Mounting/Usage

Which model should I buy?

If you use your bell on most rides, we recommend the bolt-on. It mounts sturdier on the bars, and it's less likely to be lost or stolen.

The bolt-on is also preferred if you shift a lot from ring mode to stealth mode.

If you use the bell less frequently, or if you like to take your bell off for certain rides (or move the bell from bike to bike), you'd probably prefer the quick release.

Where should I mount the bell on my bike?

Most people prefer their bell as close to the grips as possible, because it requires less time with your hand away from the grip while shifting on or off. You may need to make some modest adjustment to your brakes, shifter or dropper to make room. The bell does not have to face straight downward.

Once it is mounted, make sure that there are no brake or shifter cables touching the bell, as they will mute the sound somewhat. If you use the bell less frequently, you may prefer it near to the stem.

Be sure that the bell will not interfere with your top tube when the bars are turned at a tight angle, especially if you have a carbon frame.

Other options include:

  • Mount it right on the grips so you never take your hand away.
  • Mount it on your seat post, for no distraction signaling on DH rides.

As a general rule, we recommend that you face the bottom of the bell slightly forward (and away from your knees), in order to avoid possible injury during a crash. This also increases the frequency of the ring.

Can you mount the bell at an angle?

You can mount your bell at any angle from horizontal to downward vertical. If you frequently ride on smooth trails, we recommend mounting at a diagonal for more frequent ringing.

This can also help you avoid interference with your top tube when the bars are turned at a tight angle, especially if you have a carbon frame.

How do you use the bell on trails?

The demo video on our home page will give you a good example of a typical usage for our bells. When riding on trails with good visibility, we typically leave Timber in silent mode until we are approaching a passing situation. We then flip Timber to ring mode until we have successfully passed. When riding a downhill section or in an area with blind corners, we may choose to leave Timber in ring mode. The same applies when riding in an area where wildlife such as bears or mountain lions may be present. When riding on paved trails your Timber won't ring as much, but you can always give the bars a gentle shake.

Does Timber work on roads?

The short answer is yes, somewhat. Timber was designed for mountain biking, so the bumpier the ground, the more it rings. On smooth roads, it tends to ring more when you pedal, and go fairly quiet when you coast. If you need a little extra sound while on the road,  you can always give the handlebars a brief shake, or lightly tap the brakes. And definitely mount it at a diagonal, as it rings more easily that way. But we don't want to mislead you, it wasn't made for noisy city streets or urgent signaling situations. A Manhattan cab driver will probably not notice Timber's cheery ring while he's screaming into his phone over the sound of jackhammers.

Product Support

How do you fix a broken clapper?

If you have a Model Yew! bell, first pick up a replacement clapper from our online store. Then check out this video on how to install it.

If you have an older bell, clappers are not replaceable, but you can get a discount code to upgrade to a Model Yew! bell by visiting the warranty page.

What happens if my bell breaks or something wears out?

Please see our warranty page for more information.

What torque should I use for tightening the bolt onto my bars?

20-25 lb/in (2.3-2.9 Nm)

Where can I buy replacement shims, o-rings or clappers?

We offer them in the spare parts section of our online store.

What size bolt should I buy if I lost mine?

The bolt that mounts your bell onto your bars is an M4 x 14mm socket cap screw. The threads are .7 pitch.

You can pick one up at your local hardware store.

Other Questions

Do you offer custom logos or discounts on group orders?

We frequently sell bells to racing teams, clubs and trail groups. We would be happy to work with yours. We offer discounted pricing, so that you can raise money for your organization while promoting multi-use trail harmony.

Visit the custom bells page for more info.

Still need help?

Send us a message