I’ve got a chance to pick up one of these step throughs for basically free. I’m semi familiar with Sturmy Archer but this thing?…Normally this isn’t a bike I’d take on but I already have tires that fit so might as well. I’ve tried searching but have come up with zilch.

Shimano 3 speed bell crank

Is a Flying-O the name of the brand? The model? What about the hand selector? Can we see pictures of the headbadge? Is there any other identification on the frame? I never heard of Flying-O. But I know Flying-J. It was a great place to rent books on tape when I was traveling, pre-cell phone.

Agree with 1simplexnut , that is a Shimano 3-speed hub. That is not terrible, but it's not Sturmey Archer. My experience with them is that they are good or usually good. The thing with them is that if something goes wrong with it you either get a good Shimano 3-speed hub and swap the internal assembly or find a bike with the same wheel size and swap the wheel. Similar to Sturmey Archer hubs, a good flush with oil can free things up if it isn't shifting as it should.

Panasonic, Murray, Huffy, Sears and others have all used this hub. I had good luck with the Sears model that my dad had that I often used and abused. I have one now in my stash of parts that is earmarked for a Royce Union build.

Well I’ll be, thanks!

Lol yes I remember those. Otasco. They pop up here from time to time. I’m not sure who actually made them but definitely Huffy/Free spirit grade. They are so generic that there isn’t much info on them. 60s-70s. I appreciate the info. Pic in not mine.

That Flying-O step through is in good condition Loganiscool . The chrome looks great and there is lots of it. It's tough to tell, but that chainring looks like a Murray. This may be made by Murray similar to Sears.

Here is a picture of a Murray chainring:



If this matches your Flying-O then, it was made by Murray.

That’s the spirit!

When I was a kid, OTASCO was where people went even before Western Auto in my area. They had everything, housewares, appliances, toys, bikes, tires, you name it. The first brand new bike I ever received came from OTASCO. I think ultimately I had three Flying O bikes growing up.

These days, Flying O bikes pop up frequently on Facebook Marketplace and people ask $250 to $300 for them before realizing they aren't worth much. I suppose they remember OTASCO from their childhood and assume that these are sought after.