Bike registration to reduce theft and help recovery

How To Find A Bike's Serial Number

So, you're looking for your bike's serial number? You've come to the right place. We'll walk you through the process of finding your serial number to help with registering your bike.

Start by checking out the bottom bracket.
That's the part of the frame where the pedals attach. You'll need to flip the bike up to see it. The serial number is usually etched or stamped on the bottom bracket shell. Almost all bike manufacuturers put the serial number there.

What if it's not there?

See if it's on the seat tube (A). That's the long tube that runs from the bottom bracket to the seat. If it's there, the serial number is usually near the top.
Check the rear stays (B). Those are the two small tubes that run from the rear axle to the frame. You might find the serial number on one of them.
Look on the top of the crank (C), where the pedals attach. The serial number might be stamped there.
Check under the top tube(D). That's the tube that runs from the head tube to the seat tube. There may be a sticker there with the serial number.
Take a look at the head tube (E), especiallly if you have a Rad Power Bike. That's the bit of the frame where the front fork and stem are attached. The serial number might be also hiding out on the underside.

You might want a flashlight to help you read the embossement. We also strongly recommend taking a photo of your serial number. That way, you'll have an additional record of the serial number.

Still can't find a serial number?

Check any documentation you might have for your bike. If you still have the paperwork that came with your bicycle, the serial number might be listed there. Also, check out the manufacturer's website or head to a local bike shop for some extra help.

Unfortunately, some bikes simply don't have serial numbers, so make sure you enter as much other information as you possibly can about your bike. You might also want to get a 529 Shield to give your bike a unique identifier.

Did you find some numbers, but aren't sure which is the serial number?

If you're looking at a series of numbers on your bike and you're not sure which one is the serial number, there are a few things you can do to help determine which number is which. First, look for any numbers that are separate from the others or are in a different font or style. Often, the serial number will be the only set of alphanumeric characters that are not grouped together with other numbers or letters. Additionally, the serial number is usually longer than the other numbers on the bike and may be preceded by the letters SN or S/N. If you're still unsure, consult the manufacturer's website or a local bike shop for assistance in identifying the serial number.

If the number starts with EN or ISO, TBI, it's more likely a part number which is not unique. Look to see if you find another number. When you register, we'll try to warn you if you are using a part number instead of the serial number.

Here are some suggestions for serial numbers for common bike brands:

Bianchi: The serial number will typically start with WBK followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Cannondale: Typically the serial number is on a sticker with a barcode.
Diamondback: The serial number will typically start with U16 or DAY16 followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Electra: The serial number will typically start with WBK followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Giant: The serial number will typically start with GM followed by a series of numbers and letters. Look on the head tube, bottom bracket, or battery.
GT: Read about GT BMX serial numbers
Haro: Read about Haro bike serial numbers
Jamis: The serial number will be a 9- or 10-digit alphanumeric sequence, usually beginning with a letter, and will not have any spaces or dashes.
Kona: The serial number will often start with F, H or IN followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Rad Power Bikes: The serial number will often start with V or R followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Raleigh: The serial number often start with U followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Santa Cruz: The serial number will often start with A, S or P followed by a series of numbers and letters. It may be on a QR code sticker.
Scott: The serial number will often start with A or S followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Specialized: The serial number will typically start with WSBC followed by a series of numbers and letters. Older models can start with STU or WUD.
Trek: The serial number will typically start with WTU or WUD followed by a series of numbers and letters.