Trek Frame Serial Numbers (Draft) Serial Number Location Trek frame serial numbers (SNs) are typically stamped into the bottom of the bottom bracket shell. In the case of some early 80s Treks, the number is under the plastic cable guide on the bottom of the shell. Just remove the plastic cable guide to see the number. The other place Trek (or their subcontractors) stamped the SN is at the lower end of the seat tube.

Note: The SN on your original sales receipt may not match the one on your bike. Sales persons sometimes had difficulty reading the numbers. Many Trek bottom bracket shells have a one or two letter code stamped separately from the serial number.

This was made by the individual framebuilder to mark his/her work. If you know which mark was used by a particular craftsman, please let me know.

Serialization Date The dates coded in the serial numbers, or the dates inferred from the numbers, are dates on which the new frames were stamped with serial numbers (serialized). These dates are not necessarily the same as the model year of the frame. At some time late in each year (beginning generally September or October) the frames produced were created from designs, and painted with colors, for the next year. Hard to read? Trek serial numbers can be hard to read. Clean the area well, and use lots of light at various angles.

A suggestion by J. Hansen can help you read a serial number. Serial Number highlighted with red wax. Click on image to see an enlarged version. Hansen) 'Rub the area with candle wax of a color that contrasts with your paint.

The bike as I got it needed tires, cables, bar wrap, a bottom bracket, and the full set of touring accessories. My 1982 Nishiki International. Serial number foramt Gmmyy where, G = Giant mm = month where 01 = Jan, 02 = Feb, etc. Yy = year where 80 = 1980, 81 = 1981, etc. Example: G0384 is a frame that was manufactured by Giant in March 1984. * The serial number format changed in 1987. The format precedes 1978 though no samples have been reported on Nishiki bicycles.

Lightly wipe it off with a rag. The wax stays in the indented area of the S/N. Now you can easily read the number. I have included a photo of the results from my bike. In this case I used a red candle to make the serial number stand out. Note that even with the serial number filled with wax, the leading '0' is almost imperceptible.'

Serial Number Descriptions The serial number descriptions are divided into five categories. Click on the link below to go to the appropriate category. PRIOR TO LATE 1980 Before late 1980, Trek used an alphanumeric serial number scheme.

Each seven-character number consists of three letters mixed with numerals. The serial number list and the code for the list are not available from Trek (but hope springs eternal). In the meantime, we have the results of the serial number decoding project: Serial Number Decoding Project Nearly two hundred Trek owners submitted their frame's specifics to help decode the serial number system used from 1976 to late 1980. Our thanks to these generous cyclists. These serial numbers have seven characters, in the form L N L N L N N, where L is a letter and N is a number. Here are the results: The first letter is the model designation. The letter code indicates frame model, which would include bike models made from that model of frame.

A = 210 (see note * below) B = TX200 (see note ** below), C = TX300, D = 530, E = TX500, F = 510, G = TX700 and TX770 (see note *** below) H = 710, I = 730, J = TX900. K = 910, L = 930, M = 412 and 414 ( **** ), N = 610, 613, and 614 ( ****, O = 950. The first number is the frame size, where 1 = 19.75', 2 = 21', 3 = 22.5', 4 = 24', 5 = 25.5', 6 = 57.5 cm (ctc) or indicates a custom size. (See Year Exception C.) 7 = 59 cm (ctc) or indicates a custom size. (See Year Exception C.) 9 = 63.5 cm (ctc) or indicates a custom size. (See Year Exception C.) The second letter represents the month the frame was serialized.

Dec The second number is the last digit of the year, 6, 7, 8, 9 (for 197X) and 0 for 1980., ****, for year exceptions. Again, this is the date of serializing, not necessarily model year. The last three characters - The final letter ranges from A to Z and the final two numbers go from 01 to 99. The last letter might be a run designation, with the last two numerals the frame number in that run? Alternatively, the letter extends the range of the character from 0 to 9 (if a number) to 1 to 26. This gives a range of 2600 for the 3 characters.

Any other ideas for these last three characters? The rest of the code defines time to a month. Perhaps once Trek was nearing more than 2600 bikes/frames of a given model per month, a new serial number scheme needed to be developed. Hence the change to the sequential system started in late 1980. Notes: * There is no Model 210 in the brochures on the site; however, four frames have been reported with a SN leading with an 'A'. Two had Ishiwata high tensile double butted main tube stickers, the other two were unmarked. They have touring length chainstays (one was measured at 44.5 cm) and the rear dropouts are without adjusters.

According the the SNs, they were made after the TX200 was no longer in the brochures. Another small mystery; for now we'll call it a 210. (Note: These frames previously were speculated to be 310s. However, without adjusters, as was the model TX200, they more likely were called 210s. ** One interesting variant of the SN code has been submitted.

It has a leading B and has eight characters instead of the usual 7 (B4K6B109). It has SunTour dropouts, and had a partial tubing sticker that included the text 'TENSION BUTTED'. The date from the SN is Nov. Probably a TX200 with an extra character in the SN. *** Several frames with a leading serial letter of G have been reported with Columbus tubing stickers. TX700 frames were available as special order, with Columbus tubing instead of the specified Reynolds 531. These bikes were designated as Model TX770.

**** Year Exceptions: A. Serial numbers beginning with M or N (41X and 61X bikes or frames) seem to have a different meaning for what normally is the year digit. The year digit is the fourth character in the number.

In the 50 M and N serial numbers that have been sent in by owners, the year numbers go from 0 through 9. The remaining part of the serial numbers seem normal. According to the brochures, Trek did not make 41X and 61X bikes or frames during 76, 77, 78, and 79 and also not in 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, or 89. These serial numbers apparently do not follow the year convention used for other Trek models. It is likely these frames, SNs beginning with M or N (Models 41x and 61X), were contracted out, and were given the old serial number form so as not to interfere with the sequential numbers being assigned by Trek in their shop, which began in late 1980. This variation to the SN system may have been done to extend the numbering system. By using the fourth character as an extension of the last three, the serial numbers could be extended from 2600 possible combinations to 26,000 for a given month.

For M and N leading serial numbers, if the TREK letters on the seattube have no colorwrap behind, the bike is from 1980 or perhaps 1981. If it has a colorwrap, the bike is probably from 1982.

One early TX700, an evaluation frame sent to a bike shop, had a 4 in the year digit. That 4 may signify an evaluation unit. Three 950 frames have been reported that contain unlikely year codes of 5, 6 and 7. It is very unlikely they were made in 1975, 76, or 77, more likely (from the brochures) 1980, 81, or 82.

Another 950 frame was reported with a 0 in the year code, but was painted as a 1982. From the geometries, they probably were custom frames. Trek apparently used a different coding method for these frames, perhaps so as not to interfere with the production frame serial numbers. When a Trek frame was repainted by Trek, an additional set of numerals was often stamped into the bottom bracket to indicate the frame was repainted. These numbers were usually four digits, in the form NNNN. Microelectronics Jacob Milliman Grabelsky there. LATE 1980 TO LATE 1986 Late in 1980, Trek changed to a new numbering system for their frames built in the U.S. The frames were numbered sequentially, beginning with number 000001.

The record of the assembly runs was documented in a handwritten journal. Trek (Kevin Tita) graciously provided a copy of the journal for this web site. The list ended in November of 1986 with number 279975.

This serial number system actually extended through at least 1997 (see Table II below). The journal includes run number, model number, frame size, and serial number range. Incidental information, including dates and comments on the frames, appears sporadically through the journal. A 'run' was for a particular frame size and frame model.

We all owe thanks to Luker White who generously donated his time to convert much of the paper list to digital form. Click on the date link in Table I below to go to the detailed serial number information for that year. Table I - 1980 to 1986. N otes for Table I: • Table I contains dates of frame serializing, and are not necessarily model year. At some time late in each year (generally September or October) frames were built for (then painted with colors for) the next model year. This journal information is summarized by year in Table I. The year designations in the table are approximate; not all of the runs are sequential in time.

This may be a result of subcontracting some frame fabrication. • For some years, the model number given may be the lowest number (or an X00 number) for a series of models that have the same frame. For example, a 1981 frame appearing on the list as a Model 610 could have been built into either a 613, 614, or 616 bike. • Some of the Model 170 serial numbers are 6 digits but do not follow the numerical sequence. A future task is to sort 170 numbers. Some of these are presented in the 83, 84 link at the bottom of the table.

• Some early and mid 80s bottom brackets were marked with 58TSI or 60TSI. In the early 1980s Tim S.

Isaac designed new lugs and a new bottom bracket shell for Trek. The new bottom bracket shell is typically marked with 58TSI (or more rarely, 60TSI). This designation is not part of the serial number but is a model number of the shell. The TSI are Tim's initials. The 58 or 60 refer to the angle between the seattube and the downtube. • Some frames in this period have a leading 'A' before the 6 digit number. This may be more prevalent on lower level models.

The 'A' may not be part of the SN. Just disregard it when looking up the number in the tables below. • Frame Sizes in the SN list below are as given on the paper copy. For some entries, only a two-digit number was given, the extra 1/2 or 3/4 inch was dropped.

So - an entry of 22 inches really means a 22.5' frame size, 19 means 19.75', 25 means 25.5'. • The list has two major gaps, corresponding to missing pages. Page 9 ends with SN 027870 and the next page starts with 029118. Page 61 ends with 210065 and the next page starts with 215226.

• The SN list for 1986 has some serial number ranges with annotations about POs (purchase orders) to 'Merida'. These are for Model 800, 830 and 850 mountain bikes and Model 300 road bikes.

These were made late in the year, so they probably were all 1987 models. At least some of these were provided to Trek as 'frames only'. One reported SN in these ranges, for an 850, was prefaced by the letters TML.

From the serial number list, the number of Trek frames or bikes made by Merida late in 86 totaled at least 8251. Merida is a Taiwanese bike company that was established in 1972. It is currently a major, worldwide player in the bicycle business.

See for information on this company. LATE 1986 to 1997+ This 6 digit (7 digit beginning in 1993) code extended into at least 1997, at least for some models (generally mid to upper level and made in the U.S.). The number may or may not have a leading zero, making the six digits into seven digits prior to 1993. The model is not available for these numbers but the year can be determined or estimated from Table II below. The information in the table is from serial numbers submitted by site visitors. Our thanks to them. In contrast to the serial number dates in Table I above, the years in Table II represent model years, not the date the serial number was applied.

Table II - Model Years 1987 to 1997. F G H I J Trek 2002 4300 had no final letter in SN JAZZ BY TREK Jazz is a line of foreign-built, entry-level bicycles that Trek sold in the early 90s. (See the for a bit more info and the for a 93 catalog). There seems to be at least three serial number types: • A Flipside model had the serial number JT0116 stamped on the bottom bracket shell.

The JT probably stands for 'Jazz' and 'Trek'. The numbers may be the sequential frame number, beginning at 0001. • The second type is a 10-character serial number. The first two characters are letters which are followed by eight numbers.

Examples are JT09010099 and FI08003231. • A Latitude model has a 10-digit, all-numeric serial number:. This number also was stamped on the bottom of the bottom bracket shell. These three serial number forms may mean that Trek used at least three subcontractors for the Jazz line. MISSING SERIAL NUMBERS A few owners of early Treks, mostly, from 1976 through the early 80s, report their frames are not marked with serial numbers.

A past Trek employee wrote that the police in the Madison and the surrounding area said TREK was famous for bikes with no serial numbers. Seems hundreds didn't get any numbers at all. The serial number guy just missed a few?

Three other possibilities: 1. In the early years Trek allowed, and even encouraged, their workers to use company equipment and materials to build personal frames after hours. These frames often were not serialized. The practice stopped after production was increased, resulting in little available down time for the equipment. The serial number on a repainted frame that was not first stripped, may disappear under the new paint. The number is under the plastic cable guide attached to the bottom of the bottom bracket shell. *Trek is a trademark of Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, WI All copyrights in the TREK brochures, pricelists, owner's manuals and photographs displayed on this website are the sole property of Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, Wisconsin. All materials in this site not copyrighted by others are Copyright © 2001-2014, All rights reserved.

This is kind of random, but I was looking on Ebay and saw some old Nishiki road bikes for sale and I have seen quite a few people riding old Nishikis around here (Washington D.C. I have an old Nishiki mountain bike and I LOVE it. It weighs a ton, it's just big and hefty, but I love the way it feels. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any experience on Nishiki road bikes?

I'm just interested because I love my Nishiki MTB and I just would like to see what their road bikes are like. Also, does anyone have any experience on new Nishikis? I know they don't sell them here in the states anymore, but does anyone out there know why they don't sell them here anymore or if anyone has gotten one here recently?

Thanks, any info would be great. This is kind of random, but I was looking on Ebay and saw some old Nishiki road bikes for sale and I have seen quite a few people riding old Nishikis around here (Washington D.C. I have an old Nishiki mountain bike and I LOVE it. It weighs a ton, it's just big and hefty, but I love the way it feels. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any experience on Nishiki road bikes? I'm just interested because I love my Nishiki MTB and I just would like to see what their road bikes are like.

Also, does anyone have any experience on new Nishikis? I know they don't sell them here in the states anymore, but does anyone out there know why they don't sell them here anymore or if anyone has gotten one here recently? Thanks, any info would be great.I had an old Nishiki road bike from the 80s. Back in the 80s. Mine was a celeste Bianchi wannabe.

It was your generic Japanese steel-framed bike with the typical 80s mish-mash of parts. They were nothing special, and I don't think they've made road bikes in a number of years. Nowdays, they sell mtn bikes and comfort bikes in Europe.

Those were the days. Suntour components, vetta seats... Actually, I just got rid of the old Nishiki Prestige (I believe it was an 86, but I don't know exactly because I got it second hand).

Actually, that was my second one. I got my first one in seventh grade (peach and yellow), grew out of it, and got the biggest one I could find a couple of years later. I gave it to the Salvation Army last summer when I had to move and now I regret it--I wish I had turned it into a commuter.. All I can say for the Nishiki is that it's the bike I fell in love with biking on and it faithfully carried me a lot of miles. Oh, the nostalgia...

My first good bike was a Nishiki International bought back in 1974. The bike was brown and beautiful, took me through the rest of High School and regrettably sold when joining the military.

Good memories, guess that's why i ride a Fuji Touring bike today and a Schwinn Duo Sport tandem. The tandem has quality stem mounted shifters and a great Cro Moly frame like the International had. The Fuji Touring is similar too, in that it doesn't have a lot of flash, just a great Cro Moly frame and Tiagra components. If i never can get a good Nishiki Road bike, then this Fuji is an adequate substitute.

Nishiki advertised quality in their bike ads. I still admire their understated beauty. I am rebuilding my Nishiki Royal 15, my first decent road bike that I purchased in 1983. It came with Shimano 600 Arabesque components and a CroMoly frame that rides better than most of the bikes I have ever been on. I am currently rebuilding it with Ultegra components, repainting it and setting it up with a Brooks saddle.

I hope to complete the project in early 2012 and start using it for my commuter bike and my ride for longer events as it is/will be more comfortable than my carbon racing bike for rides of 100 miles or longer. Torrent Les Freres Scott Saison 9 Episode 11 Streaming. Quick question how can i find out what year my road bike is or made? Its a nishiki prestige road bike any help will do thanksThere is another bike site (the hosts here probably would not want me to give its name) where a guy has started a Nishiki serial number database. Should be google-able.

A lot of people have chipped in over the years that it has been running. Helped me recently with info on my 'new' Nishiki Competition (it's a 1974). I'm very happy to have and ride that relatively light (not even bottle-cage bosses) 10-speed with bar-end shifters and a Japanese-made lugged chro-moly frame. This is kind of random, but I was looking on Ebay and saw some old Nishiki road bikes for sale and I have seen quite a few people riding old Nishikis around here (Washington D.C. I have an old Nishiki mountain bike and I LOVE it.

It weighs a ton, it's just big and hefty, but I love the way it feels. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any experience on Nishiki road bikes? I'm just interested because I love my Nishiki MTB and I just would like to see what their road bikes are like. Also, does anyone have any experience on new Nishikis?

I know they don't sell them here in the states anymore, but does anyone out there know why they don't sell them here anymore or if anyone has gotten one here recently? Thanks, any info would be great.CylcleBatten thanks for the post. Wow, the Nishiki, i got in 1986 was my first new purchased bike of my own, the riveria, i think 15 speed.i got it when mtn bikes were starting to be the bikes that were hot, so this was on sale. I loved it,and have it still. The road bike has panier bag spots for front and back, elliptical gear sprocket in front and i road many rides both town and in mountain roads.

I love this bike even though its heavy (not a speed bike), even back in 86. I still use it for the roads today, and since i am not a speed ride guy, i usually carry pack panniers with this. I am looking for a mtn bike now, and noticed nishiki is on market.no experience on new nishikis yet, but am looking. With a smile.