# Where is the frame number on a Forme bike?

Canonical: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/trust/frame-numbers/forme
Last reviewed: 2026-08-14

**Quick answer:** The frame number on a Forme bike is usually underneath the bottom bracket, between the pedals. On aluminium frames it is stamped; on carbon frames look instead for a printed or etched code, as carbon frames are not stamped.

On a Forme, check underneath the bottom bracket first. Forme is a British brand building road, gravel and hybrid bikes, and its model names are drawn from Derbyshire place names. On carbon-framed models the number is normally printed or laser-etched rather than stamped, because carbon cannot be struck with a punch.

## Start under the bottom bracket.

This is the most common place to find a Forme frame number. It is the part of the frame between the pedals, on the underside.

1. Put the bike somewhere safe and well lit.
2. Turn it upside down carefully, or place it in a workstand.
3. Look underneath the frame where the cranks meet the bike.
4. Wipe away mud, grease or road dirt.
5. Use a phone torch if the number is hard to read.
6. Take a clear photo before typing the number into a checker.

### If it is not under the bottom bracket

- Near the rear dropouts, where the back wheel fits into the frame.
- Around the seat tube.
- On the underside of the down tube.
- Near the head tube at the front of the bike.
- On the original sales receipt.
- In your Forme registration email or paperwork.
- With the Forme dealer that sold the bike.

## What a Forme frame number looks like

A unique alphanumeric code, stamped on metal frames and printed or laser-etched on carbon ones. Forme does not publish a serial format, so record the full code.

### Not the frame number

- Forme Calver
- Forme Longcliffe
- Forme Peak
- Forme Monsal
- Forme Repton
- Frame size
- Shimano or SRAM component codes
- Safety standard numbers

## Buying a used Forme

A clean-looking bike is not always a safe buy. Before you pay, ask the seller for a clear photo of the frame number and check it against stolen-bike records. You should also ask for:

- The original receipt or proof of purchase.
- The seller’s name matching the receipt where possible.
- Clear photos of the bike from both sides.
- A photo of the frame number.
- Any service history.
- Details of upgrades or replacement parts.

## Bottom line

The quickest place to find a Forme frame number is underneath the bike, near the pedals. Look for a stamped code or barcode sticker, copy the full number, then check it before you buy, sell or register the bike. A used Forme can be a brilliant buy, but the frame number is the detail that protects you.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a Forme frame number the same as a serial number?

Yes. Most people use frame number and serial number to mean the same thing. It is the unique identifying code attached to the bike frame.

### Do all Forme bikes have a frame number?

Most Forme bikes have a frame number or serial number. Check the locations described above first; on older frames the marking can be shallow or worn, so clean the area and check in good light before concluding it is missing.

### Where is the frame number on a Forme Calver?

On most Forme Calver road bikes, check underneath the bottom bracket. On carbon frames look for a printed or laser-etched code rather than a stamped one.

### Where is the frame number on a Forme Longcliffe?

On most Forme Longcliffe road bikes, check underneath the bottom bracket. On carbon frames look for a printed or laser-etched code rather than a stamped one.

### What if the Forme frame number has been removed?

Do not buy the bike. A removed or damaged frame number is a major red flag. It may make the bike harder to register, insure, resell or prove as yours.

### Can I check if a Forme bike is stolen by the frame number?

Yes. Use the frame number to run a stolen-bike check before buying. You should also ask the seller for proof of ownership and check that the details match the bike.

### How do I register a Forme bike in the UK?

Find the frame number using the locations described above, then record it against your Forme. It is free, and you need an account so we know where to send the alert. If that exact number is ever reported stolen to us, we email you. If anyone then lists a bike carrying it, the listing is hidden until the seller proves it is theirs.

## Related pages

- Free stolen-bike check: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/stolen-bikes
- What a used Forme is worth: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/value/forme
- Stolen Forme bikes: how to check one before you buy: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/stolen-bikes/guide/stolen-bikes-by-brand-forme
- Used Forme prices by model: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/value/forme
- Used Forme bikes for sale: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/bike-brands/forme
- Frame numbers for other brands: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/trust/frame-numbers

Source: Cyclesite editorial, reviewed 2026-08-14. HTML version: https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/trust/frame-numbers/forme