As a year-round bike commuter, safety is really important to me. For being able to be heard, a simple bell is often good enough. But if you’re looking for something with a little bit more sound, going for a loud electronic horn is a better option. For the past year or so, I’ve been using the Hornit dB140 – an electronic horn marketed as the “world’s loudest bike horn.” Whether or not it’s really the world’s loudest bike horn is up for debate, but there’s no denying that it’s loud and does a good job of letting people know you’re there.
With that said, in this Hornit dB140 review, we’ll go over the features of the Hornit dB140 and what my experience with this electronic horn has been like.
And for a video review of the Hornit dB140, you can check out my review on YouTube here:
Hornit dB140 Review
Here are some of the main features of the Hornit dB140:
Key Features:
- Volume Options: Two sound modes – a piercing 140dB for road use and a lower 121dB for cycle paths.
- Remote Trigger: Allows for easy operation without needing to release the handlebars.
- Garmin Style Mount: Comes with two mounts for different handlebar sizes, making it versatile and easy to install.
- Battery Life: Powered by 2 AAA batteries, lasting up to 12 months with regular use.
- Weather Resistance: Rated IP44, making it splash-proof and reliable in various weather conditions.
Mounting the Hornit dB140 is simple enough. There are three parts of the horn: (1) the removable horn part, (2) the Garmin mount, and (3) the button to activate the horn.
The Garmin mount makes it easy to remove the horn when needed (simply twist the horn and remove it). The mount comes with different spacers, so you can mount it to handlebars of various sizes. I use this horn on my Urban Arrow or Specialized Globe Haul LT, and it works well on either one. The nice thing is that the Hornit comes with two mounts, so you can put the mount on multiple bikes and easily switch the horn between your bikes as needed.
One thing to note is that the Hornit dB140 does take up a decent amount of space on your handlebars, particularly if you want to be able to twist and remove it. If you don’t need to remove the horn, then putting it into a tight space on your handlebars should be fine, but if you’re relying on being able to remove it, you’ll need to make sure you give yourself sufficient space to turn it.
Finally, you’ll need a spot to attach the horn button. This plugs into the horn and then you attach the button to your bike with some rubber straps. Of course, you’ll want to put the horn button in a spot where you can easily reach it. The button has a good tactile feel and makes it easy to activate the horn. My main criticism of the button attachment is its anticipated longevity. The wire connecting the button to the horn feels pretty weak and I’ve started noticing some fraying in the year I’ve been using this horn. It seems like it should be easy to replace the button if needed, but I’d prefer if the button used a more robust wire so I didn’t have to worry about it at all.
As previously noted, the Hornit dB140 is touted as the world’s loudest bike horn, capable of producing up to 140 decibels, which Hornit says is comparable to the sound of a jet engine. I don’t think this horn is quite as loud as a jet engine, but it’s definitely a loud horn. The loud sound makes it so you can effectively alert drivers and pedestrians to your presence, enhancing your safety on the road. You can change the sound to a quieter one if you’d prefer also (there’s a 140 db horn and a quieter 121 db horn that sounds sort of like a bird chirp).
My Experience With The Hornit db140
For electronic horns, I think the Hornit dB140 is probably the best one out there. It’s easy to use and fits well on my bike. I haven’t had any issues using it during the year or so I’ve had it.
The Hornit dB140 is especially beneficial for ebike riders since you’re traveling at higher speeds. A louder horn helps to ensure that other road users are aware of your presence. Additionally, I ride in an urban environment where there are a lot of competing sounds. The dB140’s powerful sound cuts through the ambient noise, providing an extra layer of safety.
I also ride in traffic with my children, so having a loud horn like the Hornit dB140 is an essential tool for safety. The remote trigger feature is particularly useful, as it allows me to keep both hands on the handlebars while navigating through traffic.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Hornit dB140 offers exceptional value for its price. Its robust build quality, ease of installation, and long battery life make it a worthwhile investment for any cyclist looking for a good electronic horn. Compared to other bike horns on the market, the dB140’s decibel level is unmatched, providing peace of mind for riders who prioritize safety. Its versatile mounting options and remote trigger add to its convenience, making it a practical choice for daily use.
For more details about the Hornit dB140, visit the Hornit dB140 product page. At $35, I think it’s a good value for a loud, electronic horn.
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