How can you find information on a bicycle by the serial number?

Question

i have an old sears bicycle and i need to no how much it is worth before selling it i have the serial number can any of you guys tell me how or give me a website if you can that would be very helpful

thank you

Answer 1

The serial number on an old Sears bike (probably a Roadmaster?) isn't going to tell you much, if anything. The thing that will determine its worth is what kind of shape it is in. If the tires are rotten, or it is rusty, it isn't worth much. These weren't great bikes to begin with, so I wouldn't expect to get more than $30 for an old one.

Answer 2

Sure.

If it is a SEARS branded bicycle (this includes Free Spirit) then it was made by Murray or Huffy. Somewhere on the frame- usually on the bottom bracket under the crank- there is a number that looks like a month-year date, for example, 5-75. This is the month and year of manufacture. Go figure.

Anyway, the actual serial number on these bikes as well as Murrays and Huffys of the era are production numbers and don't often say anything about the bike itself. Generally these bikes are pretty close to worthless... regardless of condition or model, maybe $20 at the maximum. They can often be had at flea markets and yard sales for as little as a few bucks.

There is an exception to this. If you have a BOYS Sears Spider in 3 or 5 speed it is pretty valuable- maybe up to $300 or so if in excellent original shape. There were also "banana seat" models with narrow 24" wheels which are pretty rare and can fetch up to about $100 on a good day. Bike pricing is VERY sensitive to condition- a ripped handgrip, scratches through a decal or a seat with a small hole can drop a value 15% or more. Rust kills the value- you can expect to cut the price at least 75% even if you clean it off... collectors know when rust has been removed.

If it is a JC Higgins/Sears it was made by Huffy (or the Huffman Bicycle Company depending on the year) and is in excellent shape it could be worth upwards of $100 or so if the crank is stamped with JC Higgins name.

There are also a couple of models that were built in England by Raleigh or in the US by Roadmaster (AMF). These are well liked by those who want a nice lightweight... this doesn't mean the bike doesn't weigh much... a lightweight is a type of bike. I have seen pristine examples go for $150 or more, but again, condition is everything.

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Answer 3

Google maybe but first contact the company via email/letter/call etc... and ask for price range easier way is to go to the company's website and type it in if the company's name is missing