Originally Posted by
Rowan
I will add that one of the major factors in retrieving Machak was the number of pictures Machka had of the bike from various angles showing the components, AND THE SERIAL NUMBER on the bottom bracket.
As it was, the serial number that was provided to the officer who looked after the case immediately after the bike was stolen, was incorrect. However, the picture Machka had showed the correct one, and we were able to let the police know this when the eBay discovery was made.
Consequently, we spent several hours with bikes and frames the other day, photographing them and recording the serial numbers. Some serial numbers were quite difficult to decipher. We may get an engraver and put another one on the BB where they can't really be read properly.
And it does pay to update pictures when new components are fitted.
Another way to ID is with a driver's license number. Years ago a builder recommend that when you are working on your bike, find a location that suits you (say seat tube is best or perhaps BB or head tube) and take a piece of plastic and engrave/emboss/write (magic marker) your contact info and drivers license number, roll it into a tube and stuff it in. I really agree on the pics though because bikes are so (eventually) peculiar to the owner.