely be the look you’re going for. The black coating of the Prima striker is much more understated than the stainless steel of the Luxe.
Overall, the Prima is a solid, clear-sounding bell that balances premium looks, materials and functionality with not being overly expensive. Highly recommended.
> Buy now: Knog Oi Prima Bike Bell for £19.99 from Bikeinn
Verdict
Great choice for a low-profile bell that doesn’t look like a bell
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Knog Oi Prima Bike Bell
Size tested: Large
Tell us what the product is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it?
It’s for people wanting bell functionality without the bell shape.
Knog says: “Subtle, until you strike it. Every feature is fine-tuned for clarity, durability, and effortless installation.
“Oi Prima bike bell features our signature wrap-around bell design and our newest innovation – WAVETEK hammer technology. The whip of this new hammer design helps to create a beautiful and consistent bell tone, while being built for robust and long-lasting use. Available in two sizes to ensure the correct fit on your handlebar (see our size guide for info on how to measure your bar diameter).”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product
From Knog:
FEATURES
Our signature wrap-around design.
WAVETEK – the latest in bell technology.
Built to last with a robust spring design.
Beautiful tone that’s loud but pleasant.
Available in two sizes for a perfect fit (see below).
SIZING
Small Oi Prima for 22.2mm handlebars diameter.
Large Oi Prima for 23.8 – 31.8mm* handlebar diameters.
*Shims / Spacers included with all Large size bells for the perfect bar fit. Consult our size guide for more information.
WAVETEK
The innovative Oi Prima WAVETEK hammer delivers a louder, longer-lasting, and more consistent chime. The subtle wavelike motion creates a crisper, clearer tone that rings at 80+ decibels.
REFINED AESTHETIC
Every detail is meticulously considered. From tapered edges – inspired by the aerodynamic intake of a jet engine – to the minimalist silhouette and intricate laser etching.
ROBUST BUILD
The hinged clamp system makes installation quicker, easier, and secure whilst the bell’s spring remains hidden within and can’t be overextended for a cleaner look that is engineered for lasting strength.
BEAUTIFUL SOUND
Loud enough to cut through traffic and trail noise, but tuned to be pleasant. The improved hammer and striking surface work together to produce a crisp, clean and considerate sound.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Physically sleek and solidly built, with a pleasing and decently-loud ping.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The clear ring.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
You can spend less on a bell, or more.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It’s pricey, and traditional bells are louder, but overall it’s a very good choice for a low-profile bell.
About the tester
Age: 52 Height: 183cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Sonder Camino Gravelaxe My best bike is: Nah bro that’s it
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, general fitness riding, mtb, G-R-A-V-E-L
1 thought on “Knog Oi Prima Bike Bell”
I also had 2 originals but
I also had 2 originals but only for a week and returned them. Did it really take 8 years to make it loud enough to function outdoors as a bell? Must be a sore spot for them to list the dB level – I can’t think of any other bell manufacturer to spec that.