What is up with this Royce Union?
05-25-10, 06:49 PM
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What is up with this Royce Union?
Ok. I admit it. I know next to nothing about bikes.
My dad found this in the back of our garage about a month ago and I've been using it since. He says a friend gave it to him a while ago. All I've managed to find out about Royce Unions so far is that people generally don't think highly of them. Well, this is all I have to work with at the moment, so there. I come to you, begging your bike expertise
. I tried to find the serial number in case that helped but was unable so hopefully somebody will know something from the pics. The only thing I've done to it since its discovery is put a new seat on it. Every other part is as we found it. I'm really just wanting to know anything you can tell me about it! Thanks!
My dad found this in the back of our garage about a month ago and I've been using it since. He says a friend gave it to him a while ago. All I've managed to find out about Royce Unions so far is that people generally don't think highly of them. Well, this is all I have to work with at the moment, so there. I come to you, begging your bike expertise
. I tried to find the serial number in case that helped but was unable so hopefully somebody will know something from the pics. The only thing I've done to it since its discovery is put a new seat on it. Every other part is as we found it. I'm really just wanting to know anything you can tell me about it! Thanks!
05-25-10, 07:03 PM
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My wife had a Royce Union many years ago when we rode together. IMHO, they were decent quality, low end bikes. Very servicable, and worthy of using as a rider, commuter and so on. Her three speed was very reliable. What else can you ask of a bike?
Yours is a very nice example and a better than average Royce Union. You have cotterless cranks, looks like a Suntour or Shimano gearing, side pull brakes, lugged frame. If you like it you should ride it. The only item that gets my attention is what looks like rust on the rims. Otherwise it's in great shape. Good luck with it.
Yours is a very nice example and a better than average Royce Union. You have cotterless cranks, looks like a Suntour or Shimano gearing, side pull brakes, lugged frame. If you like it you should ride it. The only item that gets my attention is what looks like rust on the rims. Otherwise it's in great shape. Good luck with it.
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05-25-10, 07:19 PM
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Yes the gearing is Shimano. The name is def stamped on those =]. There is rust on the rims...there was rust on a lot of it but I cleaned what I could off. I was thinking of replacing the wheels eventually because they're really just in bad condition lol.
05-25-10, 07:21 PM
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I rode a early 70s 10 speed R-U for years. Department store bike, steel brakes & cottered cranks. Needing a lot of fiddling to keep it going. Not a bad bike to ride for what it was. Lighter than my Varsity. I inherited three of them from my sisters who no longer wanted to ride bikes. Took my first longish ride on one. All have disappeared in the mists of time.
05-25-10, 07:37 PM
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Forget the serial number. They are usually a waste of time. Instead, focus on the date code that will be stamped onto most of the parts. Start with the codes on the crank arms, then the derailleurs. You can find dates for those codes on the vintage trek site.
05-25-10, 08:00 PM
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Apparently there is such thing as an illegal bike smuggling business...as I cannot find any numbers anywhere on my bike. *YAWN* That is a task that will have to wait for tomorrow when I have more patience for such a detailed chore lol.
05-26-10, 07:27 AM
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I think we are all honest most of had a Rocye Union "back in the day". my first ever 10spd was one and I thought it was the greatest bike on the planet. they are as stated good basic transportation.
yours looks like a great urban errand bike. very classic looking. great job on the cleanup! post a note over in the "trade and ISO" thread when you are ready for new wheels. I bet there is a C&Vr near by who can help you out.
yours looks like a great urban errand bike. very classic looking. great job on the cleanup! post a note over in the "trade and ISO" thread when you are ready for new wheels. I bet there is a C&Vr near by who can help you out.
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05-26-10, 07:34 AM
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PS please take a pic like this from the drive side so we can see the chainrings and the derailleurs.
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