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 sticker on the handle bar stem is that the serial number?
Solutions:
Yes, “serial number” and “frame number” are the same thing. The number on the sticker that came with your new bike should match the number stamped onto the frame of your bike.
Depending on the age of your bike, the frame number will be in one of two places. Bikes built before mid-1999 will have the frame number stamped on the drive-side dropout. It should be located between the nut for the rear hub, and above the rear derailluer. You may need to remove the rear wheel to see it clearly.
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 trouble reading the number try using a flashlight or a piece of paper and scribbling on the paper over the bottom bracket with the side of pencil tip to illuminate the numbers.
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.