Trek MTB Stolen Serial Question

SD-B · Jun 21, 2011

I have a second hand Trek that i have just purchased in Toronto.
I just checked to see if it was a stolen bike and it comes up as one but i know that it isn't and i suspect someone has reported an incorrect number before.
As it turns out, the serial number that has been reported stolen, although a TREK, is to a different bike number and color so its not to the same bike anyhow.
I doubt Trek uses the same serials on different bikes.

Therefore, I need to double check something to do with the serials if anyone here knows the answers please?

I have on this bike, 2 rows of numbers

TBI0406
RX519073

( the second row is a made up number as am not going to release a serial number here on the web for obvious reasons )

I believe, but am not positive, that the FULL 2 rows in full is the exact serial number, not just the first row starting with TBI

Can anyone tell me
1) Is the serial both rows?
2) What does t he TBI etc stand for as i am sure this is on other bikes as well?
3) What does the second row stand for?
4) How can the TBI row, show up as stolen when its listed to a completely different model number bike and color than mine, unless the person reporting it stolen gave the wrong number OR only half of the serial number?

What other possibility could it be if it isnt that other treks for some reason have the TBI row of numbers on them but each one has a specific second row and the person reporting a bike that was stolen, just gave the first TBI row which might be a common set of numbers?

Hope you understand what i am trying explain here

SD-B · Jun 22, 2011

Where do I find my bike's serial number?

You can locate your bicycle's serial number on the underside of your bike near the crank/bottom bracket area. Most of our newer bikes have a decal with a serial number barcode on it but older models have it stamped in the metal. Our newer bikes serial numbers begin with WTU, WW, WL or WR. If your bike does not have a bar code, look for the serial number to be stamped into the bottom of the bottom bracket shell. This will be your serial number.

Got that from the Trek page so obviously someone has reported the wrong number series on their bike.
Does anyone know what the TB1 numbers represent?

http://www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au/...es/burglary_house_break_in/aggravated_break_in_retirement_village_st_morris.jsp

another one I see from the web where the TB1 number has been given when reported stolen

SD-B · Jun 22, 2011

No TREK riders here that know how the numbers work on the serials?

I need to send in a registration but know from the wrong number the other person reported that that is NOT the serial number

But i am not sure which one is?
Its pointless of me to send in a number that is on all the bikes, as did the person who I assume had their bike stolen so i have to get the right one sent in ;-(

Hoping someone here can tell me?
If not, dont worry, I will just phone a Trek store tomorrow

norcalruckus · Jun 23, 2011

Please do tell if you get a more solid answer. Trek serial numbers always throw me off compared to other brands when documenting serial numbers. I think a more uniform system would help the consumer get their bike back more often if it gets stolen.

SD-B · Jun 23, 2011

OK, I will definitely do so. I should have time to call them tomorrow or at worse the following day ad when I get the right answer i will both leave it here and send it to you by PM to make sure that you do see it.

Its good to know that it isn't just myself having this problem, or the person who apparently reported the wrong number as his serial and likely ever got his own bike back due to this mistake

Berkley · Jun 23, 2011

This is mostly a shot in the dark, but here goes...

TBI probably stands for Trek Bicycles Incorporated, or something like that. Probably shows up on all Trek bikes.

I agree that the serial number is the whole set of numbers, not just the first row. The first row is likely used to identify the brand and perhaps year, location built or something like that (something not unique to every frame produced). This series of numbers will show up on many bikes.

The second row is probably what distinguishes the bike and makes it unique. The letters may reference the model, while the other numbers are the individual number unique to each bike.

Serial numbers are used for reporting stolen bikes, as well as letting the manufacturer keep track of frame batches and things of that nature. Often times you will see recalls where the company has determined that a specific run of bikes was defective, and will refer to a range of serial numbers that should be recalled.

If the bike you have does not match the reported stolen bike in color or model then I would not be concerned, especially if only half of the serial number was given for the other bike.

My guess...could be totally wrong...

SD-B · Jun 24, 2011

Thanks Berkley and you are essentially correct.

The serial number on a TREK they said always starts with WTU and then some numbers but it will ALWAYS end with a Letter.
So any numbers below that, are usually just Internal Identification numbers used for Trek.
I did forget to ask him what TBI means but assume you are likely correct with what you said but he did confirm that the TBI and following numbers are definitely not the serial number

So in my case it appears that someones Trek was stolen and they reported it BUT they reported the TBI number instead of the serial so everyone I suppose with the same Trek Model, will likely appear to be riding a stolen bike LOL

Yeah, try and explain that to the officer when hes convinced hes recovered a stolen bike ;-)

Trek MTB Stolen Serial Question

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norcalruckus

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Berkley

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