Classic & Vintage - Info on Royce Union bike

I just ran across an attractive Royce Union 12 speed road bike. The model seems to be a "Supreme". It has a lugged frame and is an attractive black color with a gold headtube with badge in great condition. . It has a decal that says it is made in Taiwan, along with a tag that identifies the "designer" and I guess the importer. I believe it has brakes that are marked "Star". A heavy price of $18.00, but is it suitable for a solid bike for a heavy (275lb.) beginner?

Can anyone elaborate on this bike?

Royce Union is known primarily for their entry level, department store bicycles. Some on this site would use less flattering terms. They did produce some slighlty better models and are still in business. However, the Star brakes indicate you probably have a department store model. The frame itself is probably very heavy, but this is not necessarily an indicator of a strong, reliable frame. On the contrary, a heavy frame usual indicates a relatively weak and inexpensive steel that must make up for the lack of strength by using thicker tubing. I suspect you could do much better for the money.

Thanks for the info and advice. I think the title "guru" would apply to you here. You certainly are a repository for a wealth of information. As a new guy, I greatly appreciate your time and effort to respond to these questions. Thanks Again!