Most Raleigh bike frame numbers are found underneath the bike, between the pedals. Raleigh puts the frame number for the Raleigh ONE on the bottom of the frame between the pedals. Older Raleigh bikes can be different: Raleigh’s own history of 1980s Burner bikes explains that vintage serial numbers used specific manufacturing and date codes, so do not assume a modern Raleigh and an older Raleigh use the same serial format.
That number matters. It helps you register the bike, check if it has been reported stolen, prove ownership, value it and sell it with more buyer confidence. Here is where to find it, how to read it, and how to check it before you buy.
Check a Raleigh frame number
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The frame number on a Raleigh bike is usually on the bottom of the frame, between the pedals. On older Raleigh bikes, serial formats can vary by age and model, so use the full number stamped on the frame and match it with any original paperwork.
Start under the bottom bracket.
This is the most common place to find a Raleigh frame number. It is the part of the frame between the pedals, on the underside.
- Put the bike somewhere safe and well lit.
- Turn it upside down carefully, or place it in a workstand.
- Look underneath the frame where the cranks meet the bike.
- Wipe away mud, grease or road dirt.
- Use a phone torch if the number is hard to read.
- Take a clear photo before typing the number into a checker.
Make sure you copy the full number. A single missing or misread character can give the wrong result.
Can’t find it underneath the bike?
If the number is not under the bottom bracket, check these places next:
- 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 Raleigh registration email or paperwork.
- With the Raleigh dealer that sold the bike.
On older bikes, repainted frames and heavily used bikes, the number can be harder to read. If it has been scratched off, covered, filed down or looks tampered with, treat that as a serious warning sign.
What does a Raleigh frame number look like?
A Raleigh frame number is usually a unique mix of letters and numbers. On modern bikes, use the full code shown on the frame. On older Raleigh bikes, the serial number may also include manufacturing or date-code information, but that depends on the model and year. Do not use a partial number. If you are buying used, ask for a clear photo of the whole code.
Do not use the model name, tyre size, barcode on a shop label, or any number printed on a component. The frame number belongs to the bike frame itself. For example, these are not usually the frame number:
- Raleigh Motus
- Raleigh Strada
- Raleigh Array
- Raleigh Centros
- Raleigh Pioneer
- Raleigh Trace
- Raleigh Pop
- Raleigh Burner
- Raleigh Chopper
- Raleigh Grifter
- Raleigh ONE
- 700c
- 26 inch
- 27.5 inch
- Bosch motor number
- Battery serial number
- Sturmey-Archer hub number
- Shimano component code
- Tyre size marking
- Frame size sticker
The number you want is the unique frame code that belongs to the frame itself.
Older Raleighs use different serials
Raleigh has a long UK history, so age matters. A current Raleigh e-bike, a modern hybrid and a vintage Burner may not use the same serial-number style.
For used bikes, especially classic Raleigh models, the frame number is still essential, but check it alongside photos, receipts, age, model details and ownership history.
The detail that protects you.
A frame number is one of the most useful details on a used bike. It connects a Raleigh to its owner, its registration record and any stolen-bike reports.
You may need it to:
- Check if a Raleigh bike has been reported stolen.
- Register your bike.
- Sell your bike with confidence.
- Get an accurate bike valuation.
- Make an insurance claim.
- Report a stolen bike to the police.
- Prove the bike is yours.
If you own a Raleigh, take a photo of the frame number and keep it with your receipt. If the bike is ever stolen, that detail can make a real difference.
Buying a used Raleigh? Check the frame number first.
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.
Red flag. Be careful if the seller refuses to show the frame number, says they cannot find it, gives only a partial code, or pressures you to pay quickly. A genuine seller should understand why you are checking.
Check a Raleigh frame number on Cyclesite
Found the number? Run a free stolen-bike check before you buy. Enter the Raleigh frame number into the checker and look for any matching reports. It only takes a moment, and it can help you avoid buying a bike with a bad history. If the bike looks clear, you can also value it and compare similar Raleigh bikes for sale.
What to do if your Raleigh has been stolen.
Report it as soon as possible. You will usually need the frame number, photos, make, model, colour, size, location and any unique marks or upgrades.
- Report the theft to the police.
- Get a crime reference number.
- Add the bike to stolen-bike databases.
- Update any existing bike registration record.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover.
- Watch used bike listings for matching bikes.
- Keep photos, receipts and messages in one place.
Include anything distinctive, such as upgraded wheels, unusual tyres, scratches, stickers, lights, mudguards, racks or replacement parts. The more detail you provide, the easier it is to identify the bike if it appears for sale.
Raleigh frame number FAQs
Where is the frame number on a Raleigh Motus?
Check the bottom of the frame between the pedals first. On e-bike models, keep motor and battery numbers separately, as they are not the bike frame number.
Where is the frame number on a Raleigh Strada?
Start underneath the bottom bracket, between the pedals. If you cannot see it, check the seat tube, head tube and rear dropout.
Where is the frame number on a Raleigh Pioneer?
Check underneath the bottom bracket first. If the bike is older, clean the area carefully, as shallow stamping can be hard to read.
Where is the frame number on a Raleigh Array?
Start at the bottom bracket area between the pedals. Do not confuse battery or motor numbers with the frame number.
Where is the frame number on a Raleigh Burner?
Older Raleigh Burner bikes may use older serial-number formats. Check the frame itself first, especially around the bottom bracket, and compare the number with any original paperwork.
Is a Raleigh e-bike motor number the same as the frame number?
No. The motor, battery and frame can all have separate numbers. Use the frame number for stolen-bike checks and proof of ownership.
Can I decode the age of a Raleigh from the frame number?
Sometimes, especially on older Raleigh bikes, but the system depends on age and model. For buying safely, focus first on matching the frame number to ownership records.
Looking for another brand? See the full bike frame number guide.
Bottom line
The quickest place to find a Raleigh 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 Raleigh can be a brilliant buy, but the frame number is the detail that protects you.
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Last reviewed by the Cyclesite editorial team. Published by Cyclesite, Companies House No. 13238473.