Even if they sell the bike on quickly, protecting their “customers” is in their own best interests. Yes, career bike thieves do often go to the trouble of shaving off, filing down or painting over serial numbers. Won’t A Thief Just Remove the Serial Number? But just knowing the number isn’t enough: you need to link it to your name by registering it or insuring it. If you know the serial number of your bike, there is no excuse a thief can offer as to where the bike came from. No matter what parts have been changed on the bike, that serial number is exclusive to that bike frame. Anti-Theft Protectionįrom a bike owner’s point of view, the sole purpose of a serial number is to help recover a stolen or lost bike. In some cases, a bike serial number can provide information beyond just the model, such as frame color and size or componentry. They can identify products either in their possession or that have left a warehouse.Ī business may use inventory to control stock, balance supply and demand, trace movement of goods, stop fraudulent insurance claims and record after-sales service. Inventory Managementīike serial numbers help manufacturers and vendors to manage their inventory. Before a bike is sold and while it’s in warranty, it has a business purpose, too. What Is A Serial Number, And Why Is It Important?Ī serial number identifies a bike frame once the bike has been sold. These are harder to remove or deface than you might think, at least without damaging the frame or leaving an obvious trace. Serial numbers on carbon fiber frames are usually on laminated stickers. More traditional, vintage bikes may have the number discreetly etched into the manufacturer’s nameplate at the front of the bike. On steel, titanium or aluminum bike frames, the serial number is usually stamped indelibly into the frame. Anyone giving the bike unwanted attention knows where to look for the number, so it’s not hidden in any real sense. A random series of digits doesn’t add much to a bike’s look. The serial number isn’t prominent on the bike for aesthetic reasons. Other possibilities include rear stays, on the seat tube near the crankset, or on the head tube. By far the most common is beneath the bottom bracket, so the lowest part of the frame. Serial numbers are found in various places on a bike. Where Can You Find The Bike Serial Number On Your Bike?

What If Your Bike Doesn’t Have A Serial Number?.Registering Your Bike – Info & Items Needed.Won’t A Thief Just Remove the Serial Number?.What Is A Serial Number, And Why Is It Important?.Where Can You Find The Bike Serial Number On Your Bike?.

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