Wondering what year your Scott bike was manufactured in and the model? We get this question from riders looking to buy used bikes or planning to sell their old MTBs.
So here’s all you need to know about it.
Let’s start with the model
Unless you bought a used and repainted bike that does not have the model name inscribed on the frame, it would be easy to know the model of the bike you have.
First, check the sides and the top of the seat tube to see the type of bike you have. If you don’t notice a name like Spark, Scale, Stumpjumper, Roscoe, or Defy on the frame while choosing Scott bikes, there’s a good chance the bike was repainted.
How to Tell the Model Year
If you are not the first owner of the bike, it’s going to be impossible to know the model year of your bicycle unless the first owner reveals it to you and shows you the receipts. If they don’t, you’ll have to find out yourself. Here are ways to find the model year of your bike.
Check the Serial Number
The bike serial number under every frame is unique as it helps identify your bike. The serial numbers are usually stamped on the frame while at the production factory.
A serial number carries a lot of information, including details about the model of the bike and its production year.
All bikes have serial numbers, and the most recent bikes from Trek, Giant, Scott, Specialized, Cannondale, and other mainstream bike companies, as from about five years ago or so, come with a QR code on the side of the bike serial number.
So you can scan and find information about your bike. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer via their website, share your serial number, and they’ll be able to provide all the cycle details if you prove to be the owner.
Check Archives on Their Homepage
The leading bike brands have heavily invested in their online presence to market their products and communicate with their fans.
For instance, Scott has a catalog and archives of bikes produced from 2016. You can check out the page, and if you are lucky, you’ll find your bike.
I checked the catalog, and I wasn’t able to find any 2016 bikes. So I also checked the 2018 bikes, and I couldn’t view most of the bikes I wanted to see.
To get the actual bikes, you may need to download some PDFs.
Every bike manufacturer has an archive link on their page. For example, giant’s archive allows you to search the bike you currently have and get all the details.
Specialized and Cannondale provide a list of bikes on their site that you can compare. Trek has all bike modes and years listed on their archives page, including their vintage bikes.
Search Online
Most MTBs sold since 2011 are available online. However, there are still many resources online to check and confirm your bike year.
Just take a picture of your bike and use Google Lens. The app will show you similar bikes, and if you click the images, it will direct you to a review with the product year.
If Google Lens doesn’t work, you have one last option. Check your bike’s model and size, type the model on Google search and most recent year, for instance, “Scott Spark 930 2021,” and keep changing the year.
Every year will show a different bike model under photos until you reach the year with a bike that closely resembles yours.
Post it Online
You would be surprised by how many fans your favorite brand has. They even know every model and the year of production of almost every Scott, Cannondale, Trek, Giant, or Specialized bike. Talk about being diehard fans.
Online platforms provide expert knowledge, tips, and information. For example, if you post your bike on cycling forums, some of the members will answer a few of your questions, including the model year of your bike.
Check the Parts and Components
Forks do have a serial number which you can check up and know their manufacture year.
In most cases, MTB forks last forever with the bike unless someone swaps them. You can also check the model of the cranks, which will give you a rough idea of their production year.
You should know that some of the components get swapped maybe because they wore out or were outdated.
The bike’s drivetrain can also tell you the model year, judging by how SRAM and Shimano update their systems every year.
So if your MTB is high-end but still using the 2×10 press-fit system, then it dates to 2017 or close to it.
Ask the First Owner or Seller
The owner would likely post on social media, and some cyclists post their after-ride pictures on Strava.
Going through their Insta, Facebook, or even the phone gallery, will provide details like the first picture they took with the bike and the date.
A rider will also remember whether they bought the bike while in college or when their child was born, and such memories will offer the crucial answer you need.
Visit a Bike Shop
Bike shops don’t just sell bikes. The owners also know much about bikes. Visit a verified Trek, Scott, Cannondale, or Specialized dealer in your city with your bike, and they will be able to tell you the model year of your bike.
If they don’t know, they have the manufacturers’ contacts and might ask on your behalf.
If that doesn’t help, the chances are that you’ll meet other bike enthusiasts that know a thing or two about bikes. They’ll help you find the information you need about your bike.
There’s usually a thing or two that someone or few people know about your bike in most cases.
Wrapping Up
I also noticed bike frames get different graphics every year. The most notable one is the Scott Spark Nino.
Most bikes change overall appearances with every annual release, depending on the type of bike.
We’ve been in the bike scene and experienced even the earlier bikes, and so we could be of help. We also have lots of experience with American vintage bicycles and cheaper bicycles.
If you have any questions or concerns about your bike index or model year, contact us, and we will try to help.
