Some serial number information can be misleading. Do not get too excited about serial numbers. Execute an online search for Raleigh serial numbers and see what happens! Or Nishiki, or Holdsworth, or what ever. Raleigh, is the first that comes to mind but others are available. In other words, though not all bicycles are represented with an on line serial number data base, some are. What frame and fork set characteristics fall under the microscope? Tube set? Lug type? Drop-out type? Serial number? Frame material? Drop-out spacing front and back? Color combinations? Art work? Fork crown style? Fasten technology? There are many things to consider, when seeking to understand the detail, inherent in every vintage road bicycle frame and fork set.Īs the interest in vintage road bicycles grows, serial number data bases grow too. Remember, the clues offered by the frame set, with respect to its vintage, are only clues and not perfect indicators of exactly how old any bicycle might be. Though the bikes all look much the same, as they blend through the years, there are distinct frame characteristic differences that suggest age. With decades in mind, consider vintage road bicycles from the fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties. Assuming that to be true, one must understand that the trickle down system, spans both years and, often times, decades.

And, let's also assume that, sooner or later, the top end technology will trickle down to lesser steeds. Let's assume, for the moment, that cutting edge Velo technology is reserved for top of the line, or close to it, models. You might not find the correct house, but you will at least end up in the right neighbourhood. In other words, this article will act as a guide, rather than a map, revealing land marks, rather than sign posts. However, using those characteristics can be horribly misleading. For the most part, studying a bicycle frame set's characteristics, can help in determining a bicycle's vintage.

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