text: how do you find the age of a western flyer bicycle using its serial number?   if it has a sturmey archer rear hub on the wheel, especially a 3-speed, the date will be printed on the hub.    see www.sheldonbrown.com for more information about this type of bike.  also, there are several western flyer collectors on the web.    some of the western flyer are commuter grade and some are less.  rarely, there are a few very stylish cruisers in the western flyer brand, so those are worth more.  the higher value models are almost all 3 speed, with a few derailleur based.  the lower value models are almost all single speed.   the rare exception is one or two outrageously styled single speed cruisers that were made in the 50's.  those are also valuable, but without the date on the hub, you'll have to look at classic collector's websites. not matter what date, the more outrageous the styling, the higher the value of the western flyer bikes.      but, i'm saying, check and see if it is a 3 speed, and if so, just read the date right off the rear hub.  ;)