HELP, Going viewing a bike but seller said hes unaware of where serial number is...

[PaulSB]

Every single bike I have has been registered with bike Shepard, bike register and immobilise. I can tell you the frame number, data tag number and more.
I can also produce documents at the drop of a hat showing where I purchased the bikes from.

Unlike yourself, this person does not have the numbers noted which would permit a retailer to check who the warentee was provided to.

This can assist with proving ownership.
Personally to have someone produce a bike with no documentation, no knowledge of the serial numbers at all and no proof of purchase sounds a little suspect to me, in effect iffy..... what evidence so far suggests its legit?

I certainly agree with your last paragraph and I have all the relevant info. I keep this, along with any other significant purchase receipts,as proof for insurers and faults which seems wise to me.

My only reason for picking up on your comment of iffy was because the OP only asked about serial numbers. Like you I'd want to see a prof of purchase. In fact when I got my secondhand tandem (forgot I have three bikes, not two!!) the first thing the seller did was show me his receipt, before I even saw the bike!

 

[johnno1812]

There is no serial anywhere, lol, only asking coz iw as told you need the serial to insure the bike.
the seller seems legit. Pretty friendly bloke.
only thing was that he lives in london and brought the bike all the way up here to visit his family.

here is his flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62601280@N06/

 

[Sittingduck]

The vast majority of people would not have all of that information to hand. Go with your gut feel.

 

[byegad]

I bought a brand new Thorn Club Tour and there was no visible frame number. If there was one it was very shallowly indented and totally covered by powder coat. Thorn were unsurprised that I couldn't find any evidence of the number.

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

I have a 2010 Cube Agree GTC Pro and the serial number is underneath the bottom bracket. You need to turn the bike upside down and it starts with WOW

 

[vickster]

I certainly agree with your last paragraph and I have all the relevant info. I keep this, along with any other significant purchase receipts,as proof for insurers and faults which seems wise to me.

If you have a bike stolen and want to claim on insurance, you will be expected to produce a proof of purchase - happened to me, I easily got a copy of the receipt from the LBS

When I sold the replacement on fleabay, I was able to provide the buyer with a copy of the reciept - my name and the address from where they collected the bike was clearly printed

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask a seller for proof of purchase - especially given how many stolen bikes are out there

 

[Powely]

Probably is good practice to keep receipts etc but suspect there is quite a few people who don't. I am certainly not sure where mine is. Possibly thrown in with some paperwork but could have easily been binned too. I would just use your judgement on how genuine the seller is etc.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

There is no serial anywhere, lol, only asking coz i as told you need the serial to insure the bike.

That is most certainly correct with my insurance, they need the frame number and the bikes have to also be data tagged.

Can the owner tell you where he purchased he bike from as the retailer would very likely have a copy of this and knowledge of the frame number.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Too much pre-judging going on methinks. Seller may be 100% honest but clueless.

 

[Psyclist]

If he bought it used, he won't have a receipt. I keep ALL receipts from my LBS for bikes and parts. Best way to do it. Especially when it comes to selling

EDIT: Unless he bought from eBay, then he can print off the invoice. Or Paypal.

 

[johnno1812]

FREEFLOW, Theres nothing underneath. When u say bb do u mean i need to remove the bb or do u mean underneath the bike itself.? coz there nothing underneath the bike

 

[Psyclist]

If you have a bike stolen and want to claim on insurance, you will be expected to produce a proof of purchase - happened to me, I easily got a copy of the receipt from the LBS

I believe LBS's only keep copies of receipts up to six months. When I was robbed in the street, I went to my LBS about ten months after purchase, they told me they didn't have it, as they keep it for six months maximum.

 

[vickster]

It was on their computer, was 9 months after purchase I think. They have all my purchases logged as far as I know

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Yea my LBS has all my purchases logged going back ages

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I believe LBS's only keep copies of receipts up to six months. When I was robbed in the street, I went to my LBS about ten months after purchase, they told me they didn't have it, as they keep it for six months maximum.

By law all accounting records - and a till receipt will be one of them, have to be kept for a minimum of seven years. Chances are they archived it and couldn't be arsed to try and find it.