How do you date a vintage bike?

Check the Serial Number The obvious starting point to find the date a bike was made is the serial number. Serial numbers are stamped onto the bike during the manufacturing process. They are a useful tool in helping recover bikes after theft and also to establish the model. The good news is most bikes have them.

Do old bikes have serial numbers?

The only bikes that wont have a serial number engraved somewhere on their frame are either very old or hand made (some bespoke frame makers dont assign frames numbers). So if you dont see it a first, keep looking.

How do you date a vintage Raleigh bike?

Conveniently, they also usually have the month and the last two digits of the year of manufacture stamped onto the shell. This is the easiest way to date a 3-speed bicycle, if it has its original rear wheel.