What are your plans for that? It needs a lot more than a little bit of work but it would be satisfying to see it restored. (I'm sure not economically justified, but satisfying nonetheless!)

That's a project that I'd happily take on. An old Zeus is definitely on the list . In any event, the cat seems to like it

Best of luck!

That's the kind resto jobs Im like doing. Keep us posted on the progress.

Mike

Not sure its that old; 70s probably Zeus heyday, doubt they existed much before the 60s. Graphics on that consistent with 70s bikes: looks low end.

Having a 3 speed freewheel seems pretty odd for anything post-'63/64

Looks like you just disinterred it! Be interested to see how the resto progresses. I love it when you start in that condition, it's amazing what a lot of simple work can achieve. good luck, :-)

looks like it was pulled outta a marsh. 650 rims? Is there enough space for a 700c wheelset? It looks like something is sticking in the seattube.. and I bet that stem aint gonna come out!

oxalic acid

Bottom-end Zeus. Strip, put new BB and wheels on, sell to hipster as "distressed" designer bike, $500.

-Kurt

Wow, looks like it came outta New Orleans, post Katrina. It'll take some work. Rust is definitely an issue. I have a couple of bikes in bad condition but your Zeus definitely receives the 'Crusty and Rusty' award. Here's my 1959-60 Allegro that's going to receive a restoration....someday.



100_0932..jpg 100_0931..jpg 100_0934..jpg

Hi everybody.
the bike is a "survivor" from a flood. After that, its has been in a wet basement for more than 30 years
I don't know how old is it, but I'm sure that is' from the 60's (even older)

the seatpost is broken and it seems tha it's impossible to separete from the frameset

regards from Spain

Find a framebuilder with a tool called the La Combianata, made by Silva. If you know the tubing's inner diameter, the La Combianata can ream the post out.

-Kurt

You might see some similarities to my seventies Zeus.

I'm sticking with low-end 70's as well. Lots of bikes from this period can be misleading, but I do not see anything that says earlier than bike boom.

that bike is like mine!!!. maybe I was wrong about its age (my father told me that)
thanks randyjawa for the pic

An interesting and rare bike.
If the bike was flooded - the frame probably filled with water - and subsequently stored away for 30 years in wet conditions it might be corroded inwardly and beyond saving.

The MAFAC "dural forge" (racer) brake was introduced in the end of the 40s or beginning of the 50s and built until the end of the 60s. See VeloBase:
https://www.velobase.com/ViewComponen...m=117&AbsPos=5
Look for possible grease holes (early versions).

From https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/...rs_page_2.html.

"Zeus Industriale SA was established by Don Nicholas de Arregui in Eibar, in the Basque region in 1926. Zeus initially produced small parts, then components and finally complete bicycles."

To my knowledge, no one has written a definitive history of Zeus, but the web site above covers most of the bases. Other authorities tell a similar story.

If I am not mistaken, the calipers are Zeus Alpha units. Pretty close copies of the Mafac. My Zeus ran the Super Alpha side pull calipers. As usual, the Super Alpha calipers seem to be a copy of another brand. As I recall, Zeus had a habit of copying the work of others, including Campagnolo.



This, in itself, might suggest a slightly earlier vintage.

That is not your bike. Randyjawa's frame has a Vagner fork crown, different lugs. and a different crankset of higher quality.

-Kurt

I just have to say I wouldn't consider a restoration until the frame is thoroughly de-rusted. You may end up with only air for chain stays.

Those Alfas look like a copy of the 60s Weinmanns. Zeus is older than Campagnolo: there's been some question of who copied who...