I'm trying to restore an Elf and would like to know what year it is. I don't have the serial number here, the bike is at the shop but it does have a 1" seatpost, 1" threaded headset and no brake bosses. I would assume '93-'95ish. Am I close?

Also, does anyone have a list up on how to date other brands like Cycle Craft, Free Agent or Kastan. I can pretty much find everything else. I would like to know what year my MCS is though.

Thanks in advance.

Elf serials are just like most other serials. first digit or two are the month and the next digit or two will be the year and then the sequential list of frames.

My elf had the serial on the lower part of the brake bridge and it was 28934

meaning 2 = feb 89 = year (obviuously) and 34th frame built that year.

You will find this format is usually the case with most bikes.

Unfortunately you can't year date a Cycle Craft. Theirs will be month built and frame number, with a size designation. Mine are G176 XL = July frame 176 for my Pro XL, and C161 CC = March frame 161 is my Cruiser.

There are some slight differences between 80's and 90's frame and forks. If it has origonal decals you can narrow it down some. Bubble decals came first, late 84 to 87ish, splatter decals came next, till about 91, and then outline decals were last.


I haven't been able to get exact years on my MCS either. As far as Magnum 37 go, pre 86 frames have the normal dropouts. 86 and up have the dropouts below the chainstay tubes. The brace behind the BB shell is a flat plate with a slot until 90 then it went to an oval tube. The fork dropouts started changing in 90 also. I've seen them both way depending on what frame it was.


Free agents are easy. the first four digits will be the month and year, I.E. 0588= May 1988. Unless you have a Pro long (pre limo xl) or later 90's KHE stuff. Pro long SN will be found on the BB shell not the rear dropout.