What did I just buy, and how does it work?

I have never owned Flights before. I grabbed these while the gettin was good, but I didn't have time to really figure out what I was getting into.

What is the history of Flights. 400, 401 no pinch, 401 single pinch, etc....

These have 9 splines, I see that some have more like 7. These bearings are junk, and the cups will need milling, or complete re-fab on a lathe. I have no qualms about Show Chroming them, and fixing the bearings better than new, ...if they are worth it.

They have no threads on the spindle. one side of the spindle threads are jacked for about 1/4 inch. I am not too worried, I think I can fix that with a tap.

One bolt is missing. It is similar to a one key release bolt with a plastic cover. Is it original?

There are no shims or spacers, or clamp up bushings, or anything. What did I buy, and how exactly are they supposed to be assembled properly? What year are they? I need the "flight cranks for dummys" version here. They may be for sale by the end of the thread! LOL

i would put the spindle and bearings in a box and invest in a new set, polish the arms up and get a RL chain ring

I don't think they're Redline Flights - unless the angle of the photo is makes the pinch-bolt area look strange.

They might be Redline's Proline series cranks if anything.

As far as the cups and bearings - you could get new cups and bearings for a lot less than trying to mill those.

Ditto 85 Master above. Go to Redline site over there <--------- and look up Proline cranks which are slightly different spindle diameter than a flight crank. Looks like the crank that came on my 2000 RL John Purse Signature Team Bike. If that is what it is, those caps are original and the cranks are newschool. Ted, don't think I ever raced you but I remember you from bigger races in the Midwest in Iowa, WI, MN. Welscome home! Sorry for the thread hi-jack

That didn't take very long.

They are proline cranks, not Flights. Looks like they go up for auction today for .99 cents. ...and the decals I bought, and the sprocket I might win still....

Even back in 1980-83 the Flights were too confusing, and people complained about something on all the different ones. The bolts came loose on these, and the spindle had slop on those...And then Profiles made it more confusing.

If I remember correctly, I liked the ones that you could use your favorite Bullseye, or EDCO square drive BB.

I am now looking for a set of DX's....Or back the the old mantra.....Takagi 1 Peice, and PPP BB.

Thanks for the props Morey, can you fill in the missing blanks for me?

those are indeed "Proline" cranks- the step down from "flights". still, a nice enough crank, though.

when i made this last night for another thread i figured i would get a lot of use out of it ...this is every version of "pinch style" flights, '80s 401s til present.

flight pic

[ November 13, 2005, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: mr coasterbrake ]

Thanks coaster brake! I saved that photo in a hurry!.....

They are listed at .99 cents with no omissions or half truths this time! LOL

Does anyone have any pics of the pinchless version of the flight cranks? That's what I have. I'm not sure if they are 400's or 401's I'm thinking 400's. They have a star shaped plate that the sprocket bolts to.
Jim

Jim

You should have just asked me! Here's a few!
Every type of spindle (3 different types / stamps) made. These are all 400 series Redline Flight cranks and this is what is on your bike.

A special thanks to Dash Riprock, Streetrod231, Orangezippy, some dude in FL, and soon Elf DXIII !




[ November 18, 2005, 02:26 PM: Message edited by: Chevron Envy ]

There were pinchless Flight cranks that were out before the 400s and 401s - they didn't have the spider swaged (sp?) on the drive side arm.

They were 80-81. I'm sure Raybeard will jump in here soon with some more good info too.

Mike

Check this link for an auction of pinchless flights

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-REDLINE-PRE-PINCH...1QQcmdZViewItem

mmmmmmmmmmmmm 400's but....MINE SAY SUGINO ON THEM