BEST BUDGET BIKE EVER!?!

This Royce Union Hard Tail might be the best and most bang for the buck bike ever
0:00 Opener/GTAP Wreck
0:48 Intro
1:04 Who Was It???
2:17 On This Episode
2:42 Unboxing
7:08 Looking Up The Price
8:29 Assembly
12:38 Magnet Test
13:18 Wheelset
14:25 Brakes
15:01 Groupset
17:05 Seatpost and Saddle
17:43 Fork
18:05 Bar/Stem/Grips
18:52 Shift Test
20:18 Stand Over at 5'5"
20:29 Drop Test
21:47 Weight
22:06 Positives/Negatives
24:50 Who Is This Bike For?
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#wolfticknation #royceunion
9-18-23

[@badgerprinting3414]

Im pretty sure it was me that recommended it. I had seen the deal on slick deals and had to share it.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

It was YOU!! Thanks for the heads up brother. So happy you did, this bike is making some waves 👍

[@lanvevo7213]

if you are a college student like me you can scroll to the bottom of the page and apply for student discount which is 30 percent off which makes it for the M/L 230 with tax!

[@Fewisha]

I've had this same bike for about 4 years now, I upgraded basic things such as the Bars, Stem, Grips, Tires, Pedals, Bottom Bracket, and removed the Front Derailleur and shifter. I have replaced the brake pads once, after the brakes began to become weak, and it did not help much, I am looking forward to buying some new brakes currently. The frame has stood up till this day, even after hitting some small sized jumps and riding over rough terrain. The fork is definitely not the best, but since I was on a tight budget, I did not swap it out, and it is still running in good condition. I don't abuse my bike either, but I definitely ride it quite a bit. Overall, the frame is incredibly sturdy and durable for being so light. Unfortunately, I picked up the 17.5" frame back when it was at around $550, I highly encourage people to purchase this bike and upgrade some parts, it's a hidden gem and a great bang for the buck. It beats some if the big brand hardtails when you view it from a price standpoint.

[@armandocardenas6094]

I have watched this episode at least 7 times. I'm a devoted fan.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

And PATRON!! 😎😎😉

[@dadbod4life]

Have to use up the old XT and SLX 2X drivetrains somewhere. They wont sell individually as upgrades in todays 1X market. So they are being spec on entry bikes like this. Not a bad deal!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Dude, it's pretty freaking sweet, could not believe it! Jaw Dropped

[@TheArimatheus]

I just installed 2x10 Deore 2022 on a 2008 Specialized Epic and I LOVE 2x. I have a wider range and more in between compared to 1x12.

[@TivonSanders]

So XT and SLX is already outdated? Jeez...

[@miguela.8929]

@@TivonSandersjust the older 2x11 SLX and XT models. The newer 12 speed SLX and XT are still alive and kicking

[@matttiggerward6147]

Yeah I guessed it’s a case of Royce buying the unsold old stock. That mech is about a 2-3 year old model…. Good for the customer though!

[@peterbedford2610]

You guys are on it. I have not seen anyone else reviewing this bike. Well done!

[@joshuathechosen1]

Thanks for keeping me up to date on all the new bikes trying to get my friends into riding and they don’t wanna spend a bunch of money I think this is a great bike for anyone and very upgradable agree on all the upgrades this bike is 312 now but still a great deal might buy one to have something different

[@donaldstepp4850]

Dang hopefully a deal like this comes back around I feel like a kid who missed Christmas

[@davecook81]

I bought this bike on that sale as well. Can't wait till spring so I can get it out there. This is my 1st mountain bike, so I figured that at this price point, I could damage it and not get mad about it. Also, if I don't enjoy it, I'm not out 5k on a better bike.

[@qwertyazerty2137]

For years I've been riding with trigger down shifters and I got so accustomed to them that when I switched over to l-twoo ax recently (after watching your reviews of l-twoo and sensah groupsets :) ) it felt quite awkward to thumb downshift, but it was just a matter of one ride to get used to it and now it's super comfortable and the lever is right there under the thumb were it is supposed to be. As for the shifting, you can't expect the derailleurs to be adjusted out of the box, especially with new cables that strech out initially.

[@gabrielash75]

I would have gone for the RCF. It has the same component spec but it has a carbon frame for $403.

[@yardsalecycles]

My specialized came with a 2x8 and honestly it really helped me going up hill having a lower gear in the front

[@gregnowak2492]

Dudes, that was a freakin steal at $252. Swap that fork and you will be below 30 lbs. What a sweet find. Can't wait for the RTR! Those brake levers look a lot like Tektros.

[@sker-fu2hj]

This is my first real mountain bike. Got it for $218 out the door with the student discount from huffy.

[@mattsc0pes]

I just ordered one. I’ve been looking for a bike to get me in to the hobby for the last few months. I was planning on waiting until black friday to see if they had any good deals, but this seemed like the best deal that I was going to find. I also like that its something that I don’t really need to worry about upgrading right out of the gate besides maybe some super simple stuff mentioned in the video. This should serve me well on trips around the suburbs and entry level trail riding. Kudos to the wolftick guys as well as the guy that tipped them off about this sweet deal.

[@travis3567]

What size did you order? The website says 6’4” -6’6” for the large, which doesn’t make sense to me.

[@TivonSanders]

This may be the best commuter bike in existence. Wow. I may buy one. Edit: this bike is indeed on sale, and it looks like a clearance sale. Regular price is $1,299. Which makes sense.

[@pockets4200]

Saw this video 4 hours after the upload. Ordered one later that day and it arrived today. I'm very impressed. Its entirely a budget bike but nothing is low quality. Some new pedals and a better seat are gonna be the first needed upgrades. The shifters are amazing but would be awkward in jumps. Out of the box it rides smooth and comfortable but the shocks would be another nice upgrade. The shocks are adjustable though as well as hydro brakes! Also I have to add that the payee ended up being Huffy Corporation in the statement.

[@timothymroberts2949]

Funny I found this video...yesterday I found a carbon fiber framed Royce union 29er with Shimano SLX drivetrain 11x2, full taper suntour xct...even has kenda tires. All for 299 at Durham sports in OK. Even has internal routing! Sweet

[@AlexM-vt5pu]

Just got a small one for my wife. I'd been looking for something affordable for someone that doesn't really want to hit trails but likes to tag along on park trips.

[@SmallADVentures1973]

Nice!! 😁 Sold out in my size (medium, $312 shipped) 🤦‍♂️😆 I did pick up a my size Ozark Trail Ridge 29 though so I don't feel too bad (but yeah, I would've ordered this had it not been sold out 😂). Dudes, you had me laughing harder than usual with the slowmo talking, made you look/sound drunk af 😆 Excellent video, guys, as always 😊✌️

[@stephenbouck]

picked one of these up a week ago in medium and its my new winter project

[@stephenbouck]

yall got it for 250??? i paid 325 shipped

[@bigdaddyreg]

Just watched the video, please note they offer a heros discount of 25% for first responders and healthcare workers. I was looking for a bike for the wife and this is perfect.

[@superado2k]

Great vid! Great find! Per Google, Huffy bought RU in 1997. TEASED me with that GT Aggressor Pro intro! 😉

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

🤣🤣 That was for you!! We got an episode coming out yet with it!! Don't you worry

[@chrishorbatt3504]

Way ahead of the curve!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

😉

[@philhne07]

My M/L just came in today and I noticed a few things right away. I knew most of these things would be a factor going into a sub $300 MTB but still worth noting. -The crankset sounds like it wants to snap (loud pop) every time I put more than half my bodyweight on the (aftermarket or stock) pedals. I am 160 lbs. Hopefully I can fix this somehow. -Tires kinda seem like knockoffs. No painted lettering and no "small block eight" branding. "Kenda" is suspiciously small too... -Rear derailleur was fully installed before shipping. It was slightly bent inward upon arrival. I was able to get it back in line but others may not be as lucky. -The frame size is larger than I expected (which is good). I think the website's suggestion for 6'2"=6'3" for M/L is accurate. I am 6'1" with long legs, fits good. I'm usually riding a L/XL so I was hesitant about going M/L -Frame geometry is very conservative. This makes my underforked 2010 Jamis with a 68° head angle look like a slack monster by comparison. This has to be >71°. I knew it wasn't going to be slacked out but it is a bit steeper than I thought it'd be. -One of the bottle holder screws was stripped right out. It had a screw in it but it was just sitting there and I was able to pull it straight out with my fingers. -LOTS of over-torqued fasteners out of the box. I would say 60% have been too tight. Controls were all excessively tight. I had to quickly grab my socket hex drivers as cheap wrenches will surely strip heads out during setup. -Spoke finish is all chipped up out of the box. -Rear brake mounts on the frame are wonky and force the caliper to sit at an angle to the rotor. I will have to spend some time filing it down to find a decent angle. -The cheap brakes are CHEAP! They could share equal blame for the wonky rear brake alignment options. The casting quality is low and mounting points are not even close to flat or parallel. -Both wheels are quite a ways away from true. I will spend some time adjusting spokes and hopefully get them to an acceptable point without having to have them rebuilt. -It is lighter weight than I expected. Even after watching these videos with the weight. Overall I'd say it's worth what I paid but not much more. I will get it running as nice as I can, maybe swap a few parts around and then see how it survives

[@JDfromNV]

Very cool find I tried to get a medium and looks like it’s out of stock but I managed to get a M/L hopefully it fits but even at 336 out the door it’s still a great deal so I snagged one.

[@mitchellblair8888]

Hi guys. This channel rocks!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Appreciate that brother, thanks for being here. See ya on the next 😉

[@ktunobvious]

You guys should review the alpaka 29er mountain bike from Eastern Bikes. You'll love it!

[@DadTimePDX]

I’m dying, @21:30 slow mo extended lol I love watching y’all’s videos!!

[@adrianhaines1480]

Sounded like he was hammered.

[@NonLegitNation2]

now we know what Jeremiah sounds like when he's drunk lol.

[@powwying]

I'm so glad you guys are reviewing this bike, I saw it during the labor day 25% off sale and got one too. I thought I was tripping balls when the bike arrived, glad to see you both share the same feelings haha! The wheels and tires stock are tubeless ready also. I don't know of anything else at $250 or $300 even that can compete with this.

[@wingflywx]

how did you the tire is tubeless ready? It seems the tire is the DTC wire bead version of small block 8

[@powwying]

​@wingflywx you know what, you're probably right. I'm not 100% sure if tires are tubless ready but I know the rims are. I ran the tires tubeless and they're doing fine. I have some continental mountain kings ill be swapping to. Still a good deal

[@jackanddan]

Great Bike guys it’ll probably be a great pre-Christmas buy for a lot of folks…. that scene at the beginning, reminded us of the scene where Phil from modern family fell on a bike, and got trapped in the desert and thought he was gonna die there😆😆

[@02mstnggt]

Just ordered mine because of your video. Really can’t beat the price. We are just getting into MTBs and this seems to check all the boxes Ordered different peddles and quick release seat clamp , any suggestions for an air fork that would fit without changing the rim and would fit in the stock head tube ? Really diggin the channel and learning a lot from you guys. Keep it up !!

[@MattPula]

My buddy had a sick Royce Union BMX bike back in the day - but I think it was just a brand you could buy at Toys R Us in the 90s.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Dude we heard that, 90s is what people said too! That's awesome

[@BucketHeadMark]

Well got one in the Large $414 via your link in the description all in, reg. $1299 I'm 6'5" ..lol thanks for the review. Small is $308 now used there code 15% off saved $68 😊

[@dragoninvegas]

You produce some great content, thank you!!! Where do you think you would you place this bike in the 7 bike shootout you did…?

[@Magicnaners]

Picked this up based on your videos, my first bike in years! Would love to see a video on converting it to a one by!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Awesome!! Just wait man, we may be doing just that!! Thanks and congrats on the new RIDE 👍

[@TheCaptainsCog]

That opener was Classic Tick!

[@MTBAlex]

Great deal on that bike with those components

[@cesarricardolozanoleanez5026]

Hi, it seems to be a great bike, please a test run is a must. I would add the clearance of the tire on the back tubes is a bit narrow if you want to put wider tires. Sure there are some upgrades to do, but for $252, is way worth it. Thanks for the video, best regards to you from Venezuela

[@jacklo325]

Shimano deore use all steel cogs on their cassette. SLX use aluminum on the largest cog. XT's largest 2 cogs are aluminum. XTR's largest 3 cogs are aluminum.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

What a flashback, sort of. I used to ride a Royce Union. Mine was very different. 3 speed IGH & no suspension, like most bikes in the 70s. I didn't know they're still around half a century later. The price is $308 now & still a bargain.

[@yardsalecycles]

ya just checked the price

[@Bflo23]

He nailed it with his answer on "Who is this bike for?". Everybody. I got this bike for $234 plus tax with labor day sale. Tremendous bang for the buck value. I did some simple adjustments with the derailleurs and brakes. I received the Shimano SLX rear derailleur that was listed in the description on the website. I know some people were receiving deore xt rear derailleur later on. I am definitely keeping the 2x because I love the extra speed. Faster than my 1x mountain bike. Very happy with what I got and the price paid. Funny how he mentioned no lockout as a con and I noticed that. My other mountain bike has rockshox with lockout. No biggie but I definitely would appreciate it but at this sale price, it is pretty much impossible.

[@vette4118]

Where did you find it for that price

[@vonzen]

Wow. Thats an awesome deal.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Super Deal!

[@johnsonjay60]

I remember royce union from bmx back in the day,surprised its 2x.

[@myloopooping]

That was so funny listening to you in slow motion 🤣

[@davidgarza2267]

Wow. Even at full price, thats a pretty good deal.

[@chrishorbatt3504]

I just heard about it today maybe 6 hours ago

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Ahead of the curve BABY!!

[@shawnbooth9512]

Have the 21 frame. Got it for $368. I'm just over 6ft tall and the 21 is a little big. I think the 19 would have been perfect but the only place I can find them is Amazon and their price is listed at $1000 when I got mine and $600 now.

[@_Drae2210]

I have a 19in in my car that I'm trying to get rid of. Not sure on the logistics of selling a bike to a stranger from yt but It is posted on fb marketplace currently.

[@jasonsierchio1167]

My first (and only) BMX was a Royce Union, in silver

[@ericdolby1622]

Check out the sale on the Huffy Torreya and Dakari. Discs, 1X, 6061, internal routing, 27.5, etc.

[@Wireman134]

Thanks for raising the price on my secret stash

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

🤣🤣🤣😬😬😬

[@BerserkerNick]

Well now, that opener wasn't the least bit creepy😧

[@preyingmathis2517]

First mountain bike I ever purchased as a kid was a Royce Union from Sports Authority. I loved that bike. I think it was like..... 1993-94 ish.... And it cost more then for less of a bike lol i think it was $300

[@cunvericht]

Beautiful bike and a steal if you got it that cheap. Been forever since I've seen a Royce Union

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Lol that's what we heard. Apparently they made a knockoff GT BMX back in the day. Man this bike is pretty legit! Thanks Chuck U. BABY!!

[@zackg5046]

I had that bike when I was a kid! It was all chrome. I built up an old ‘91 Schwinn Predator frame because the Royce was too heavy for me.

[@user-tg1bs3sg4w]

Hey - great video review or the Royce Union RHT - got a question, how tall are you and what is your inseam as you said the 15" frame was a good fit for you - trying to decide if a 15" frame is big enough for me at 5'6" or should I go with the 17.5" frame. I guess the 29" wheels are throwing me off from my usual fit. THANKS!

[@Dalton4217]

NEW BIKE DAY ROCKS!!!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Best Day Ever!! Lol

[@briankoepke9891]

The new king of the dad bikes?

[@marnig9185]

Wow,XT derailer and a SLX kassette,ok are oder ones,but it's unreal,i think Shimano put it out of the warehous to make space for CUES;)❤

[@xnotx2]

Still at a decent price. I'm eying up that carbon one they have 👁👁

[@the_blair_bike_project]

I just finished building one. 32 lbs for a medium frame. I'm very impressed

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

We gotta get this thing BELOW 30!! Lol

[@the_blair_bike_project]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS remove the dork disc and reflectors. Done. 😉

[@brandynklepacki8011]

I would really like to see if they change anything out on this bike I plan on getting one a 17.5 in would like to see new videos upcoming on this

[@cloutgoblin]

that derailleur is crazy. my bike came with that and it costs 36.000KR wich is 3700$ us.. iam mindblown.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

💥🤯🤣

[@THINKFAST73]

So ordered on last night... they do have a coupon code for 20% off (Fall20) so I paid $261 and change. Can't wait to get it 😁

[@travis3567]

What size did you order? The website says 6’4” -6’6” for the large, which doesn’t make sense to me.

[@ManicTrailBanter]

Wow, This is super surprising, they have a Carbon 27.5 and 29” models on the website sub $500 that appear to be similarly equipped. Dang!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

What?!?!?

[@ManicTrailBanter]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOSI was mistaken the 29ER is over $500, but they have a Gravel bike for around $400 which has my interest.

[@philhne07]

Definitely not the bike I am looking for but I just bought one for $280 with the "10% off for new customers" code that you can get by entering a phone number. This will be a great bike to ride to the bar or anywhere else it may sit outside. Sizing is a bit weird so hopefully it fits. I didn't get any order confirmation but it sounds like that may be normal for this outfit.

[@jasonsierchio1167]

Haven't heard of Royce Union in decades

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Dude we heard that back in the 90s they made some pretty sweet BMX frames? Wonder if BERSERKER had one.

[@LebronPhoto1]

What was that intro? As tick says to the GT aggressor Pro, “Okay, yes, I know I have another mistress, but I’ll treat you better in the future”. A fork replacement and 1X conversion will get that bike below 29 lbs. Also, this bike looks way better than a Trek Marlin for a lot less money.

[@dadbod4life]

This same company made really good GT knockoff type bikes (BMX) in the 90s. Great bikes for the money.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Really??

[@dadbod4life]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS yes, look them up. They have been around forever. They might even be owned by Pacific and that’s who bought out all of those companies like Schwinn mongoose and whatever back in the day. I think. Lol.

[@pinarellospeedracer]

I don't have a bike in my shop in the 600 range that has all of the features this bike has. I would first make it tubeless and make it a one by and then you would be set

[@rickybobbycatfrog]

Dude I talk to my bikes to , you tottally normal man 😂

[@iamcyberpunk68]

You can drill the frame easy enough just use a punch before you start to drill and do a small piolit hole first.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Man I would love to, just don't think Wolfman would let me 😉😉

[@JDfromNV]

You can even do an external and just zip tie it along the top tube where the cables go already.

[@the_blair_bike_project]

I got "Logan" branded brakes..also 11-40t cassette.not 42t as spec on their website

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Really?? That's interesting, I wish manufacturers would keep qith what products they list. So dumb

[@JackMeoff-tr5jg]

Do you like this better than the Ardor X1?

[@danboyes7477]

That's an awful lot of bike for the money, really good find. But, not available in the UK ☹️ 😎🍻👍

[@eugene44569]

The best value in budget bikes

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

👍👍👍

[@eugene44569]

​@@FloridaEbikesyes

[@jasonjones681]

Hi Can you do a review on carrera sulcata 1 mtb

[@travis3567]

Just set mine up today and the brakes drag. I loosened them, squeezed the brakes, and tightened them down but they still drag in the rear all the time. Any ideas?

[@matthewhudobenko5985]

Have you guys seen the hyper carbon x at Walmart?

[@TheArimatheus]

Damn... that XT derailleur, which is not great, but damn... for $250 that's a great PARTS bike even.

[@chamomiami]

S should be OK for a 5"09??

[@hjwang4477]

i got the exact bike for even cheaper around 220. The drivetrain alone is worth more. Plus free shipping. I feel bad like I steal from them

[@thegreener196]

when i go to the link you posted I choose the size but there is no option to buy?

[@onefamilys4299]

why is the top bar and rear top bar inline ? which is cool, but the website shows rear top bar come off at angle ? Or is it just my eyes are crooked ?

[@mrupholsteryman]

I remember reading Huffy bought Royce Union... I clicked on your link....it is no longer that price....but. (big but) they also have a 27.5 Carbon Fiber bike for $410.33

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Holy S#$%!! May have to take a looksy!! Lol

[@mrupholsteryman]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS Sharing with others cuz I am broke! Haha!

[@Zesmas]

does a non tapered mean you cant upgrade the fork??

[@jasonwaters6259]

Ello, I did leave a link to the royce union website. I had copied the link to send to a friend and had it ready to paste, so figured why not. Doesn't really matter honestly.

[@OscarRodriguez-br3kv]

From where you guys got it??

[@TheArimatheus]

That company, for $385 makes a very similar bike with Sora, a gravel bike - the RGF...

[@chamomiami]

I'm 5'09" should I get S or M??

[@samochoa6733]

The price went up to $308, but it's on sale from the original price of $1299

[@BucketHeadMark]

Just ordered a large 👍🏻

[@joshuathechosen1]

Have you heard of the eastern alpaka 29 inch for 399.99

[@santi5395]

I bet 27.5+ tires would work great on there

[@willardbuchanan9122]

What is this from amazon

[@parasharkchari]

I'm just unsure how Royce Union is able to sell these things at the prices they do. I looked up the same bike just today, and it's at $308, which is still a steal for what you get. But even their ebikes and gravel bikes are bargains for the components you get. Royce Union, from what I could gather, is owned by United Wheels, and they also own Huffy (which has cheap bikes on which the components fit the price) and Buzz (which sells some of the cheapest mid-drive e-bikes out there, but also have cheaper components to meet that price)... But they also own Vaast and Niner, which are not low-end cheap bike brands at all. I can only imagine that it's a brand they use to clear out the parts bin of components that they can't sell anywhere else, but even that is not really something you can do forever. They'd have to constantly change up their product lineup to pull off something like that.

[@travis3567]

RU RHT or OT Ridge?

[@grimaceg1253]

Anyone know the geometry?

[@itsbigwolf6452]

Hahaha, the price went up to $308 for all sizes except for medium. Size m is $312🦖🦖🦖🦖

[@andyk3643]

I'm gonna have to get one just because...lol.

[@philphil4725]

Is there a link for that bike it's $800 on Amazon

[@iamcyberpunk68]

I noticed when you crashed. also front wheel looked workie when you spun it.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Tires were deflated lol.

[@timyjoe5]

Prices are crazy high on this now