The Topeak UTF Bellonside is easy to use, easy to fit without taking up space on the handlebars, and sounds loud and clear.
A good bell is one of those accessories that can be difficult to get right on road bikes – you don’t want something massive on the bar, but constantly having to shout at people to let them know you’re there really perpetuates the angry cyclist meme. The Bellonside is a very good solution: small enough to keep under your computer mount, loud enough to alert and be heard, and straightforward to install.
It’s designed to work with Topeak’s UTF Multi-Mount family – handlebar, integrated cockpit or four-bolt stem versions. I have been using one for the last couple of years, and found that it was a cinch to mount as it uses the GoPro mount, so you just align the arms, stick the bolt through to hold it in place, and adjust another bolt to make sure it sits comfortably to use from the handlebar. The whole process took less than a minute.
The only element I found a little annoying was that when it’s in place you can’t mount anything else underneath it, so I couldn’t run both the bell and a camera, for instance.
The body is a mix of bronze, stainless steel and engineering-grade polymer; it feels robust but still allows for a good loud ring.
I found the tone pleasingly clear and sharp enough to cut through most noises you would come across on a daily commute. While it’s not as loud or rich as some high-end bells, it performs its core function well.
It’s also well priced for the quality. I reviewed Lezyne’s Classic Brass Bell a few years ago, which is £15 but not as loud and nowhere near as convenient.
And it compares well with more expensive options such as the £27.99 Knog Oi Prima. It may not have the Knog’s sleek looks, but it seems like a similar volume and convenience.
Overall, this is a tidy and well-designed bell that delivers on its promise: it’s loud, clear, and compact. It isn’t the fanciest bell out there, and you’ll need a compatible UTF mount to use it, but if you ride regularly and want a no-fuss alert system, it’s a very good choice.
Verdict
Well-made and well-designed bell for UTF Multi-Mount users
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Topeak UTF Bellonside Black
Size tested: Fits Topeak UTF Mulit-Mount
Tell us what the product is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it?
Topeak says: “Simply assemble a bell to Topeak UTF Multi-Mount to hide under your mounted smartphone or cycle computer. A friendly warning of your approach with a beautifully clear ring tone when it is needed. This bell is definitely a delightful companion for all your cycling adventures.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product
Topeak lists:
COMPATIBILITY Topeak UTF Multi-Mount (Fits ø25.4-ø31.8mm Handlebars), UTF Multi-Mount(Fits Integrated Cockpits) and UTF Multi-Mount (Fits 4-Bolt Stems)
MATERIAL Bronze / Stainless Steel / Engineering grade polymer
SIZE 7.2 x 6 x 5.6 cm / 2.8 x 2.4 x 2.2″
WEIGHT 64 g / 2.26 oz
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It performed very well. It has a nice loud and reverberating ding, it’s simple to reach from the bars, and the fact it doesn’t use up handlebar real estate is a real plus.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Its positioning – sounds like a small thing, but being able to have it in reach but out front is one of its strongest features.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
When it’s mounted you can’t put anything else alongside it on the mount.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
I reviewed Lezyne’s Classic Brass Bell a few years ago, which is £15 but not as loud and nowhere near as convenient. And it compares well with more expensive options such as the £27.99 Knog Oi Prima. It may not have the Knog’s sleek looks, but it seems like a similar volume and convenience.
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 very good: a high-quality bell that sits securely underneath the UTF Multi-mount and doesn’t break the bank. It’s loud enough to cut through and doesn’t take up space on the handlebar – there isn’t a huge amount not to like.
About the tester
Age: 35 Height: 6 ft Weight:
I usually ride: CAAD13 My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed,
