Retroman69

Turned up on local listing for $40.

I think this brand was just a department store quality bike? I don’t know much about them.

Kind of a cool looker though with lugged frame and English cruiser style.

juvela

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The Royce Union badge belongs to the Union Cycle Co. of Brooklyn, New York.

They are not a manufacturer of cycles.

In decades past the products have been contract manufactured in The Netherlands, Germany and Italy.

Beginning in the late 1960's they started coming through from Japan, like this example.

Do not know the actual maker here; our @T-Mar may be able to advise...

The Union Cycle Co. owns other badges as well, one recalled is that of Sutton.

Dates appears near to 1970.

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T-Mar

While the Japanese Royce Union were entry level bicycles, the workmanship could still vary depending on the contractor and price point. I've seen some that were true department store level and others that were better. I can't identify the manufacturer from the photos but this one does appear to have a competent frame. I'm not seeing a lot of value, though the leather saddle and plastic fenders might be something worthwhile.

non-fixie 

The fenders look to be Bluemels Club Specials. If in pristine condition, I'd pay $40 for those alone. I love them. They look good on a vintage bike, work well, don't rattle and weigh next to nothing.

Retroman69

Thanks for the info guys!
I didn’t even notice the fenders, but I had my eye on that saddle.
It might be worth my time to go see it, and if those are nice, buy it, take the saddle and fenders, and resell it for like $25 with a cheap seat on it.

Velo Mule

Royce Union was imported by the people who owned a department store called Times Square Stores or "TSS". As T-Mar said they imported private label bike to place in their stores and probably also sold to other retailers around the country. I have a Japan made one that has a frame that looks exactly like yours. The Crank on my was much more crude than yours. Perhaps mine is older. The frame seems to be well put together, however, I remember Sheldon mentioning that these Royce Unions were originally made for the Japanese market and they had problems with failures with heavier American riders.

I am painting mine and will using it. It is low end but if it works, and it will, that will serve as my local beater bike. Except it might actually look good after the paint job.

Velo Mule

Here is the link to the page about Royce Union on Harris Cyclery webpage:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/japan.html

curbtender

I have an old Royce Union leather saddle. Looks cool on a cruiser, but you might as well be riding on a rock.

Kdogbikes

I have the 10 speed. I’ve actually put quite a few miles on it.

John E

At least it's a step up from the usual welded boat anchors with Ashtabula cranks.

old's'cool

T-Mar may be able to shed more light on my anecdote about the Royce Union brand. It was my first ten-speed, acquired in 1972 in Winnipeg, Canada, of course, which is where I grew up. It was a 21" entry level department store bike, decently built and outfitted as best I was able to judge at my then age of 10. Alloy components were limited to Dia Compe sidepull brakeset, Shimano wide-flange QR hubs, and possibly the stem was also alloy though I can't be sure. RD was Shimano Lark, and remainder of shifting system was Shimano for sure. Bike rode well and never had any mechanical issues as far as I can remember. It departed permanently from my life a couple of years later when I neglected to lock it while visiting a neighborhood Zellers store on Portage Avenue in St. James-Assiniboia.

Retroman69

I appreciate all the cool detailed info! I honestly enjoy reading about the history of just about anything.
I’ll likely pass on buying this one, although they still look like they’re a little cooler than your average department store bike!

52telecaster

They are a bit cooler. Lugs are nice. A bike like that can be real cool for setting up with a sturmy archer 3 speed hub.