Originally Posted by rustystrings61

Just a quick update on Puch Royal X no. 5637702, a 1976 one-year-only model in the U.S. The only catalog literature I've ever seen for this model was a fold-out with a poster on one side and multiple rows of photos with specs for the different models on the back. The original SR bars and stem were dated 12/75, while the SunTour Cyclone derailleurs were marked 10/75. The Royal X came in white as pictured here and in salmon color, and they're not common at all - the stock parts (1st gen Dura-Ace cranks, bottom bracket and headset, SunTour Cyclone front and rear derailleurs with Power Ratchet downtube shifters, Weinmann Carrera sidepulls, MKS pedals, Regina Oro 14-22 5-speed freewheel and chain, SR LaPrade seatpost, SR bars and stem, Gillux 3000 saddle) would have been better matched with different wheels than the stock Normandy Luxe Competition hubs laced to Weinmann 27-in rims and Semperit 27 x 1 1/4-in tires. Though, having said that, the wheels on this one (Normandy Luxe Comp laced to Mavic Module E 27s on 32 mm Paselas at 70 psi) roll shockingly well, fast and smoothly.

Changes on this one are the Brooks B17, KKT pedals, Nitto bars and stem and a SunTour Ultra Winner 13-28 freewheel. To accomodate the last bit, the SunTour Cyclone it now wears has a SunTour VXs to allow a greater than 24T cog.



During the same time frame, Puch used the same frameset for the Royal Force, which was silver with black accents and black 1st gen Dura-Ace components, including black high-flange hubs laced to tubular rims. I get the impression these sold for slightly less than a Vent Noir of the same period. The only braze-on fitting for the Puch Royals was a small pip to keep clamp-on down tube shifters from sliding. These were nicely mitered, silver-brazed frames, and ride accordingly.