Originally Posted by SmashROT

Hey guys! I'm new here and was hoping you could help me out by telling me a little more about my bicycle. I pulled it from a deceased relative's cellar some time back, cleaned it up a bit and have been riding it casually for a few years now. Recently I've gotten more and more curious as to it's history, but my internet research has turned up flat.

Here is what I do know:

It is an Otasco (Ohio Tire and Safety Company) Flying-0 10-Speed "Ultra." The entire bike, from tire treads, to seat, to handle bar pads, are blue. I've replaced the tire treads due to dry rot (which really hurt me to do) and taped over the crumbling handle bar pads. The serial # is: HC1683243

Out of pure curiousity on my part, does anyone have any more information as to the history of these bikes? Perhaps estimated year of production? Where they were sold? How to read the serial #? etc ...

Any help would most appreciated! Thanks!

Nick

This bike may not have been a high dollar bike, but was extremely well made. I purchased the exact bike right down to the color at my rural town OTASCO (WHICH ACTUALLY STANDS FOR: Oklahoma Tire & Supply Co.) in 1982. I lived on a farm and had to ride this bike down 3.5 miles of dirt road just to get to pavement to really ride the bike. In the 10 years I owned mine it saw daily riding with no breakdown or even a flat tire.
I took it with me when I was stationed in Germany from 1989-1992. I gave it to my best biking friend in Germany as a going away present as he preferred this bike to his own European bike.
If you ever decide to part with it, I am interested.