Serial Numbers for Nishiki bikes were decoded by Tom Marshall, Canadian engineer, racer and runner, using a trial and error database methodology
Kawamura manufactured frames (1972–1987): These frames used a serial number XYZZZZZ format where:
- X is the market (C = Canada (pre-1985) K = USA (pre 1985) W = USA (1985–1987)).
- Y is the last digit of the manufacturing calendar year (A =1, B = 2, C = 3… J = 0. Exception is letter S, used on all frames prior to 1975).
- ZZZZZ is a five or six digit number, possibly representing a sequential frame manufacturing number for the year (or era in the case of pre 1975 frames).
ONLY IF THE BUYER IS WILLING TO PAY THE $35 TO PARTIALLY DISMANTLE AND BOX THE BIKE FOR SHIPPING, PLUS THE ACTUAL COST OF SHIPPING THE BIKE WITH EITHER UPS OR FEDEX. Made in Japan. Bridgestone RB-1, Road bike. According to the serial number: H727729. Bike was produced in August of 1987, for year model 1988. Bicycle Frames: Years of Operation: 1931 - Current: General Information: US division of Bridgestone's bicycle division was run by Grant Peterson, who afterwards went on to open Rivendell Bicycles. Most Bridgestone branded bicycles found in the United States were produced in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
Example 3: WE54612 is the 54,612th frame produced in 1985 for the US market- (, 12:34 PM) MotorCityCobra Wrote: Spotted the serial number after cleaning the bike. The number is: G(7 or Y)80380. Does the 80 at the end mean the bike is from 1980? Welcome MotorCityCobra! I don't know how Bridgestone serialized their bikes.
- Vintage 1980 Bridgestone Touring Bicycle Men’s 58cm Road Bike SunTour Components. $119.99 +$76.95 shipping.
Bridgestone Bicycle X 03
Serial number format may extend beyond the stated end date but there are no reported examples, to date. Desktop ghost pro 1 0 download free.
GIANT MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1978-1986)
Filmconvert pro for adobe photoshop 1 07 2017. Two part serial number, with first part designating manufacturer, month and year. The date codes data is generally stamped on the drive side dropout.
Serial number format Gmmyy where:
G = Giant
mm = month where 01 = Jan, 02 = Feb, etc.
yy = Year where 80 = 1980, 81 = 1981, etc.
EXAMPLE: G0384 is a frame that was manufactured by Giant in March of 1984.
Serial number format Gmmyy where:
G = Giant
mm = month where 01 = Jan, 02 = Feb, etc.
yy = Year where 80 = 1980, 81 = 1981, etc.
EXAMPLE: G0384 is a frame that was manufactured by Giant in March of 1984.
*The serial number format changed in 1987. The format precedes 1978 though no samples have been reported on Nishiki bicycles.
GIANT MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1987-1989)
Serial number format Gfyxxxxx where:
G = Giant
f = letter indicating fortnight (i.e. A = weeks 1-2, B = weeks 3-4, Z = weeks 51-52)
y = last digit of calendar year of manufacture (i.e. 7 = 1987,
8 = 1988, etc.
xxxxx = numbers probably indicating a sequential manufacturing number during the fortnight.
EXAMPLE: GD706959 was the 6,959th frame manufactured during the 4th fornight of 1987.
G = Giant
f = letter indicating fortnight (i.e. A = weeks 1-2, B = weeks 3-4, Z = weeks 51-52)
y = last digit of calendar year of manufacture (i.e. 7 = 1987,
8 = 1988, etc.
xxxxx = numbers probably indicating a sequential manufacturing number during the fortnight.
EXAMPLE: GD706959 was the 6,959th frame manufactured during the 4th fornight of 1987.
The serial number format appears to be started in 1987 and is known to extend beyond 1989 on Giant branded models, though no Nishiki examples have been reported to date.
DERBY MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1989-1992*)
Circa 1989, Nishiki was acquired by Derby International, which also owned Raleigh and some manufacturing was done at their Kent, Washington facility.
Serial Number Format Rydddyxxxx where:
R = Raleigh
y…y = year
ddd = day of year
xxxx = sequential manufacturing number.
EXAMPLE: R9035167879 is the 7,879th frmae built on day 35 (i.e. February 04) of 1991.
Serial Number Format Rydddyxxxx where:
R = Raleigh
y…y = year
ddd = day of year
xxxx = sequential manufacturing number.
EXAMPLE: R9035167879 is the 7,879th frmae built on day 35 (i.e. February 04) of 1991.
The serial number format may extend beyond this range, in either direction, but to date no examples have been reported.
KATAKURA MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1971-1973*)
Serial number format Kmyxxxx where:
K = Katakura
m = letter indicating month of manfacture (i.e. A = Jan, B = Feb,… L = December)
y = number indicating last digit of calendar year (i.e. 1 = 1971, 3 = 1973)
xxxx = four numbers probably indicating the sequential manufacturing number during the month.
EXAMPLE: K120180 is 182nd frame manufactured during September 1971.
K = Katakura
m = letter indicating month of manfacture (i.e. A = Jan, B = Feb,… L = December)
y = number indicating last digit of calendar year (i.e. 1 = 1971, 3 = 1973)
xxxx = four numbers probably indicating the sequential manufacturing number during the month.
EXAMPLE: K120180 is 182nd frame manufactured during September 1971.
Bridgestone Bicycle Serial Numbers
OTHER MANUFACTURERS
Bridgestone 300 Bicycle
Over the years numerous other serial number formats have cropped up. Some are known mnufacturers, while others are unidentified. These appear to have been smaller, subcontracted orders and consititute a very small portion of the overall Nishiki volume. As such, they will not be covered here but will by addressed by individual forum response when the crop up.