Serial number registries are a great start. But a database entry can't be scanned at a flea market. RecVIN puts a physical NFC tag on your bike that anyone can tap with their phone — instant ID, no app required.
Bike theft is an epidemic, and current solutions rely on database lookups that require knowing a serial number. Most people don't know where their serial number is — let alone remember it after a theft.
RecVIN uses passive NFC — the same tech in contactless payments. No batteries, no charging, no app download.
Clean the frame and apply the RecVIN NFC sticker. Recommended placements: seat tube, down tube, or head tube. Add a second tag hidden under the handlebar tape or inside the seat post for extra security.
Use the activation code to register at recvin.com. Enter your bike details — brand, model, frame size, color, serial number — plus contact info and photos. Works for road, mountain, gravel, e-bikes, and BMX.
Anyone can tap the tag with their phone. If your bike ends up at a pawn shop, flea market, or Craigslist meetup, a potential buyer can verify ownership before purchasing. Found your locked bike with a cut lock? Tap to prove it's yours.
Serial number registries like Bike Index are valuable — RecVIN complements them with hardware-level identification that's scannable by anyone, anywhere.
| Feature | Database-Only Registries | RecVIN |
|---|---|---|
| Instant phone identification | × | ✓ |
| No app download required | × | ✓ |
| Works without serial number | × | ✓ |
| Physical tag on bike | × | ✓ |
| Anyone can verify ownership | Requires search | ✓ Tap to verify |
| Visible theft deterrent | Sticker only | ✓ Sticker + NFC |
| Works at point of sale | Requires lookup | ✓ Instant |
A RecVIN sticker signals this bike is digitally identified and traceable. Thieves target unidentified bikes they can resell easily. A permanently marked bike is a harder target — they can't sell what can be traced.
Buying a used bike? Tap the RecVIN tag before handing over cash. See the registered owner, check if it's been reported stolen, and buy with confidence. No serial number lookup needed.
E-bikes regularly exceed $3,000. If yours is stolen, you need proof of ownership for your claim. RecVIN provides timestamped registration with photos, specs, and serial number — accepted documentation for adjusters.
When you sell your bike, transfer the RecVIN registration to the new owner. It's like a title transfer for a car — the buyer gets a clean, verified ownership record. Builds trust and gets a better price.
Most serial numbers are stamped underneath the bottom bracket — the part where the cranks attach. Flip your bike and look for 6-12 characters engraved into the metal. Some brands use the head tube, seat tube, or rear dropout. RecVIN adds an NFC-powered digital ID that supplements your serial number with instant smartphone identification.
Bike Index and 529 Garage are database-only registries where you enter a serial number. RecVIN takes a hardware-first approach — an NFC tag on your bike that anyone can tap for instant identification. No app, no serial number lookup, no website search. RecVIN complements existing registries by adding a physical, scannable ID to the bike itself.
If a bike has a RecVIN tag, tap it with your phone to instantly see registration status and whether it's been reported stolen. For bikes without RecVIN, you can search serial numbers on Bike Index. RecVIN makes verification instant at the point of sale.
Yes. RecVIN works on all bike types — road, mountain, e-bike, gravel, BMX. NFC passes through carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, and titanium without interference. It won't affect e-bike electronics or motor systems.
Primary placement: seat tube or down tube where it's visible and scannable. For extra security, add a second tag hidden under handlebar tape, inside the seat post, or under a bottle cage. The tag is thin, weatherproof, and designed for outdoor use.
Add NFC-powered digital identification to your bike in minutes. Complements locks, registries, and common sense.