64deville

I've got a Zeus frame and tons of parts that i would apprciate some inisight on. Thinking of selling it but don't know much about them. I know they are rare but Everything is in great shape and i've included the description of what i have below. I've been collecting for awhile but don't have a ton of knowlege on Zeus stuff. Most of the parts say made in Spain and several pieces are Zeus 2001.

Frame – Zeus early 80’s I believe the tubing is Reynolds 531 (I only claim this because many were made with this tubing, but all decals have been removed so I’m not 100% sure). Frame is a 54cm (Center of BB to Center of TT), 54.5cm Top Tube (Center of Seat Tube – Center of Head tube). It was painted red back in the 90’s and the paint is still in good shape. All Zeus stickers were removed but check out the lugs and dropouts (dropouts are Zeus as well). It is definitely a Zeus. Comes with a Columbus fork.
Headset – Zeus
BB – Zeus 1.37 x 24 TPI, with Zeus 2001 crank arm bolts (non drive cup is a Campy)
Front Der – Zeus
Post – Zeus
Stem - Zeus 90 mm
Brake Levers – Zeus profiled
Crankset – Zeus double with anodized gold rings, profiled
Shifters – Downtube Zeus
Freewheel – Zeus 5 spd
Brake Calipers – Zeus 2001
Rear Hub – Zeus
Seat Binder Bolt – Zeus

I also have a set of Zeus track hubs laced up in Campagnolo Omega rims (they are sew ups).

Any help would be appreciated.

luker

A lot of the parts in the mix will change with campy. The zeus stuff is good quality, but the real claim to fame is the light weight. The freewheel is all aluminum and very light. I sold my zeus freewheel junk a few years ago and haven't quit kicking myself over it. The BB axle may very well be titanium; check it with a magnet. The brake calipers that I tried were, ah, an adventure in stopping (or not) but that may have been crappy shoes. All in all, you have an almost complete set of really cool stuff. Shine it up and show us some pictures.

dbakl

Zeus was some cool stuff and some people are really into it. As you noticed, Spanish made, a competitor to Campagnolo at a lower price. Ron Kitching imported it into England and made it popular. The 2001 parts were supposed to be pretty nice, lower end parts were labeled Alfa. There are Zeus catalogs on the web, you may be able to identify the frame. Reynolds was used, but also some lesser tubing I believe.

My advice would be to restore it, decals turn up frequently on ebay, and you'll have a wonderfully cool piece!

My Zeus on Classic Rendezvous:

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Spa..._bike_side.htm

jemoryl

Be aware that most, if not all, Zeus frames used French threading. The components were made in both BSC and French, so be careful.

dbakl

"Zeus frames used French threading"

Hmm, poster has headset and bottom bracket, so shouldn't be a problem. When I built up mine, I just used the Zeus pieces already on the frame when I got it. Nothing inherently wrong with French threads.

jemoryl

No, nothing wrong with French threads, but trying to find replacements can be a chore. Speaking as someone with a mid-70's Zeus Criterium.

dbakl

Yeah, maybe you're right. I tend to avoid French stuff unless its complete, so haven't had to search. I do need to find a hs and bb eventually for an old Allegro, probably Swiss, even rarer than French!

dbakl

Zeus catalog online, maybe this will help?

https://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/...ers/Zeus/1970/

jemoryl

Thanks for the link - brings back memories. We had a mid '70s Zeus catalog in our shop; hardcover, 4 color printing, very nice. Wouldn't mind having that workshop tools set in the wooden box!

Dr.Deltron

Or pricey!

Not sure if I'm going to put this on the Interclub or the Gitane tandem when it gets built.

But it's French AND gold!

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=014

64deville

didn't know it was french thread. had some peugeots that used that threading i think. i spent hours pouring over the parts/obsolete bin at the shop and found 1 useable left bb cup. they are very hard to come by.

maxmonster

word... finding a french bb for my bike... ugh... i dont even want to recall the experience. tried bidding on ebay listings for a month for used campy bbs still in good condition. ended up getting one for $130 new.

JohnDThompson 

Go for the Velo-Orange unit: https://www.velo-orange.com/grcrufrthbob.html