Many times I see people simply post a bicycle serial number and ask for information such as make, model, etc… . Unfortunately bicycle serial numbers, unlike an automobile vehicle identification number (VIN) often tell you very little about the bicycle. At the very best it may tell you the date the serial number was stamped but not necessarily when the bike was made. This is because the parts that the serial numbers are stamped on were often done before the frames were ever built and could have set in the parts bin for days, weeks, or months before the bicycle was ever manufactured.

Numbering varied greatly between manufacturers as well as record keeping. Most people are aware of the fire at the Schwinn factory in 1948. Some wrongly assume that bikes before 1948 can’t be dated. This is not true because collectors have been gathering data for decades to fill in the holes and most Schwinns, at least back to 1933, can be roughly dated off the serial number.

Schwinn along with Cleveland Welding Company (CWC) and Westfield Manufacturing are probably the easiest to date by serial number due to very complete records. The numbering for other manufacturers such as Shelby and obscure makers such as Manton Smith are less understood and dating a bare frame can be difficult.

This is why it is important to look for other clues as to the age and model of the bike. The style of the frame, placement of the serial number, style of the chain ring, badge, dates or marks on components especially the rear hub or crank, or paint and accessories can all help identify the bicycle.

When asking for information try to provide as many of these clues as you can along with good, clear pictures of the entire bike from the chain ring side, head badge, dropouts and other frame characteristics such as fender bridges and fork crowns.  By doing this you stand a much better chance of dating and identifying your bicycle.

Enjoy the ride!