Are bicycle serial numbers no longer stamped into the frame?

Asked by: Kathy Rush

Yes, “serial number” and “frame number” are the same thing. The number on the sticker should match the number on your bike.

Are bike serial numbers engraved?

Almost all bicycles have a unique identification number engraved into their frame. This number is usually between seven and ten digits long, and it’s called the “bike serial number” or “bike frame number”.

What if my bike has no serial number?

The majority of serial numbers are located under the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks meet. Turn your bike upside down and record the number. If there is no serial number near the cranks, you should check other common places including the front headset or rear stays.

How can you tell a fake bike frame?

Counterfeit frames lack a serial number on the bottom of the frame or have a sequence starting with letters, like “GK.” Many fake Venge or Tarmac frames have the serial number WSBC604292544K.

Do bike serial numbers have letters?

Occasionally before the serial number, there may be a couple of letters. For example, some Specialized bike serial numbers start with “WSBC”, or many Trek serial numbers begin with “WTU”. Every bike receives a unique code, serving as a means of identifying a single bike against those of the same model.

How do I check the serial number on a bike?

Most bicycle serial numbers are located under the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks come together (1). Simply turn your bike upside down and record the number. Check for the serial number on the headset at the front of the bike (2) or the rear stays (3).

Does every bicycle have a serial number?

Each bike has a unique serial number which helps identify that particular bike. Record the serial number of your bike, which is usually stamped underneath the bottom bracket of the frame. Other places it could be located are the chain stays, headset or seat tube.

Where is my bikes frame number?

Frame number location



Most typically the bike frame number can be found stamped on the bottom bracket. However, it’s not always and might not be stamped at all. It can sometimes be found on a sticker, especially with carbon frames.

Can you look up a stolen bike by serial number?

Check the serial number



The serial number can be checked within databases like Bike Index or Bike Register, so if the bike has been registered as stolen you can then take steps to involve the police. If the serial number has been filed off or covered in any way, this is also a sure sign that the bike was stolen.

Are there fake bikes?

They usually bear the trademark of a legitimate and trusted brand, such as Shimano, FSA or Sram when we’re talking bikes, but are produced by another party and are not made to the specifications of the original manufacturer. They’re also often produced illegally and sold at a profit to fund other criminal activities.

Are all carbon bike frames made in China?

Almost all of the top western bike brands have their frame manufactured in China and Taiwan, including Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, even the “Italian-made” Colnago. There is also Giant, the biggest bike company in the world, a Taiwan company. So, carbon frames from good Chinese manufacturers are safe to ride.

How can you tell a fake Trek Madone?

Quote from video: And you can't uh change it because there are only ones that will suit your bike. And you have to buy it from the same manufacturer. But here you have the possibility to buy it from aliexpress.

How does a serial number look like?

Despite the name, a serial number often contains letters and numbers. How many characters make up a serial number differs greatly, depending on the manufacturer, product, and model. Most serial numbers have at least six or seven characters, and some serial numbers have twenty or more.

How do you identify a serial number?

Serial numbers are often found on the back or bottom of the product unit. In some cases, the serial number may also be the unit’s barcode.

Are old Schwinn bikes worth anything?

In excellent condition, vintage Schwinn bikes can be worth thousands of dollars. In rough shape, they may still be worth several hundred.

How do I know if my Giant frame is real?

The only way for you to find out if it’s real or fake now, is to get the serial number of the bike and call and verify it with Giant. See if the seller will give you that.

How can you tell a fake work s?

Counterfeit Prevail and S-Works Evade helmets often have sloppy strap construction. The Specialized logo on the plastic piece can be incorrect, sometimes backwards, and have the wrong font. Stitching, meanwhile, is oftentimes messy and loose.

How can you tell if carbon fiber is real?

Real carbon fiber has a 3D feel



So, a quick and easy way to tell if a carbon fiber part is fake or real is to see if the fabric looks embedded into a glassy matrix. The epoxy resin, most of the time, is super clear, so the fiber inside it will have a 3D, deep feel to it.

How can you tell a fake specialized?

Quote from video: But there are some subtle differences. So i'm here to show you guys what the differences. Are in terms of what's fake on the bike. The frame is fake the handlebars are fake the wheels are fake as well

How do I know if my bike is Specialized?

You will need the serial number to register. For bikes, the serial number is located on a sticker on the underside of your toptube and/or downtube as well as on the underside of your bike, underneath the bottom bracket. Specialized serial numbers typically start with the prefix “WSBC,” “WUD,” “STT,” or “STE.”

What is the largest bike manufacturer?

Giant Manufacturing Co.

Giant Manufacturing Co.



(commonly known as Giant) is a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer, recognized as the world’s largest bicycle designer and manufacturer. Giant has manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, the Netherlands, China, and Hungary.