Timber Mountain Bike cycle bell bolt on

The bell fitted to my bike

Timber Mountain Bike Bell &#8211; Details

Timber Mountain Bike Bell &#8211; Bolt On

Installation of Timber Mountain Bike Bell

Timber Mountain Bike Bell Packaging

I love mountain biking.

Ok, not the extreme downhill biking (I don't heal as quickly these days!), but give me a trail through the forest or over the hills, and I'm all smiles.

## Shared Trails: Biker vs Hiker

But a lot of trails are shared with other users. When I'm out hiking, the last thing I want is a bike coming towards my kids or my dog at 20 mph or more. As a rider, I try to be as courteous as possible, always waiting for walkers and thanking them when they let me past.

Despite everyone's best attempts to share the same path, the fact is many trails twist and turn, so it's hard to see a bike coming, and as a rider, it's hard to see a walker.

## The Bike Bell

The humble bike bell has long been used to warn walkers by approaching cyclists.

Moving your hand on the handlebar to ring the bell on the trails with your mountain bike is not ideal and could easily lead to a crash. There's also the problem that you don't have time to warn people until you are near them, which is far too late.

## The Timber Mountain Bike Bell

While looking for a solution, I came across the Timber Mountain Bike Bell, which is getting many great reviews. So I decided to buy myself one and see if it's good.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2021/05/Timber-Mountain-Bike-Bell-Packaging-643x1024.jpg" height="1024" width="643" alt="Timber Mountain Bike Bell Packaging" />

Like many great things, simple is sometimes better, and the Timber Mountain Bike Bell concept is straightforward.

It's a bell that you hang from your handlebars. Unlike normal bike bells, you don't ring it; instead, your bike's movement makes the bell ring.

So, as you are riding along the trail, this thing is ringing out like an old fire engine frantically ringing its bell.

Yes, this can annoy anyone you are riding with. Fortunately, you can turn it off and enjoy the silence.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2021/05/Installation-of-Timber-Mountain-Bike-Bell-1024x340.jpg" alt="Installation of Timber Mountain Bike Bell" width="840" height="279" caption="Installation of Timber Mountain Bike Bell. Make sure you fit it hanging down like this." />

### So, does it work?

Well, yes, if you install it correctly. The first time I fitted it, I didn't have it vertically downward, so it didn't ring that well.  A quick adjustment with an Allen key, and it was ringing out.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2021/05/The-bell-fitted-to-my-bike-1024x768.jpeg" alt="The Timber Mountain Bike bell fitted on my bike" width="840" height="630" caption="The Timber Mountain Bike Bell fitted onto my bike. You switch the lever to turn it on or off." />

And yes, people did hear me coming. Although its ring isn't as loud as some bike bells, it is louder than the standard cheap bells fitted to bikes. And, of course, it's hands-free.

So far, yes, it's working well and get's a thumbs up.

It comes in either a bolt-on or quick-release model. The bolt-on clamp fits 31.8 or 22.2 handlebar sizes.

The Timber Mountain Bike Bell solves a problem when you're out riding on shared trails.


Timber Mountain Bike Bell

Leisure Lakes Bikes

Coleman Blue 4 Person Family Tunnel Tent

Thule

Thule Bike Carrier Review

Fitting Troubles

Carrier Tilted

Thule VeloCompact 927

Thule in Box

We've tried a few different ways of transporting our bikes from A to B over the years. Some more expensive than others.
A premium brand of cycle carriers is Thule. They appear to set the gold standard for bike carriers you want to fit your car. Unfortunately, they can be quite expensive, which is why we've only just bought one.

<YouTube video={"6ZaZVzFqqmQ"} />

## Why we chose the Thule VeloCompact 927

Since changing our car, our previous tow-hook mounted cycle carrier no longer fits. And, although I bought a bike rack for the roof bars, getting the bikes on the top of our very tall car is not easy.


> Our old rear-window mounted cycle carrier wasn’t going to work either. And so, I started looking at the bike platforms that attached to the tow ball.



Our old rear-window mounted cycle carrier wasn't going to work either. And so, I started looking at the bike platforms that attached to the tow ball.
There are some different options out there, but I kept coming back to Thule, even though it was more than I had budgeted for. Why? Well...

<ul>
<li>I wanted one that I could keep locked to the car. This is in case we take the bikes further and want to stop at motorway services, or when we just want a quick ride without having to worry about detaching and re-attaching the bike carrier.</li>
<li>I wanted one that I could lock the bikes to in case we stopped somewhere.</li>
<li>We needed to take at least three bikes.</li>
</ul>

The Thule VeloCompact 927 ticked those boxes. It also has a tilting mechanism to get into the car boot, though that's not such an important feature for us since we can get to the boot from inside our car.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/10/Lockable-Bike-Carrier-Cycling.jpg" alt="Lockable Cycle Carrier" width="1920" height="1080" caption="As well as being able to lock the Thule bike carrier to the car, the bikes can also be locked onto the carrier" />

## It's big. Very Big.

After shopping around, <a href="https://amzn.to/2OaWoNt" rel="noopener">the best deal I could find at the time was on Amazon</a>.
The box soon arrived, and it was big. Very big. This cycle carrier will take up a lot of storage space.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/10/Thule-in-Box-Cycling.jpg" alt="The Thule Cycle Carrier in its box" width="2100" height="1182" caption="The Thule VeloCompact comes in quite a big box" />

## Assembling the Thule Velo Compact 927

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/10/Some-self-assembly-Cycling.jpg" alt="Assembling the cycle carrier" width="1401" height="788" caption="Some self-assembly is required, but not too much." />


> you can get this Thule bike carrier together relatively quickly



There is some self-assembly required, but not much. I remember looking at another brand of cycle carrier, and people recommended you needed at least 2 hours to put it together. Fortunately, you can get this Thule bike carrier together relatively quickly.
You need to attach the upright support, the arms that hold the bikes in place, and a curious bit of plastic around the base of the hitch lock. More on that soon.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/10/Thule-Bike-Carrier-set-up-Cycling.jpg" alt="What it looks like after assembly" width="1500" height="1500" caption="The bike carrier is now set-up, ready for attaching to the tow ball." />

## Attaching it to the tow ball

This part didn't go as well.
There is an adjustment dial on the hitch lock, but the instructions are so bad, they only point out that there's an adjustment dial and not how it should be used.
The problem was that it just wouldn't secure itself to the tow ball. A lot of trial and error with the adjustment dial was needed.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/10/Connecting-the-hitch-lock-Cycling.jpg" alt="Fitting the bike carrier to the tow ball" width="1920" height="1080" caption="The bike carrier grips the tow ball when the hitch lock is pushed down." />


> Apart from the poor instructions, I found two things an issue.



Apart from the poor instructions, there were two things I found a problem.
The first, the odd bit of plastic that the instructions say fit on the bottom of the hitch lock appeared to be getting in the way. The plastic hadn't slotted together well, and so I removed it. It looks like this is only there to protect the underside of the hitch lock.
The second I found, was that it needed to be perfectly level. With the shape of our tow ball, I think this last point is the most important, as if it wasn't entirely level, the hitch lock couldn't get a grip all the way around the tow ball.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/10/Fitting-Troubles-Cycling.jpg" alt="Trouble fitting the cycle carrier" width="1920" height="1080" caption="I found the Thule VeloCompact didn't fit my tow ball that easily" />

## Tilting to get into the boot

The tilting mechanism works quite well, though I noticed that the bike carrier needs a firm push to click back into the upright position.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/10/Carrier-Tilted-Cycling.jpg" alt="The bike carrier tilted for boot access" width="1920" height="1080" caption="The Thule VeloCompact tilts so that you can get into the car boot" />

## Verdict

There are some things I like about this bike carrier.

<ul>
<li>It feels well made (though not perfectly put together).</li>
<li>The locking mechanism works well.</li>
<li>It's straightforward to get bikes on and off.</li>
<li>Good quality straps and ratchet mechanism for securing the bikes.</li>
</ul>

However, considering the additional money this was over the non-locking alternative makes, I was quite surprised at the following:
<div class="wpsm_arrowlist wpsm_pretty_list small_gap_list wpsm_pretty_hover">
<ul>
<li>It isn't that quick and easy to fit the tow ball. Perhaps I need practice, but it wasn't as simple as other videos show.</li>
<li>Fitting three bikes might be a challenge as the rear support that has the securing arms on is only as high as an adult bike. This means that the third arm might be difficult to attach with two adult bikes on it.</li>
<li>It wasn't perfectly made. I just hope it lasts.</li>
<li>It takes up a lot of room. Thule recommends storing it flat, which takes up even more space.</li>
<li>The instructions aren't great</li>
</ul>
</div>
Although, on the whole, I'm pleased with this cycle carrier and it has been doing the job I bought it for, don't expect that for a premium price it will be perfect. If you don't need the locking mechanism, a cheaper alternative might be OK.

Thule bike carriers have a premium price tag, but are they worth the money? We buy a Thule VeloCompact 3 bike carrier to find out.

Thule VeloCompact 927 Cycle Carrier

I like this Thule VeloCompact 927 cycle carrier but it's very expensive. Is it worth the extra money? I'm not so sure.

Basil

Family Panniers Blog Post

Rear view of Basil Panniers

Basil-Sports-Double-Rear-Water-Repellent-Bag_26064_1_Large

Time to unpack the picnic

Side view of panniers

The Basil Rain Cover

Basil Sports Double Bag

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/Family-Panniers-Blog-Post.jpg" height="680" width="1305" alt="" />


> I prefer to let the bike take the load.



Sometimes we like to get out for the day on our bikes, stopping off somewhere for a picnic.

Although a picnic could easily be thrown into a backpack and taken, I prefer to let the bike take the load and use some panniers, especially as when you are taking your family, you end up carrying a lot of stuff.

With the weight on the bike, your back and shoulders don't get as tired, and you don't get as sweaty either!

<YouTube video={"su9gyWbc4s8"} />

## Trying the Basil Sports Panniers

<a href="https://www.wheelies.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wheelies</a> asked us to see what they think of their panniers. They do a lot of great panniers and bags for bikes, but I really liked the <a href="https://www.wheelies.co.uk/p26064/Basil-Sports-Double-Rear-Water-Repellent-Bag.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">double Basil Sports Panniers</a>. They aren't very expensive, have a good capacity, and lots of pockets. Ideal for those family excursions on two wheels.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/Basil-Sports-Double-Bag-_.jpg" alt="The unopened panniers" width="2000" height="1500" caption="The Basil Sports Double Bag Panniers" />

Wheelies decided to send us some to try out :-)

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/First-look-at-the-panniers-_.jpg" alt="The Panniers" width="2000" height="1500" caption="First look at the new panniers" />

## Fitting (the right) Pannier Rack

> it didn't fit

I recently, after many years, bought a new bike (yay!).

My old bike had a lightweight pannier rack. So the first task was to take this off my old bike and put it on my new one.

....and it didn't fit.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/Rack-does-not-fit-_.jpg" alt="The old pannier rack doesn't fit" width="2000" height="1500" caption="Uh Oh! Time for a new pannier rack" />


> lightweight pannier rack designed for bikes with disc breaks

The new bike has disk brakes, and so it is wider.

After a quick pedal down to the shops, I got a new lightweight pannier rack designed for bikes with disc breaks. This wasn't that expensive and was soon fitted to the bike.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/Fitting-the-new-pannier-rack-Bike.jpg" alt="The new pannier rack" width="1920" height="1080" caption="The new pannier rack designed for disc brakes" />

I also picked up a new insulated water bottle for a nice cold drink while on the bike.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/New-Thermal-Waterbottle-_.jpg" alt="New water bottle" width="1920" height="1080" caption="A new bottle too - with thermal insulation" />

## Attaching the Panniers

The Basil Sports Panniers attach themselves to the rack through some loops that can be adjusted.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/Attaching-the-Panniers-_.jpg" alt="fitting the panniers" width="1920" height="1080" caption="Attaching to the pannier rack" />

I found the straps quite fiddly tightened to the rack, but once secured, they held the panniers in place.

At the bottom of the panniers are velcro straps to secure them to the rack frame and stop the bags from flapping around.

## A closer look at the Basil Sports Panniers

The left and right panniers are identical and have a large pocket with a drawstring flap to avoid contents spilling out on the bumpy ground.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/Filling-the-panniers-_.jpg" alt="Loading the panniers" width="1920" height="1080" caption="We found plenty of storage for a day out on the bikes" />

Pockets are also at the front, back, side, and top. The top pockets are particularly easy to access while on the bike.


> built-in rain covers


Another great feature I like about these panniers is the built-in rain covers.  You can find these zipped into the bottom of each, so they are very quick to fit if you are in a sudden downpour.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/The-Basil-Rain-Cover-_.jpg" alt="Rain cover fitted" width="1920" height="1080" caption="I really like the fact that they have a built-in rain cover." />

## Fitting the Bags - Correctly!

It wasn't long before we packed the panniers and set off.


> in my haste, I hadn't adjusted the bags correctly


Unfortunately, in my haste, I hadn't adjusted the bags correctly, and each foot hit the bags as I peddled.

Time to stop and re-adjust the fittings.

That secure loop system meant I spent more time fiddling but eventually moved the bags back on the rack. I also adjusted the velcro on the side of each back, which you can secure in one of three positions.

## Time to hit the trail

Our route started on cycle tracks in the town, then along some country lanes, and eventually off road.
The panniers stayed secure all the way, and it was great to enjoy a picnic in the spring sunshine.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/Spring-Sunshine-Picnic-_.jpg" alt="Picnic time" width="2000" height="1500" caption="Enjoying a picnic on top of a hill in the spring sunshine" />

The route back we (I) decided to take quite a technical mountain biking route. Time for me to play a bit with my new bike, and also see how the panniers would fair under more extreme conditions.


> Roots, rocks, and several small drop-offs


Roots, rocks, and several small drop-offs, and the panniers stayed firmly attached to the bike. I was even impressed that the velcro still held them to the rack, even though the bags were carrying some weight and putting up with a lot of punishment.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/More-technical-terrain-Bike.jpg" alt="Testing the bags off road" width="1920" height="1080" caption="A tricky descent put the bags to the test" />


> the panniers started to take quite a beating

Brambles were also starting to grow (or still there from last year), and the path was a little narrow for a bike with full panniers. This meant that the panniers started to take quite a beating. Fortunately, they held up really well without any snags or scratches.


> They even stayed attached when I took a spill


They even stayed attached when I took a spill ;-)

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/03/The-panniers-survived-_.jpg" alt="Back home" width="2000" height="1500" caption="Bags still fitted, not ripped, and only slightly muddy after that spill" />

## Verdict

We give the Basil Sports Panniers the thumbs up. They could take a lot of gear on the bike for a family day out, take the punishment well, and stay secure over some not-so-gentle terrain.

I find panniers useful for family bike rides. We put some new panniers to the test. They even survived a spill on a descent.


Cycling Gear Reviews

Timber Mountain Bike Bell - A solution for shared trails?

Thule VeloCompact 927 Cycle Carrier Review

Basil Sports Panniers Review

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardTimber Mountain Bike Bell - A solution for shared trails?

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardThule VeloCompact 927 Cycle Carrier Review

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardBasil Sports Panniers Review

Timber Mountain Bike Bell - A solution for shared trails?

Thule VeloCompact 927 Cycle Carrier Review

Basil Sports Panniers Review