Over in Europe every proper city bike has a bell, but for most sportive cyclists a bell on the road bike is a no-go: it looks stupid, it ruins the aerodynamics and hey, the pros don't ring either!
But that story could be about to change: step forward HideMyBell, a cycling bell that's integrated into an out-front handlebar mount for your bike computer. You don't see it, but your fellow road users will definitely hear you coming!
HideMyBell is the flagship product from CloseTheGap, an innovative new design brand founded by ex-elite rider Mathijs Wagenaar. Mathijs won races in several disciplines, but MTB was his specialty. After his sports career he became an editor for the Dutch cycling magazine Fiets. In an attempt to increase safety and mutual respect among cyclists he came up with the idea of a bell that was so cool that people actually would like to have it.
Three models are available, weighing from just 44g and fully compatible with leading brand cycling computers including Garmin and Wahoo. An accessory line is also available allowing you to mount your GoPro action camera and even bike lights onto the same mount to help streamline your cockpit.
Launched at this summer's Eurobike trade show, HideMyBell is already picking up traction with Dutch UCI teams and individual partnerships with pro riders including Ramon Sinkeldam, Niki Terpstra and Laurens ten Dam. There's even photographic evidence that Chris Froome is using a Sky-blue version of HideMyBell during his training sessions - now that's what we call a ringing endorsement...
HideMyBell is available now priced €34.95 including shipping.
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