trek bikes register

Trek Bike Serial Number Lookup

Editorial credit: overkit / Shutterstock.com

When investing in a quality bike like Trek, you must register your bike on their website, and if you are buying a used model, you can use the same resource for due diligence to make sure the bike you buy is legit – but where do you find the Trek serial number?

To find the serial number on your Trek bike, you need to turn it upside down and let it rest on the handlebars. The bike’s serial number is marked on the underside of the frame, close to the bottom bracket. You can check the serial number using this link to the Trek website.

Trek USA offers an online service where you can look up your Trek Bike serial number or register a new one so that in the event you want to sell yours, buy another one, or yours is stolen, the bike’s relevant information is a click away- so let’s discover more on how to lookup a Trek Bike serial number.

What Information Is Contained In A Trek Bike Serial Number?

In the old days, serial numbers were used mostly to reveal basic information about a product – mostly how many had been made of a model if there was only one.

As more models were made and released, manufacturers began to use serial numbers to provide information on the model type, year of manufacture, the material used, etc. With bike manufacturers like Trek, it became useful to have serial numbers that provided more details about the bike for themselves and the customers.

Trek serial numbers contain information that includes the year of manufacture, the plant manufacturing code, which determines at which facility the bike was made, the day of the year that the bike was made and what number the bike was in the production run on that day.

What The Trek Bike Serial Numbers Mean?

From the early 90s until current, Trek has used the prefix WTU on their serial numbers, with a three-digit number following that and then a single capital letter. Then five digits for the serial number and a final letter to end.

Let’s look at an example and decode what these numbers mean.

For a Trek serial number WTU295D85467D – the serial number would be broken down as follows:

• After WTU, 295 is the sequential date number from the beginning of the year-so 295 means this frame was made on the 295 th day of the year.
• The 85467 would be the bike’s serial number.
• The letter D at the end stands for the year 2009, while the letter D after the first three numbers would be the plant where the bike was made.

Based on this configuration and data recovered from a Trek recall notice, we can deduce that the Trek serial numbers use a letter at the end to denote the year of manufacture. With the serial number above, the letter D is the year 2009, and the list below would then represent the years prior and post.

So the very first piece of information on your Trek bike you can identify is the year of it’s manufacture, and you can use this table to determine what year your Trek bike was made.

From the information available, the numbers that follow the WTU and the day number of manufacture, the next letter or group of letters are thought to indicate the manufacturing plant where the bike was made.

Trek themselves aren’t very forthcoming about their serial numbers, only what has been described above. They don’t specify whether the serial number code includes the frame size or material type information.

Vintage Trek Bike Serial Number Lookup

Trek has been in business for a long time, and many still have vintage Trek bikes dating back to the 1970s. To establish a database of serial numbers and to decode them, a survey of more than 200 Trek owners revealed how Trek serial numbers were utilised on bikes from around 1976 to before the late 1980s.

Here, the serial number configuration was LNLNLNN, where L= Letter and N=Number, so let’s look at the serial numbers and letters and what they would mean on a vintage Trek bike.

The first letter is the frame model, and the first number is the frame size. So if the serial number begins with A1, the A would represent the Frame model 210, and the one would define a 19.75″ frame.

The letter after that represents the month the frame was serialized, so A would mean January, B would be February, etc.

The second number represents the last digit of the year of serializing and is not a reference to the year model. The final three places of the serial number have letters from A through Z and numbers from 01-99.

The letters are thought to relate to the run’s designation, and the last two letters could relate to the frame number in that run. As an example, if the serial number on your Trek bike were D5F8J57, then that would tell you the following :

• D- Frame model 510
• 5 –  25,5″ frame size
• F – The month of serialization would be June
• 8 –  1978 is the year of serialization
• J – Designating the 10 th run
• 57 – the 57 th frame of the run

You can see the complete serial number survey with all the various models and exceptions here , so you can get some info using this reference to look up your vintage Trek bike serial number.

It seems odd that such a prolific manufacturer of arguably the world’s best bicycles offers no concrete information on the structure of its serial numbers, and while the registration and recovery service is a plus, submitting a Trek serial number on their website will give you a good idea of your bike and it’s history.

Since not every bike owner is interested in decoding their Trek serial numbers and only concerned with registering their bike in case it gets stolen or needs basic information, this could be why Trek hasn’t released detailed information on their serial numbers yet.

• https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/productRegistration/
• https://www.vintage-trek.com/SerialNumbers_draft.htm
• https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1209331-trek-serial-number-decoding.html

Similar Posts

Does Riding A Bike Help Lose Belly Fat?

There’s that moment you hesitate to get into tight-fitting cycling gear, a bulging midriff bursting…

Are Road Bike Wheels Universal?

Choosing the best wheels for your road bike will depend on a few factors and…

Can Road Bike Go Off-Road?

Road and off-road bikes (mountain bikes) look completely different and are optimized for the individual…

Are Alibaba Bikes Good?

Editorial credit: Andy Feng / Shutterstock.com Operating for over 20 years, Alibaba is a global…

Can You Ride Mountain Bikes In The City?

Editorial credit: iiskandar / Shutterstock.com If you own or want to buy a mountain bike,…

Why Does MTB Tire Wobble?

Mountain bikes are great fun, but they require significant maintenance, especially if they are used…

Bike Registration

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• BikeRadar Podcast
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus

Why you should consider registering your bike

Registering your bike can help you get it back in the event it's stolen

Paul Norman

Any bike is a significant investment. Unfortunately, bikes are also very stealable – they’re often ill-protected if not locked up properly , easily removable and hard to trace.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that almost 290,000 bikes were stolen in 2017 .

You can increase the chances that your bike will be found and returned to you if you register your bike though. Registration markings act as a deterrent to thieves in the first place, because they know a registered bike will be harder to resell with potential purchasers able to check if it has been stolen.

The indelible markings also mean that you’ve got a secondary identifier besides your frame number (which you should note down too).

As a matter of course, you should also make sure that you’ve got photos of your bike and a record of any non-standard components or modifications – this all helps in the event your bike is stolen and you need to identify it.

It’s also sensible to invest in bicycle insurance , not just in case it’s stolen, but in the event it gets damaged. Most insurance policies will cover third-party liability and provide other protection for the bike and rider.

How do I register my bike?

In the UK, the main bike registration database is run by BikeRegister . It’s a free service and now includes the details of over 1,000,000 bikes.

BikeRegister allows you to permanently record the basic details of your bike and ownership for free. Additionally, you can purchase one of three different bike-marking kits, which act as a visible deterrent to a would-be thief.

The simplest Membership Plus kit costs £13 and consists of two tamper-resistant labels that include a QR code linking to your ownership record on the database.

The £20 Permanent Marking kit adds an indelible ID marking to your bike, while the £30 UV Protect kit enables you to mark your frame and components with ID markers that are only visible under ultraviolet light, in addition to providing visible marking.

Police forces are working with BikeRegister to mark up bikes too. Forces around the UK regularly hold free bike registration drives as part of their operation to deter bicycle theft.

There are similar services in other countries too; in the US, an equivalent service is run by Bike Index , while an Australian bike ownership database is operated by the National Bike Register .

How does registration help if my bike is stolen?

Having your bike registered helps to prove your ownership if it is stolen.

The BikeRegister database is used by every police force in the UK to search for stolen bikes – there are over 40,000 stolen bikes currently logged on its site by their owners.

If your bike is stolen, regardless of whether it is registered, you should notify the police of the theft. Giving them registration details may help further with the search.

You can also record the loss on the BikeRegister site, along with details and photos. If a thief tries to sell your bike, the registration info provides a rapid link to the record, so potential buyers can spot that the bike has been recorded as stolen.

If you’re buying a second-hand bike that has a BikeRegister sticker on it, you should check that it hasn't been recorded as stolen.

To try to find your bike, it’s a good idea to comb sites for bikes being sold to see if any look like yours.

Find That Bike consolidates ads across multiple sites, including eBay and Gumtree, and includes photos from the original ad. You can log the theft on sites such as Stolen Bikes UK or London-based StolenRide .

Share this article

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences

• English - Canadian
• English - New Zealand
• English - US
• Français - canadien

Keep your bikes safe in the 529 Garage the world's largest community-powered bike recovery service.

Lost your bike, find a bike buying a bike, tees, mugs, totes and more, explore our services for:, every day can be a recovery day, turning the tide on bicycle theft, how and where to avoid campus bike theft, police recover over $70,000 worth of stolen bikes in byward market.

California Police Join Growing Online Bike Registry

Can Bike Registries Help Police Solve More Thefts?

What would a systematic response to bike thievery look like?

Your questions about bike theft answered by a bike detective.

Bike returned thanks to 529 Garage

Christchurch cyclists quick to sign-up for anti-theft register

Beat the bike thieves; love it, lock it, log it.

Meet Canada’s only full-time bike theft detective

New app to deter bicycle theft now available in Kingston

I got my stolen bike back. In Toronto, most others aren’t so lucky

A bike stolen in Manitoba resurfaced in B.C. It's more common than you think

$45,000 in stolen bikes recovered in Vancouver; police hoping to return them to owners

The SPVG acquires a new tool to counter bicycle theft

Local community bike watch helps return stolen bicycle

Don’t let organized crime steal your bike this summer

PROJECT 529 WORKS, PLUS TIPS TO PREVENT BIKE THEFT 

Stolen bike in Moncton? There's a new app for that

Codiac RCMP has found a new way to help crackdown on bicycle theft.

Codiac Regional RCMP partners with 529 Garage to fight bicycle theft

Stolen bikes found in Vancouver returned to Burnaby 11-year-old and Edmonton man

Project Handlebar – Ottawa's frontline officers recovering stolen bikes

SPVM partners with Garage 529 database to help prevent bike thefts

SPVM joins Garage 529 to fight bicycle theft in Montreal

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) became the first police force in the province to join the app's network this week.

Montreal police, Vélo Québec call on cyclists to download app aimed at preventing bike thefts

Bike theft: technology to protect cyclists

Hermosa Beach police target bike thefts with initiative

Bike registration program aims to curb HBPD stolen bike auctions

Redcliff RCMP sign on to ‘community watch for your bike’

Victoria police ask people to register bikes with new app

Victoria residents can now register their bikes through new police app

VicPD transitions bicycle registry to Project 529 Garage app

Bike thefts down 40% in Vancouver since 2015

‘I knew right away that that was the bike’: B.C. man helps track down stolen ride on transit bus

Cycling-friendly cities scramble to combat rising bike thefts

Campus bicycle culture encouraged by programs, resources

Bike thefts down 36 percent in Red Deer

'Community-powered' system reunites Londoner with long-gone bike

'Hot Wheels' initiative and the 529 Garage program boosted the recovery rate of stolen bicycles in Ottawa by 30 per cent this year

Bike thefts are increasing in Canada: Here's what you can do to protect your bike

Bike Thefts Are on the Rise. Here’s How to Fight Back

Police turning to social media and 529 Garage to track down stolen bikes

Bike thefts continue to plague Moab area

Bike thefts spike across U.S. as cycling becomes more popular

Bike Thefts Are Up 27% in Pandemic N.Y.C.

Police putting brakes on bike thefts in Guelph with help of app

Prince George RCMP, Nechako Rotary teaming up for 529 Garage Great Big Bike Registry

Delta Police Department re-launches Garage 529 bike program

Nanaimo RCMP say increase in cycling opens up potential for more bike thefts

New Bike Registration Program at University of Illinois

London police call first bicycle registry a ‘success’; two bikes recovered in one weekend

More than 200 bikes registered with 529 Garage over the weekend

Police recover 30 stolen bicycles at area 'chop shops'

Baton Rouge Police Department partners with Project 529 to help recover stolen bikes

WashU in St. Louis Now Offers Free Bike Registration through Project 529

Missoula launches new bike registration program

Police in Canada's capital city use Project 529 as their official bike registration partner

Inside an ex-Microsoft wunderkind's Canadian crusade to save your bike

Hugs and smiles all around after stolen bike recovered

Vancouver police uncover massive bike theft ring near Oppenheimer Park

Project 529 bike registry system launches in Regina to combat bike theft

Bicycles are becoming a form of currency as thefts continue to rise: RCMP

Regina police rolling out new tactic to prevent bike thefts

Every 30 Seconds, One Bike Is Stolen. Here’s How to Fight Back

New Research Claims 2 Million Bikes Are Stolen in North America Every Year

Bicycle theft surpasses 2 million a year in the USA

Bike theft prevention program expands into Vernon

Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP launch bike theft prevention program

529 Garage bike registry program gets new sponsor and more retailers where shield is available

Ottawa police launch app to help people register bikes and report bike theft

Ottawa police collaborate to launch bike registry and anti-theft app

Time to broaden the search for bike-theft solutions

Granville Island rolling out free valet service for cyclists

Delight as Kelowna man's trike is returned thanks to intervention from member of the public

Project 529, Nice wheels.

#EndBikeTheft: Our Action Plan

529 Garage App Now Has the Largest Number of Registered Bikes in the World

Bike registered in Prince George, stolen in Penticton, found in Vancouver

VPD pilot project credited with 30 per cent drop in bicycle thefts

Project 529 helps return almost one stolen bike a day in Vancouver

Vancouver recognized as world leader in fighting bike thefts; thefts drop 30% in three years

Bike theft reports in Vancouver down 30 per cent in last three years. Police credit online bike registration system Project 529

App that slashed Vancouver bike thefts becomes a model for the world

Project 529 helps position Vancouver as world leader in fighting bike theft

Bike thefts in Whistler down 57% this year, police say

Bait Bikes Deployed in Richmond

Granville Island Sees Massive drop in bike Thefts

Bike Thefts Down 30 per cent as Project 529 Reaches 22,000 Registrations in Vancouver

'Bike theft is not inevitable': Vancouver rolls out a cycle crime revolution

Anti-Bike Theft Program Returns to Prince George

Bike theft in Vancouver drops 30% thanks to new app. Will other Canadian cities catch on?

The app helping BC police recover stolen bikes

Nanaimo RCMP promote registration with 529 Garage during Bike to Work and School Week

The Ultimate Guide to Ensuring That Your Bike Never Gets Stolen Again

Nanaimo woman gets her stolen bike back, thanks to smartphone app

Bike registry services merge as Project 529 buys National Bike Registry

Anti-theft measures cut bike thefts by 60 per cent on Granville Island

Thieves be warned: Stolen bike recovery service expanding across B.C.

David and Goliath: How a Tiny Organization is Taking On the Bike Theft Industry

Home News Port Moody police launch bike registration program to reduce theft

New 529 Garage project hopes to decrease bike thefts in Vancouver

Project 529 Debuts Anti-Bike Theft App at Sea Otter

Vancouver Police anti-bike theft program recognized by World Bank

Bike-registration project sees dramatic drop in bike theft in Vancouver

Bike thefts in Vancouver down 30% thanks to Project 529 registry, police say

Meet Project 529: A bike security software startup led by Xbox co-founder J Allard

Bicycle security startup Project 529, led by former Xbox exec J Allard, acquires National Bike Registry

Guelph police launch bike registry program as theft stats show spike

Granville Island bike thefts Plummet by 70%

Bike theft on Granville Island reduced dramatically thanks to community efforts

Someone’s Stolen Your Bike. Hope You’ve Done This to help Police get it Back

Oceanside RCMP Register Bikes to Deter Thieves

Life gets tougher for bike thieves in Delta, B.C.

Bike Theft on the Rise in Venice

Parksville Qualicum Beach residents can register bikes

Kamloops Embracing Bike to Work and School Week

Put Your Bike on Lockdown

Bike thefts are down in Kelowna this year

Bike theft prevention pilot program coming to north campus

Register your bike with app to get it back wheelie fast if stolen

Online registry hopes to reunite owners with their stolen bikes

VPD Launch Bike Registry Program to Recover Stolen Rides

VPD Throws A Wrench Into the Spokes of Bike Thieves

ABUS partners with Portland’s Project 529

529 Garage: Crowd-Connected Bike Security for the Modern Rider

App Creator Aims to Halt Bike Theft

Tailwind on every ride? – See e-bike trips

Book your fall training now – see Ride Camps

European Classic booking fast – see the trips

• Request a Catalog
• 866-464-8735

Select Date Range

Modal title, popular searches.

California Wine Country Bike Tour

Croatia and The Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour

Mallorca 7-Day Ride Camp Bike Tour

Tuscany Bike Tour

Join Trek Travel Today!

Sign up with Trek Travel to personalize your experience and view trips. Account holders, click “Sign In” which may require you to reset your password.

By signing up for our eNewsletter, you agree to receive marketing materials from Trek Travel and its affiliate Trek Bicycles. Your data is stored in the United States. View our privacy policy .

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy .

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Over $25,022,397 Worth of Bikes Recovered

Bike registration that works, register now », stolen bicycles we helped recover recently:.

The police found someone with my bike and ran it on bike index and recovered it for me. Thanks bike index! translated from English

Portland Bureau of Police Bike Squad found bike in a camp and called me because it was registered on Bike Index! translated from English

Someone saw my Bike Index post and they found it by a pizza shop. They held it until I was contacted. translated from English

Someone found it behind their house and sent me a message. translated from English

A peace officer at Churchill station called me and said he found my bike a big thank you to him. translated from English

But How Does it work?

Register your bike.

It's simple. Submit your name, bike manufacturer, serial number, and component information to enter your bike into the most widely used bike registry on the planet.

Alert the Community

If your bike goes missing, mark it as lost or stolen to notify the entire Bike Index community and its partners.

The community responds

A user or partner encounters your bike, uses Bike Index to identify it, and contacts you.

You Get your Bike Back

With the help of the Bike Index community and its partners, you have the information necessary to recover your lost or stolen bike at no cost to you. It's what we do.

Bike Index statistics

Bikes registered this week, total bikes registered 1,216,050, stolen bikes registered 139,544, stolen bikes recovered 13,949, total recovery value $25,022,397, partner organizations 1,636.

• Go! E-bikes
• Accessories
• Find a retailer

ABOUT ELECTRA

• Electra history
• Flat Foot Technology
• Brand partners
• Electra Funbassadors
• Work at Electra
• Customer care
• Bike registration
• Manuals & user guides
• Shipping & delivery
• Newsletter signup
• Global distributors
• How to shop safely
• Privacy policy & terms of use
• Accessibility
• Cookie policy
• California Transparency Act

United States / English

• © Electra Bicycle Company 2024

Bike A Ton is reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Feel free to click away.

Can You Identify Bike by Serial Number?

Bike serial numbers are used as a unique identifier for ownership tracking – but did you know that they can even tell you certain details about the make and model of your bike, too? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how to identify a bike by serial number.

Your bike’s serial number is typically located under the bottom bracket . However, there are exceptions to this rule. Read on to find out more.

Raleigh bike serial number

Physical clues: what to look for, get a bike insurance., can you track down your bike yourself, what is a bike’s serial number.

The most important feature of your bike is its serial number. It is also sometimes referred to as a frame number . Each bike has a unique serial number engraved, and it serves as its unique ID. These digits are the key to identifying your bike.

The bike’s serial number can have between six and ten numbers assigned by the manufacturer, whether mountain bikes, road bikes, or BMX bikes.

Why is a Bike Serial Number Important?

Bike theft is on the rise , and more than 2 million bikes are stolen in North America yearly. This problem has been growing during the coronavirus pandemic when more people are dependent on bicycles as their main mode of transportation.

Shockingly, only 20% of bicycle owners know their bike’s serial number. With this percentage, no wonder why only 5% of wonders get their stolen or lost bikes back. Police say, your best bet for recovering your bike is by its serial number along with its make, model, receipt, images, or any proof of ownership. 

Bike serial numbers can serve you in many ways. It doesn’t only serve as an ID, and it is also useful for warranty purposes . Most bicycles have warranty protection against manufacturing defects in materials or make. You can return your bike as long as you have the bike serial number and some important proof of purchase like an email or paper receipt.

Also, if you need to take your bike in for repairs , the mechanic can better figure out what bike parts are compatible with yours, as long as you have the bike serial number. 

Where to Find Your Bike’s Serial Number

Bike serial numbers are usually found under the bottom bracket, where the pedals or pedal cranks meet. To find your own, turn yourself upside down and look under the bottom bracket!

What happens if you didn’t find one? Don’t worry. There could be other places where you can find the serial number engraved. The most common serial number locations are:

• headset or head tube
• top of the crank
• underside of crank
• seat tube next to crank or seat downtube

There’s no standardization method for identifying bikes by serial numbers. It could sometimes make you wonder if it’s the serial number you’re looking at or just a random number. The digits may represent the month, year, or model code – it may vary depending on the brand and manufacturer. 

The location of your bike’s serial number would also depend on its age. For newer bikes, it’s located on the underside of the bottom bracket shell or near the cranks. Also, check your head tube and seat tube. But bikes built before the mid-1999 will have the serial number stamped on the drive-side dropout. You may need to remove the wheel to see it.

Remember that most bikes come with a serial number, but not all of them. This is the case for hand-made, vintage bicycles- they don’t have bike serial numbers at all! Or it could be that the bike is worn, and the number is no longer readable. In this case, your best option is to register your bicycle in a bike organization, to be covered later.

Here’s an example of what a serial number under the bottom bracket looks like:

How to Decode Your Bike Serial Number

The year of production is often found at the start or middle points in bike serial numbers for many brands. For example, Haro bike serial number starts with a letter indicating the manufacturing month, followed by two numbers indicating the manufacturing year.

Then you’ll see various characters associated with the bike’s product code, model type, model number, or batch code. The arrangement depends on the bike manufacturer. So we recommend using a bike serial number decoder. The easiest way to read your bike serial number is to search the internet using the format “ [bike brand] bike serial number decoder.”

How to Decode Serial Number of Popular Bike Brands

Trek bike serial number.

• Location : underside of bike frame
• Commonly starts with “WTU” followed by a string of letters and numbers
• Useful link : Trek bike registration

Cannondale bike serial number

• Location : under the bottom bracket
• 2000-2001 models: first two letters indicate manufacturing year and month
• 2002-current models: first letters indicate manufacturing year
• Useful link: Vintage Cannondale serial numbers

Specialized bike serial number

• Note : Specialized serial number does not indicate size, model, or manufacturing year of the bike. 
• Location(s): underside of the top tube and/or down tube, underside of bike, under the bottom bracket
• Typically starts with “WSBC,” “WUD,” “STT,” or “STE”
• To find the year: find your bike manually via the photos in the Specialized online archive .

Schwinn bike serial number

• Location(s): head tube, below the bottom bracket, rear drop-out
• The model number and manufacturing date code can be found on a silver sticker on the bike’s frame – by the non-chain side crank arm above the pedals
• Useful link : Schwinn 1960-1979 models serial number

Santa Cruz bike serial number

• Location(s): above/under the bottom bracket, under the swing arm after removing rear wheel
• Useful links: Santa Cruz FAQ on serial number , Santa Cruz bike registration

Mongoose bike serial number

• Location(s): behind the head tube, under the bottom bracket
• Useful links: Vintage Mongoose serial numbers , Mongoose bike registration

Diamondback bike serial number

• Location : underside of the frame where the pedals and crank arms meet
• How to decode (typical): first 2-3 letters (frame factory), next 2-4 numbers (month and year), final 4 numbers (product sequence)

Haro bike serial number

• Location(s): under the bottom bracket, rear dropouts, near seat tube
• How to decode: first 2-3 letters (model), next number (year)
• Useful links: Haro serial number , Haro bike registration

Mafiabikes bike serial number

• Location : underside of the bottom bracket
• Useful link: Mafiabikes owner’s manual

Giant bike serial number

• Location(s): underside of frame, under bottom bracket
• Typically starts with “GM,” followed by 6-10 numbers
• Useful link: Giant bike registration
• Location(s): under bottom bracket, front/side of seat lug
• Typically starts with a number (last digit of year production), followed by letter (month), followed by numbers
• Useful links: Raleigh bike registration , Raleigh serial numbers and charts

What’s Next?

Once you find your bike serial number, you can keep that for records. Take a snapshot of the bike’s serial number and key details such as make and model. Record some copies, email them to yourself and upload them to your google drive or cloud for backup. And make sure that you have it handy in case you need it. Note where it was located – bottom bracket, head tube, or seat tube.

Taking a photo of your bike is also a must. Remember that there are bikes similar to yours- same color, wheels, and model. Some cyclists take pictures of EVERY part of it or take a selfie with their bike.

You can mark your frame with your postcode in two separate locations if possible, one of which should be kept hidden. Yes, seriously- when it comes to bicycle protection, you can’t overdo it.

Bike Essentials 2024 (Must-Have Gears and Accessories)

7 Best Mountain Bikes Under $700 [2024 Top Picks]

How to Register Your Bike

We drive registered cars, but only a few try to bike register. Bike registration is a low-cost way to protect your two-wheeler. There is no reason why you shouldn’t take extra precautions. 

Bike theft typically happens because most bike owners don’t register their bikes. Bike registration will lessen the possibility of bike theft. It will also ensure that thieves will have a hard time selling your bike if it’s stolen. 

Register your bike in a bike serial number database . Bike organizations such as Project 529, bikeindex.org (USA), and bikeregister.com (for the UK) will provide a comprehensive tool to store critical data like serial numbers. They also assist you in reporting stolen bikes. These organizations are recognized by the police force. These bike registries increase the traceability of bikes by allowing any registered cycle to be identified by police if it is stolen and recovered.  

You also have the choice to register your bike with the police department . Some U.S. cities like Chicago, New York, and Milwaukee offer this service. To register, search for a police station that takes care of this process in your city or state. Registration typically requires your bike manufacturer and model, as well as your unique serial number. Register now, and don’t worry because it’s free.

How to Register a Bike Without a Serial Number

You can still register your bicycle at Project 259 , even without a serial number.

Also, if you’re around Southern California, you can visit the University of Southern California. They will provide you with tools to engrave your driver’s license number on your frame. They’ll use this as an alternate identification number to the manufacturer’s serial number.

Once you have registered your bike, you will receive a kit with a weather-resistant- sticker similar to an actual bike serial number. You can stick your serial number wherever your preferred location is on the bicycle frame, and you can use that to track your bicycle if it ever gets stolen.

You can also use other methods for bike identification. How about snapping some detailed photos of your bike? Capture unique features, stickers, or even scratches. These can be super helpful if you ever need to prove ownership.

Bike Apps for Serial Number Registration

Bikeregister.com launched a mobile app in 2019. A lot of people are registering serial numbers on the app each day: the local police, retailers, and some citizens. There are over 1,000 searches made on BikeRegister through their website and the mobile app. 

An estimated 900,000 bikes have already been registered on the secure database. The app is being used by over 23 Police Forces on thousands of Police-issued mobile devices. They use the app to check bikes using your bicycle serial number or frame number. 

Members of the public and retailers can now download the app on Android devices through the Google Play Store. The app allows you to set up your BikeRegister account, register your bike details, and upload your bike images. 

This app will take less than 6 minutes to register your bike details. So if your bike ever gets stolen, you can report it using the organization registry to alert other registry users in a 10-mile radius. 

How to Identify Bike by Serial Number

You can visit bikeindex.org or bikeregister.com to search for your bike serial number (also called bike frame number). 

These websites offer two options in searching for your stolen or lost bike; one is by description, and another is by serial number or frame number. It doesn’t matter which option you want to use, but we recommend using the serial code finder because it’s more accurate in narrowing down your search result. 

In searching for your bike using the serial number, punch your bike serial number in the search bar and wait for the result to pop up.

How to Spot a Stolen Bike

There’s nothing wrong with buying a second-hand bike. There are great bargains to be found online. Be careful purchasing online because a few years ago, a report confirmed that websites like Craigslist and eBay could be unintentionally selling stolen bicycles. 

Check the Serial Number

First and foremost, ask for the bike’s serial number and run it through a bike registry app. No serial number or the seller is hesitant to give it? Red flag!

Look for things like scratched-off serial numbers or multiple paint layers. These are often signs that someone is trying to disguise the bike’s true identity. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

Here are a few other things you can do to check if a used bike is stolen :

• Check for proof of ownership.
• Research the seller.
• Check the listing.
• Consider the bike’s price.

Additional Bike Security Tips

Use a lock..

Make sure to secure your bike with an adequate lock . U-locks, such as Kryptonite , are recommended. You can also buy a 6-foot cable or chain (the thicker, the better) used with a U-lock. It will allow you to lock your bike to any rack and secure your wheels.

Find a good parking spot.

Park in a secure parking facility such as a bike rack. Also, when parking your bike, don’t obstruct the walkways, railings, doorways, and ramps intended for pedestrian use.

Use a GPS tracker.

Your bike is among one of your most valuable possessions. Some avid cyclists would even catch a grenade for their bikes. Protecting your bike is a top priority, and that means buying all the accessories needed to secure it- like bike locks. But sometimes locks are no longer enough to protect it. 

We suggest you get a GPS tracker . It doubles your bicycle’s protection from thieves. There are bike shops like Spybike that offer gadgets for bicycle protection. Their products will look like a standard bike component with a concealed tracking system that transmits a GPS signal. 

It has a vibration sensor that initiates the tracking system. This tracking system sends the owner an SMS alert containing the bike’s coordinates every 20 seconds. You can also invest in a bike alarm. It can detect when a bike is being jostled. It sets off a signal and sends a message to your smartphone. Sounds cool, right?

Read also: Best Cheap Bike Computers in 2024 (Buying Guide & Reviews)

Bicycle insurance isn’t compulsory, but it is a small price to spend to protect your bicycle, especially if it’s expensive. Your insurance will serve as a safety net in case of theft, and it will also help in case of traffic accidents. Remember that your bike insurance will only cover bikes stolen from your home or garage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do e-bikes have serial numbers.

Yes, electric bikes have serial numbers, although your e-bike serial number is more commonly known as the VIN or the Vehicle ID number. Serial numbers of e-bikes could be in a similar place as regular bikes – bike parts like the bottom bracket, head tube, and seat tube.

It’s okay to track down your bike on your own. But it will be safer to identify your bike serial number online and work with the local police.

Final Thoughts

Bike companies often register their bikes with local police departments. So if your bike is stolen and later recovered by police, they can identify it using your bike serial number.

If you’re ever in doubt about where your bike’s serial number is located, take it to your local bicycle shop, and they should be able to help you out.

About The Author

Antonnette Baker

Hey there! We’re Antonnette and Mario, a sister-and-brother tandem who love bikes and biking.

We and our team use our extensive knowledge about bicycles to help you have a great riding experience.

Read more...

Posts You Might Like

5 top hybrid bike handlebars: choose the right one for your ride, best bikepacking bags of 2024, best co2 inflators in 2024, 8 best mountain bike trainers in 2024, best bike brakes in 2024 (buying guide & reviews), 9 best bmx shoes in 2024 (with buying guide), 7 best bike helmet lights for 2024, best exercise bike for bad knees (our top 7 picks), best women’s cycling shoes (2024 buying guide & reviews), best bike baskets in 2024 (tried and tested), how fast can a mountain bike go speed limits & factors, is a bicycle considered a vehicle , bike vs bicycle: understanding the difference, gear cycle vs normal cycle: which one suits your riding style best, how many miles should you bike a day a comprehensive guide for every rider, when and how to safely enter a bike lane, mountain bike tire width: what every rider needs to know, top 5 bmx tricks for beginners to master, the complete guide to speed and agility training: unlock your athletic potential, how to choose a full suspension mountain bike: a complete guide for beginners.

Advertisement

Related Posts

NCM Milano Electric Bike Review

When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure.

NCM make high-quality, but affordable electric bikes, in this review I will explain why I believe the NCM Milano is the best electric commuter bike for the money.

About NCM Electric bikes

NCM electric bikes are owned by Leon Cycle GmbH a German company based in Hanover. Their e-bikes are designed in Germany and manufactured in China.

Specification

The centrepiece of this Electric bike is the X15 geared rear hub motor: This reliable 250W rear electric motor is known for its durability and high torque output, enabling the rider to maintain 15.5mph for long periods. There is no compromise in handling with the small motor centred in the rear hub.

48v13ah Lithium battery pack with USB charging port for mobile devices: Bulky battery packs take up a considerable amount of space, but the Milano’s battery is integrated into the down tube of the bike, keeping the weight low and central, which helps to improve stability. The manufacturers claimed a maximum range of 75 miles seems a little optimistic. The total battery energy capacity is 624wh (watt hours), so if you were consuming 20wh per mile, your range would be 31 miles. My friend owns one of these bikes and gets an average range of around 40-50 miles.

This bike is built for comfort:  The Schwalbe touring tyres, Suntour front suspension, adjustable handlebar stem, Selle Royal ergonomic grips and saddle with suspension post all make for an incredibly comfortable ride, even over longer distances. The Shimano 7-Speed gears, index perfectly – shifting is crisp and precise.

Fully functional control panel display: The Das-Kit LCD gives you all the information you would expect from an e-bike display. including journey time and mileage. It also has 6 power levels of pedal assist, so you can fine-tune the power output to suit your ride.

Excellent build quality: The NCM Milano is designed to look great but with no compromise on functionality and safety. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors provide adequate braking and the brake levers incorporate motor cut-off switches to ensure safe riding. The front and rear lights work off the battery and provide an extra level of safety – especially when riding in the winter. Internal cable routing finishes off the package neatly and not only looks great but protects the cables from the elements.

In my opinion, the NCM Milano electric bike offers exceptional value for money. It is unusual to see such a high-quality, well-made e-bike at this price point. What’s more the specification is excellent. The 48v13ah battery will certainly provide users with a realistic range of between 30-45 miles, or 31 miles using the 20wh per mile calculation. The claimed range of 75 miles may be a little optimistic for everyday use – it depends on how much you use the electric assist.

Tektro Mechanical disc brakes should provide adequate stopping power, while the Schwalbe tyres will provide a reasonable amount of puncture protection.

The attention to detail on this bike is great. The internally routed cables and the integrated battery pack make for a very clean finish, something you only usually find on more expensive e-bikes.

The fact that this bike has mudguards, a pannier rack, lights and a kickstand fitted, means that it is excellent for the daily commute in all weathers, or perfect for some weekend touring. The inclusion of a gel saddle and suspension seat post make this bike a truly comfortable and versatile all-rounder.

If you are in the market for an incredibly versatile and affordable e-bike this definitely ticks all the right boxes

A friend of mine purchased one of these back in the Summer and he was kind enough to let me take it for a spin. I can honestly say it was a revelation! The gel saddle was incredibly comfortable and the small X15 hub motor was quiet and smooth. It produced a lot of power for such a small motor, making climbing the steep Cornish hills a doddle! The brakes and front suspension were more than adequate for the back lanes of Cornwall.

I really cannot recommend this bike enough. It has to be one of the best value e-bikes on the market at the moment, and the specification is great.

The great thing about this e-bike is that it is a true hybrid – it is equally comfortable being ridden on tarmac or unpaved surfaces. It can even be used for some light off-road riding.

If you are in the market for an incredibly versatile and affordable e-bike this ticks all the right boxes.

Incidentally, NCM’s other 48v 250w bike is called the NCM Moscow , I will be reviewing this bike shortly. I have personally worked on and ridden a Moscow, and it is on par with the Milano for the ride and builds quality. It uses identical electric components but in a mountain bike-style frame.

Meet Tony, a passionate e-bike advocate and enthusiast who discovered the life-changing benefits of electric bikes back in 2016. Tony’s technical experience within the e-bike field was gained while running a successful electric bike conversion business for 5 years in his home county of Cornwall, UK.

Similar Posts

Himo C30S Max Electric Road Bike [Tech Specs and Overview]

When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure. If you prefer riding a drop handlebar bike, it’s very difficult to find an e-bike…

Engwe X26: Long-Range Cruiser with Two Batteries

When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure. A lot of the e-bikes that have come out of China over the last few…

Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Review

When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure. Cube has upped its game in the sub £2000 e-bike market and the replacement for…

Haibike FullSeven 4 Review

When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure. Since most e-bike manufacturers have increased their prices substantially for 2021 it’s very hard to…

Eskute Netuno Review: Now even better value at under £900

When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure. The Eskute Netuno electric bike has been around for a couple of years now and…

Kaisda K4 Electric Bike (Specification and Overview)

When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure. In this post, I’m going to be taking a quick look at the Kaisda K4…

46 Comments

boa taarde tenho uma biçicleta destas mas necessito de assistencia em Portugal. ela não arranca e não encontro uma ofecina que repare esta marca e com a garantia

Hi! Thank you for the review! I bought Milano a week ago, so far so good. I found the first assist speed to be stronger that I’d like it to be. Is there any way to rebalance those 1-6 modes within the given range, so it starts not as strong?

Don’t know if this is still open, but I really like the Milano plus, my only question, is how easy is it to remove the battery beneath that tube? Can it be done one handed? Cornwall my home!

Turning the key releases the battery catch, then you need to lift it slightly, move it forward and remove. I would imagine it’s possible to do it one handed, but it would be fairly tricky as the battery weighs around 3kg.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Regards, Tony

bike seems well make and sturdy but i find the tyres are so skinny that when you are on slightly uneven surfaces even at a slow pace & i’m talking in number 1 setting it is dangerous and you could so easy fall off on a slightly uneven footpath. It’s ok on even ground but i wouldn’t let my wife ride it. I’ll try putting new tyres on it & see how it goes or it will be sold. In comparison i have another basic ebike in the states which is so stable this is nowhere close to and ride all types of tracks on it which is also a similar style. i would say I’m disappointed in it so far & feel its an accident waiting to happen.

Bonjour J’ai juste une question ,je mesure que 5 pieds !!!! Donc le small peut-il me convenir

Bonjour, Je pense que même la version 26″ est peut-être un peu trop grande. NCM recommande une hauteur minimale de 5′ 2″ de 160 cm.

Excellent review Tony,

I went ahead and bought the Milano and I’ve been very impressed with it so far. I was wondering if you’d know whether the 48v 16ah battery for NCM bikes would be compatible with the Milano model? I can’t seem to find a 48v 13ah battery anywhere.

Many thanks, Andy

An NCM Milano Plus battery should fit straight in. The 16Ah battery is the same size and uses lithium cells with a higher energy density.

Bonjour Je viens d’acheter ce vélo Mais je me pose la question, comment mettre en route la lumière avant ? Merci de votre aide

Appuyez et maintenez la touche « + » sur l’écran pour allumer le phare.

Bonjour Tony, Merci pour votre commentaire très instructif. Je souhaite acheter le Milano car après avoir étudier le marché des vélo électriques; il semble être d un excellent qualité-prix. J ai expérimenté le Veligo. Il me semble etre un peu similaire. Mais j ai une petite hésitation…si vous pouviez m éclairer…a t on sur le vélo le dos droit? Je pensais le prendre en taille L (28 pouces)(Je fais 1,74m) pour avoir une assise plus confortable. Je l utiliserai quotidiennement pour aller travailler. Pensez-vous que c est un bon choix? Ou devrais je m orienter vers un vélo de ville type Elops de Decathlon ou Sydney de Ubanbiker?(que je trouve tout de même assez cher) Merci pour votre réponse. A très bientôt, Linda

Bonjour, La taille fait référence au diamètre de la roue (28″). Tous les cadres NCM Milano sont identiques et correspondent à une taille moyenne. Cela devrait être parfait pour votre taille. La potence du guidon est également réglable, ce qui vous permet de monter le guidon encore plus haut si nécessaire. Salutations, Tony

I am seeing two different Milano Max models…N8C and N8R. They look exactly the same and with the same specifications. What is the difference?

I checked online for milano and price was 1189 Canadian dollar. On Monday I decided to buy it but unfortunately price went up to 1359$. I’m surprised as during holiday season everywhere else reducing their prices but your price was raised.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *