Check the frame number: why and how do you do that?

Are you wondering what a frame number is and why is it worth checking this? Each bike frame has a unique number engraved or engraved on it. That song is, as it were, the your bike's passport. By checking and registering your frame number, you can help prevent theft and prove your ownership. We explain why frame numbers are so important, how to control them and what to do if something isn't right.

What is a frame number and where can you find it?

A frame number is a unique code of letters and numbers that is placed on the bicycle frame by the manufacturer. You'll usually find this number:

• Under the bottom bracket (on the plate where the pedals go through).
• On the seat tube (under the seat, on the standing frame tube).
• Sometimes on the top tube or near the headset (stem).

The frame number is often engraved in the metal or printed on a sticker. It can range from a few characters to as many as 15 characters. Because the number is unique, you can use it to identify your bike in registration systems.

Why check the frame number?

Frame number verification is a smart thing to do in several situations:

• When buying a used bike: Compare the frame number on the bike with any papers or proof of purchase. If they are not true, that is a red flag — the bike may have been stolen.
• If your bike is stolen: With the frame number, you can report it to the police and have your bike registered as stolen. Without a number, there is little chance that you will ever see your bike again.
• For registration and insurance: Some insurers require the frame number when taking out a policy. Also with bike registration (like in the BIKEBAZE database) you need the number. This is how you officially certify that the bike is yours.
• To prevent theft: A bike with a known frame number linked to your name (via registration) is less attractive to thieves. Especially if you have also made it visible that the bike is registered, for example with a SafeTag sticker.

In short, checking the frame number gives you certainty about the origin of the bike and makes it easier to take action in case of theft or sale.

How do you check a frame number for validity and theft?

One check frame number is the smartest way to check whether a bike is reliable or maybe stolen. Follow this step-by-step plan:

1. Read the frame number correctly
   Look for the frame number on your bike (usually under the bottom bracket, on the seat tube, or on the down tube). Clean the area so that all numbers and letters are clearly legible. Don't you like it? Read this article.
2. Compare to documents
   Make sure the frame number matches the information on the purchase receipt, warranty, or insurance documents. A different number is suspicious — always ask for an explanation before you buy the bike.
3. Do a stolen bike check into databases
   • Stop Heling: national police database where you can see for free whether a bike has been reported stolen.
   • RDW bicycle theft register: especially useful for insured bicycles that have been officially reported as stolen.
   • BIKEBAZE: enter the frame number on the website of BIKEBAZE. You can immediately see whether the bike is registered and whether it has been reported stolen by the owner.
4. Register frame number
   Is the bike already registered? Then the old owner can own the property to you via BIKEBAZE ownership transfer. Is the bike not registered anywhere? Then install it immediately after purchase in your name in BIKEBAZE. This way, you have official proof of ownership and your bike is always traceable.

Please note: Has the frame number been removed, unreadable or does the check show that the bike has been stolen? Do not buy the bike and report it to the police.

BIKEBAZE database: extra security and community

BIKEBAZE offers with the database a digital platform where you can register and verify your bike's frame number. This has several advantages:

• You officially declare that the bike is yours. Useful as proof in case of theft or misunderstanding.
• When selling, you can easily transfer the registration to the new owner via BIKEBAZE, so that the frame number always belongs to the right person.
• In the unlikely event that your bike is stolen, you can report this to the database. Anyone who checks the frame number (or scans the SafeTag on your bike) will immediately see that the bike has been stolen and can contact you to return it to you. You will also receive a location where the bike was scanned.

This community approach ensures that we help each other: the more bicycles are registered, the harder it becomes for thieves to sell their loot. One visibly registered The bike (for example with the BIKEBAZE® SafeTag) is also preventative.

Do you also want to register and protect your bike? Register it for free in the BIKEBAZE database today.

FAQs

Can I register my bike without the frame number?
It is highly recommended that you always use the frame number when registering — it is the most unique identifier. If you really can't find a frame number (or the bike doesn't have one), at least register all other features (brand, type, color, special features) as completely as possible. You should also consider adding an alternative ID, such as a SafeTag, so that the bike is still traceable.

How can I make the frame number most readible?
A frame number may become dirty or corroded. Clean the area with a cloth and some degreaser or soap. Use a flashlight or your phone flash to see the number more clearly. When numbers are dimmed, it sometimes helps to look obliquely from different angles. Do not engrave or scratch the number yourself, as this may make it unreadable.