How to Check If a Bike Is Stolen? : Identify Bike by Serial Number

If your bike is stolen, then to tackle this uncertain situation, you just need to know the serial number through which you can get your bike.

Whether you are purchasing a brand new bike or getting a used one, the most important thing is to look for a serial number. The serial number identifies the type of the bicycle and also helps in the identification of the bike in case it’s stolen.

Where to Find the Serial Numbers on Bicycles?

The bike serial number can find out at the bottom brackets. For a clear view, you just have to turn the bike upside down. Sometimes the serial number is not present at the bottom brackets. Many manufacturers engrave the serial number somewhere else on the frame. You just have to check the rear dropout, top of a crank, head tube, and bottom of the seat tube.

Other than bottom brakes, mostly the serial number is present on a head tube or at the rear drop out.

What Is Serial Number of Bike?

The serial number that is also called bike frame number is engraved by the manufacturers on the bottom side of the bicycles. These serial numbers help the manufacturers to match the compatible spare parts of the bike. The serial number consists of a unique combination of digits that ranges between 6 – 10 digits.

The serial number is basically the identification of your bike. Through serial numbers, the manufacturers can get help related to their inventory system. Repair shops also get to know about the matching spare parts of the bicycle in case of replacement through this serial number. Coming towards understanding the serial number, it totally depends upon the manufacturers or the brand.

But usually, the first digit shows the year in which the bike is manufactured. The second digit indicates the month and the last digits represent the individual ID and assembly of the bicycle. In order to read the bicycle serial number, use the decoder to understand the serial number of the bicycle.

Importance of Serial Number

The serial number of the bike is very important as it is the only way to get back your bike when stolen. Also, your bike is registered with different registration schemes through a serial number. The serial number also helps in repairing your bike within the warranty period. Through this serial number, your bike if stolen can find out easily through a tracking organization. Through this serial number, repair shops get to know about the matching spare parts of the bicycle in case of replacement.

The serial number of the bike is not prominent due to various reasons. On aluminum, steel, or titanium, the serial number is engraved permanently into the frame. Serial numbers on carbon fiber frames are present on the laminated stickers. On laminated stickers, the serial numbers are permanently engraved and cannot be removed even if bicycles get damaged.

Ways to Register a Bike

After knowing the serial number, the registration of your bike is very important in order to prove that the bike belongs to you. Online registration of your bike is done by providing the following things like a model, date of purchase, cost of the bike, serial number, pictures, and features of your bike. After registration of your bike, you also need to have security products.

How To Find Out If A Bike Is Stolen?

Remembering the serial number of the bike and its registration can help you to find out your bike in case if it’s stolen. So if your bike is actually stolen and you feel helpless then there are the following ways that are listed below through which you can find out your stolen bike easily and quickly.

Serial Number

The serial number is very important in finding out the stolen bike. So after purchasing the bike, you should know the location of the serial number which is usually engraved at the bottom brackets, below the pedals, and should remember it as it is the best way to track your bike and reach the thief. By using an online website and loading the serial number, you can actually get the information regarding your stolen bike which will be recorded on the database website.

Report the Police

Another way to find out your stolen bike is to file a report to your near police station. For reporting, you need to have the documents of your bike like the model, serial number, pictures, etc. footage of the CCTV camera can also help in finding out the thief and your stolen bike. If your bike is registered with any agency then it will be easy for you to find out your bike.

Use GPS to Find Out Your Bike

It is very necessary to purchase the security product after registration of your bike which later on will help in finding your stolen bike. GPS is one of the best security devices that will help in tracking your stolen bike and will inform you about the location of your bike anywhere and anytime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you look up the bike serial number?

The serial number of the bike is very important as it helps in the identification of your bike. while purchasing the new bike or getting the second hand, it is very important to remember the serial number that is located at the bottom bracket of the bicycle.

How do you read the bike serial numbers?

Serial numbers are mostly located at the bottom brackets or between the pedals of the bicycle. Every brand has its own unique serial numbers in which the first digit mainly represents the year of manufacturing, the second one shows the month and the other few represent the individual ID and assembling.

What if the bike doesn’t have a serial number?

There are many bikes that do not have serial numbers engraved at the bottom brackets. So this case, leave the serial number area blank and just try to collect lots of information about your bike. Also for safety measures, adding 529 shields to your bike will help in easily recovering your stolen bike and reaching out to the thief easily.

What is a frame model on a bike?

The frame model of the bike which is also called diamond frame is very important as all the components and wheels of the bike are fitted on it. The design of the frame for an upright bicycle is basically for safety bicycles that have two triangles. Their names are mainly Paired rear triangle and main triangle.

How do I find my stolen bike?

If your bike gets stolen so the first way to get it back is to load the serial number of the bike at the online tracking website. Also through registration, you will get to know the location of your bike anywhere and anytime. Other ways like reporting a file in the police station and through social media you can get your bike back.  Also through GPS devices, the location of the bike can be tracked easily.

Final Thoughts

Even after purchasing a bicycle, many people do not know about the serial number that is engraved at the bottom bracket or between the pedals of the bike which is its actual identification. So whether you are purchasing a brand new bike or getting your hands on a second-hand used bike, knowing the location of a serial number and remembering it is very important. Each bike has a unique serial number that ranges between 6 to 10 digits depending upon the manufacturers and the brands.

In an uncertain situation like anyone just stole your bike, so in that case, you should know your bike’s serial number through which you can easily get your stolen bike back. Also, the serial number gives much information about the bike like the year of manufacturing, month, individual’s ID, and assembling.

This serial number helps the repair shopkeeper to replace the matching spare parts of the bike. So serial number is a very important component of the bicycle.