Annie Bells: vintage bike bells & classic new bike bells.
A bell for every bicycle.
As keen cyclists, here at Annie Bells, we know that we have to share the roads and paths with others and from time to time it's necessary to politely announce our presence to pedestrians, other cyclists, horse-riders, cars and on occasion around here in rural Berkshire, England, a road full of pheasants or deer! We've tried calling out, whistling, saying hello or excuse me - but nothing works so charmingly as the gentle peal of a bell. Everyone recognises what it is, a sure sign of a friendly rider nearby, wanting to pass safely and without alarming anyone. Whether you ride an old bike slowly or a new bike rapidly, a bell is helpful for whenever you're sharing your route with others.
If you're on your own, or with a group and you have the highways and byways to yourself, then the ring of a bell can be an expression of joy - just give it a ring because you can! We have discovered a plethora of designs and styles of bell from across over 100 years of production and we want to become a world authority on these simple but timeless devices. An expression of joie de vivre and communication as well as a practical accessory, we think every bike should have a bell and that there is a bell for every bike. Hope you find yours here at Annie Bells. |
Annie Bells: SELL
We sell our stock of carefully picked, checked-over and carefully described bells. Whether it's one of our vintage or antique bells or a hand-selected brand new bell, we'll do our best to match you to your perfect bicycle bell. If we don't have it, we will try to find it for you! We trawl the antique sales, auctions and cycle jumble sales to find classic pre-loved gems. We also work with some of the wonderful craftspeople keeping up the tradition of bell making too, bringing you the finest new designs. Want a bell with a cloverleaf on it? We've got them! How about one with a ski-jumper, or a ship, or a discus-thrower, or your favourite cartoon character? Or just your own name? Or someone else's name? We can ship anywhere in the world, even if it's awkward and you can expect brilliant service from our enthusiastic, knowledgeable team at all stages. |
Annie Bells: BUY
We'll buy your old bells. If they're in good condition, or maybe if they're in need of a clean up in our artisan workshop, then send us a picture of what you have and we'll make you a good offer. We love unusual old bells, especially if there's a story behind them. We'll look at anything but we prefer metal bells with a mechanism; we don't buy the cheap plastic pinger bells that new bikes often come with, sorry. Nothing against those - we love all bells! But if you have an old bell sitting on an unloved bike, let us know about the bell - we may be interested in the bike too! If you have any original bell catalogues or paraphernalia, we might be interested in that too. We love a good bike basket as well ... What have you got?! We can collect if you're nearby or we will pay for shipping if you're further away so whether you have a bicycle bell, une sonnette de velo, ein Fahrradklingel or una campanello della bicicletta - tell us about it! |
Annie Bells: Learn & Share
We aim to be in a good place to become a bit of an authority on bells. By researching old brands and new ones, we hope to be a useful resource for the bicycle community. Some of the oldest bells seem to come from America; some of the most beautiful designs are European, some of the biggest appear to be British, the sweetest sounding - French maybe?! We want to bring together a rich tradition of bike bell design over more than 100 years and most importantly the tradition of bell use and help keep alive this most wonderful sound for future generations of bike and e-bike riders. Everyone loves the sound of a bike bell ... well we do! Ring-ring! |