How to Read a Specialized Serial Number
Specialized Serial Number/Model question
05-04-21, 02:53 PM
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Specialized Series Number/Model question
I'm looking at a sandblasted Specialized frame locally. The serial number is M238189. Looking at the Asian series number guide, the closest fit seems to be Miyata. If so, the G means 1984. Does the rest of the serial number say anything about the model or is it but a sequence number?
The frame has no eyelets, so information technology doesn't seem to be a Sequoia or Trek. Was the Allez the but model with no eyelets or was there perhaps another which is slipping my mind? I don't see top tube cable guides either above or below the top tube, but admittedly the pix I have at this point aren't that slap-up (sandblasted frame photographed against a brick wall). I have a 1984 Specialized catalog scan, but it doesn't seem to include bikes, only components. I guess bikes were featured in a separate catalog.
05-04-21, 06:09 PM
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Yes, it'due south a 1984 Miyata manufactured model. Given the era, if information technology's not a Sequoia or Expedition, it'south got to be an Allez variant of some some.
05-xi-21, 08:fifty AM
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Originally Posted by smontanaro 
I'g looking at a sandblasted Specialized frame locally. The serial number is M238189. Looking at the Asian serial number guide, the closest fit seems to be Miyata. If and so, the M means 1984. Does the residual of the serial number say annihilation about the model or is it simply a sequence number?
The frame has no eyelets, so it doesn't seem to be a Sequoia or Expedition. Was the Allez the merely model with no eyelets or was in that location perhaps some other which is slipping my mind? I don't encounter top tube cable guides either higher up or below the top tube, simply absolutely the pix I have at this point aren't that great (sandblasted frame photographed confronting a brick wall). I have a 1984 Specialized itemize browse, only it doesn't seem to include bikes, just components. I approximate bikes were featured in a divide catalog.
I'g picking up the Specialized frame tomorrow (thanks again for heads upwards). The issue with this beingness an '84 is that the fork with the engraved 'S' is from an '85/'86 Allez/Allez SE. So, not certain what to make of it at present 
05-eleven-21, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by tendency
I'1000 picking upwards the Specialized frame tomorrow (thanks over again for heads up). The issue with this being an '84 is that the fork with the engraved 'S' is from an '85/'86 Allez/Allez SE. So, not certain what to make of it at present
My gauge would exist the "M" means year of manufacture (peradventure important in Nihon), non necessarily model year (which might well be an American matter).
05-11-21, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by smontanaro
My gauge would be the "M" means yr of manufacture (maybe important in Nihon), not necessarily model year (which might well be an American thing).
Cool .. yeah it could definitely be an '85. I have an Ishiwata tubed Allez in the same size every bit this so if information technology is '85 it would have been made with Tange Prestige which should weigh ~1/2 lb less than the Ishiwata. When I get it I'll weigh 'er and see if that sheds more than low-cal on the mystery.
05-11-21, 09:29 AM
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In this case we know that it's the 1984 model year as Miyata inverse their series number format belatedly in the 1984 calendar year, when they started production of the 1985 model yr. Of course, it's always possible that SBI introduced their model year prior to Miyata's, notwithstanding Miyata was manufacturing approximately ane million bicycles at this fourth dimension, so it'southward improbable that the 238,189th frame is anything but a 1984 model.
The easiest fashion to distinguish a 1984 Allez from an Allez SE is via the rear dropouts. The Campagnolo equipped Allez used Campagnolo dropouts while the SunTour equipped SE variant used Shimano.
05-11-21, 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by T-Mar
In this instance we know that information technology'south the 1984 model yr as Miyata inverse their serial number format belatedly in the 1984 calendar year, when they started product of the 1985 model year. Of class, it's e'er possible that SBI introduced their model year prior to Miyata's, however Miyata was manufacturing approximately i million bicycles at this time, so information technology'southward improbable that the 238,189th frame is anything simply a 1984 model.
The easiest style to distinguish a 1984 Allez from an Allez SE is via the rear dropouts. The Campagnolo equipped Allez used Campagnolo dropouts while the SunTour equipped SE variant used Shimano.
Ah yes the dropouts - forgot nigh that differentiator as well: https://www.retrobike.co.united kingdom/gallery2...age13.jpg.html
05-eleven-21, 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by tendency
I'yard picking up the Specialized frame tomorrow (thanks again for heads up). The effect with this being an '84 is that the fork with the engraved 'S' is from an '85/'86 Allez/Allez SE. So, not sure what to make of it now
If it's any help my Allez also indicates 1984 Miyata production and has the "S" on the fork crown.
05-eleven-21, 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by BradH
If it's whatever help my Allez too indicates 1984 Miyata production and has the "S" on the fork crown.
Thanks Brad. Does your fork have a 'D' shaped cutout for the outer fork tangs? Information technology looks like a D on information technology'south side or a 1/ii moon.
05-11-21, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by tendency
Thanks Brad. Does your fork have a 'D' shaped cutout for the outer fork tangs? It looks similar a D on it's side or a 1/2 moon.
The cutout is a triangle shape
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