Locating the frame or serial number
Old ID
Symptoms
I'm looking for the serial number on my bike. Is this the same thing as the frame number? There's a number on the front page of my instruction packet... is that the number?
Causes
Solutions
Yes, "serial number" and "frame number" are the same thing. The number on the front of your manual should match the number on your bike.
Depending on the age of your bike, it will be in one of two places. Bikes built before mid-1999 will have the frame number stamped on the driveside dropout. It should be located between the nut for the rear hub, and above the rear derailluer. You may need to remove the wheel to see it clearly. Examine the GIF file in the Document Library (linked below) for an illustration.
If you have a newer bike, the frame number should be located on the underside of the bottom bracket shell. Turning your bike over should make the frame number apparent.
If you have a tandem, the same rules apply as the single bikes. We currently stamp the front bottom bracket shell. For Sat R Day recumbents, the frame number on newer units is stamped on the topside of the jackshaft spindle housing, found below the seat.
Written July 20, 2000 by Bike Friday staff member Peter Conklin .
Updated September 30, 2000.