bargainguy

Anyone know anything about this brand? Supposedly this might be a low-end Gitane with different badging. Stamped dropouts, cottered (Nervar?) crank, steel rims, Simplex derailleurs, Pivo stem, Weinmann centerpulls, unmarked (maybe Altenberger) brake levers. Appears to be a 70's bike boom entry-level model.

I'm getting my money back from the Wrights leather saddle, but curious if there's any info or value as is.

Thanks in advance!

bikemig 

There is no particular value to old hi tensile steel French bikes. They make great riders though and tend to have generous tire clearance so they can make ace commuter/lock up bikes with a bit of work.

big chainring 

Looks very similar to a Gitane Grand Sport deluxe. I'd clean it up and ride it. $80 as is.

juvela

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Royal Asport is a Gitane owned badge.

There are also Royal Asport model Gitane badged bicycles.

This is a rock bottom model as evidenced by the five-piece steel solid axle hubs, steel wheel rims and ESGE plate style chainstay bridge.

Dating -

appears early 1970's. unlikely to be earlier than 1971 due to model of Simplex Prestige Shift levers. you may be able to get a specific date from the backside of the Simplex Prestige rear gear mech, the underside of the Simplex Prestige front gear mech and the markings on the wheel rims which appear to be RIGIDA SUPERCHROMIX. the wheel rims may have a date marked inside a small diamond symbol.






chainset -

you mention NERVAR. chainset does not appear to be from this maker. chainwheels appear to be Cyclo brand. the bicycle's bottom bracket assembly is REWAX MD. you will find this marking on the end of the spindle.

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bargainguy

Thanks everyone! No date code on the RD, and there's nothing legible on the Super Chromix rims, so can't date that way. No matter, early 70's is close enough.

Is it a Gitane Grand Sport Deluxe with different badging? Here's a Deluxe I had a couple years ago. You decide.

juvela

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subject bicycle's wheel hubs place it below the level of a Gitane Gran Sport Deluxe

when one moves back further in time there were higher quality models which bore the Royal Asport marque

originally founded by the Habierre/Habierras family in d'Oloron Sainte Marie

here is a handsome example from the 1950's era -





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bargainguy

Whoa! Absolutely stunning. Is that a 650b randonneur?

juvela

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cycle discussed and more images provided in this forum thread -

https://forum.tontonvelo.com/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=13759

for anyone interested in learning more of the Royal Asport name the tontonvelo.com forum is excellent. a number of examples are shown and discussed. there are a few posts with include history/background type information.

also the gitaneusa forum discusses this name and the Gitane cycles which bear it:

https://gitaneusa.com/forum/

background -

MICMO (the parent entity for Gitane bicycles: there is no "Gitane Bicycle Co." per se) acquired the rights to several previously independent French marques. For example, they acquired Helyett about 1966 and kept the name going producing Gitane built Helyett badged cycles. Suspect something similar for Royal Asport but have no specific date nor hard information...

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