Knog is an Australian bicycle accessories brand dealing with bells, locks, lights and cycling apparel. This urban themed brand has their accessories designed with a lot of style, which gives the bicycle an enhanced look. From Knog’s Bell collection we got the opportunity to test the Oi Bicycle Bell and here is what we thought.
Unlike the old-fashioned ‘tring-tring’ bells and the simple ‘ping’ bells that come with with every new bicycle, the Knog Oi is a really neat, stylish and classy bell that has a simple design and delivers a really friendly tone.
The Knog Oi is available in two sizes, Large (for 31.8mm handlebars) and Small (for 22.2mm handlebars). The Large size can also be reduced with rubber shims (supplied in the box) to fit them onto 25.4/26mm handlebars, and can fit next to the handlebar grip, or closer to the stem. Roadies will find it easier to have the bigger bell by the stem, whereas mountain bikes and hybrids with a flat handlebar can fit the smaller bell next to the grip.
The Knog Oi bell has a simple clamp design and is fixed with a 3mm hex screw. The entire unit is a hollow cylinder that simply clamps around the bar, resulting in a much more subtle, low-profile attachment that almost blends in with the handlebar and looks a whole lot better too.
The bell is actuated by way of a simple spring-mounted hammer built into its mount that hits the spring-mounted metal bar, which creates the ‘ding’, and delivers a clear, crisp note when struck, accentuating the surroundings with the note and making sure you are heard. It works well with soft to medium pressure, but if too much pressure is applied, the bell doesn't ring too well, and gives out a slightly muted ‘thunk’ noise instead. The larger option weighs 23 grams, and the smaller only 18 grams.
Overall Rating
A bell isn’t something that the more serious road bicycle riders and mountain bikers would generally use, but if you commute to work, ride in city traffic, or through crowded streets, then the Knog Oi is the ideal bell to announce your presence and to make other motorists and fellow riders on the road aware of your presence. Priced at Rs. 995, there is no difference in the cost between the small size and the large size, and the Knog Oi definitely deserves a place on your handlebar just for the fact that it look more like an ornament for your bicycle rather than just another accessory, and is one of the smartest, coolest and most innovative bells ever.
Prices are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.