Do Gremlin Bells Really Work?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,485
Likes: 1,140
From: SW Missouri
Anecdotal evidence (that is, "I survived, so it must work") is not real proof that it works. What correlation (besides magic) is there between the bell and an accident? Even if 100% of the riders in bike accidents with bells lived, it wouldn't prove anything about the bells. Perhaps it's the fact that those same 100% wore underwear? Although with bikers, maybe that wouldn't be 100% (lol). Point is, just because two things are connected by an event (bell on the bike and survival) doesn't mean there's a correlation between the two.
Gremlin bells work if you think they do. Because if you think they do, you'll justify to yourself and others exactly how they've worked for you. If you don't believe in them, you'll think of them as simple biker tchotchke, much like a dealer t-shirt.
However, the ACT of giving them to each other is an act of caring, friendship and bonding. And so in that way, they bring people together and allow expressions of kindness between riders. Yes, that could be done with flowers, a 6-pack or a gas card. But a bell lives on the bike and can be a reminder to someone that other people care. So maybe in that way, they do have real power. But I'd still wear a helmet...
Gremlin bells work if you think they do. Because if you think they do, you'll justify to yourself and others exactly how they've worked for you. If you don't believe in them, you'll think of them as simple biker tchotchke, much like a dealer t-shirt.
However, the ACT of giving them to each other is an act of caring, friendship and bonding. And so in that way, they bring people together and allow expressions of kindness between riders. Yes, that could be done with flowers, a 6-pack or a gas card. But a bell lives on the bike and can be a reminder to someone that other people care. So maybe in that way, they do have real power. But I'd still wear a helmet...
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 249
Likes: 4
From: Northern Minnesota
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Gremlin Bells
The legend is that it brings BAD luck if you buy one for yourself.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 25,202
Likes: 30,162
Hey, all I know is that my bike came with a bell and every time I ride I have a smiley face. Interestingly however, my mini wheats don't get all soggy in my milk like they used to. Hmmmm. 
, I declare the bells work!
, I declare the bells work!