A really OLD Zeus
09-05-10, 06:46 AM
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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!)
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09-05-10, 06:56 AM
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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!
Best of luck!
09-05-10, 08:05 AM
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That's the kind resto jobs Im like doing. Keep us posted on the progress.
Mike
Mike
09-05-10, 09:09 AM
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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.
09-05-10, 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by dbakl
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.
09-05-10, 09:13 AM
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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, :-)
09-05-10, 09:34 AM
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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!
09-05-10, 09:57 AM
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Bottom-end Zeus. Strip, put new BB and wheels on, sell to hipster as "distressed" designer bike, $500.
-Kurt
-Kurt
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09-05-10, 03:24 PM
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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
Here's my 1959-60 Allegro that's going to receive a restoration....someday.100_0932..jpg 100_0931..jpg 100_0934..jpg
09-05-10, 04:00 PM
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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
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
09-05-10, 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by alex_storm
the seatpost is broken and it seems tha it's impossible to separete from the frameset
-Kurt
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09-05-10, 08:37 PM
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09-05-10, 08:52 PM
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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.
09-06-10, 12:45 AM
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Originally Posted by randyjawa
thanks randyjawa for the pic
09-06-10, 03:39 AM
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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).
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).
09-06-10, 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by dbakl
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.
"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.
09-06-10, 09:36 AM
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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.
This, in itself, might suggest a slightly earlier vintage.
09-06-10, 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by alex_storm
that bike is like mine!!!. maybe I was wrong about its age (my father told me that)
thanks randyjawa for the pic
thanks randyjawa for the pic
-Kurt
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09-06-10, 10:26 AM
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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.
09-07-10, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by randyjawa
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.
