Zeus
Brand Directory
Country:SpainPrimary Focus:Frames & Components
Years of Operation:1926 - 1989
General Information
In the 1970s, the company produced low-end and mid-range groupsets called Alfa and Criterium, respectively, as well as its own line of cycling tools, clothing, complete wheels, and a range of frames made from Reynolds 531, Duralumin, or Duralinox tubing.ZEUS frames were made by Ciclos Letona and Razesa in Alsasua. In 1975 Zeus developed its own high-end group, the 2000 series. The first component and, incidentally, the first completely original design of Zeus, the freewheel in aluminum and steel of the 2000 series, was presented at the Brussels Fair in 1972 and was the first freewheel that allowed fully interchangeable sprockets in any position and ratio. In 1975 Zeus was able to offer an almost complete group. The components of the series, which made extensive use of titanium, were priced comparably to Campagnolo's Super Record and were aimed at both the competitive market and the affluent amateur. The 2000 series was a true attempt to produce the best components in the world while introducing an aesthetic and branding that was unique. In 1980, Zeus replaced its Alfa line with the New Racer group and in 1985 introduced the Supercronos, which replaced the 2000 Series. This was a step backward. Neither group had the stylistic qualities of the 2000s, and New Racer and Supercronos were little more than copies of Campagnolo Nuovo Record and Super Record, respectively.
History
Founded in 1926 in Eibar (Basque Country) by Nicolas Arregui Gallastegui, initially as a subcontracting company for local bicycle manufacturers. Soon, not only single parts, but complete components, frames and eventually complete bicycles were produced. In the beginning, the components were copies of Simplex, Huret and Campagnolo. By the mid-70s, Zeus was a serious contender in racing with its independent and innovative 2000 group. Unfortunately, the innovative design approach and attempt to create a unique aesthetic for the 2000 series brand did not continue as Zeus returned to replicate Campagnolo versions in the 1980s. Shimano's penetration of the European market compounded the problems.The exact details of Zeus' demise are unclear, but the company likely ceased operations in 1988-89. Orbea bought the rights to the name.
Components
View Search List by Category (# in Category)
View AllBottom Brackets (7)Brake Levers (5)Brakes (9)
Chainrings (3)Cranksets (16)Freewheels (3)Front Derailleurs (9)
Headsets (5)Hubs (6)Pedals (11)Rear Derailleurs (18)
Saddles (5)Seat Posts (6)Shifters (6)Single Sprockets (1)
Small Parts & Accessories (12)Stems (2)  
Recent Added / Updated Components
Component NameCategoryAdded / Updated
ZeusCranksets10/27/2020
Zeus Gigante roadHubs03/07/2020
Zeus New Racer (ZEUS on caliper arm)Brakes06/15/2018
Zeus New Racer (ZEUS NEW RACER on caliper arm)Brakes06/15/2018
Zeus Gran SportHeadsets02/27/2018
Component Groups
Group Name - View DetailsQuick InfoView All Components
 - 2000Road RaceList 27 Components
 - 2000Road RaceList 3 Components
 - AlfaList 5 Components
 - Alfa JuniorSport & RecreationList 3 Components
 - CosmoList 0 Components
 - CosmosList 6 Components
 - CriteriumRoad RaceList 24 Components
 - Gran SportList 13 Components
 - New RacerRoad RaceList 7 Components
 - PistaList 3 Components
 - Super AlfaList 1 Components
 - Super CronosList 0 Components
 - SupercronosList 9 Components
Bicycles & Frames
View Search List by Category
Road Race   
Recently Added / Updated Frame Models
Frame ModelCategoryAdded / Updated
Zeus CompetitionRoad Race11/30/2013
search Zeus Frame Collection Overview
Head Badge Gallery
View AllMetal AttachedPainted or Decal 
Frame Parts - Recent Added / Updated
NameCategoryAdded / Updated
Zeus 2000Drop Outs & Fork Ends04/21/2014
Zeus 2001Fork Crown07/04/2011
Zeus Juego de Punteras Pista Sprint, 29650.00Drop Outs & Fork Ends11/09/2010
Zeus 2001, model 29300.00Drop Outs & Fork Ends11/09/2010
search Zeus Frame Parts List
Vintage Tools - Recent Added / Updated
NameCategoryAdded / Updated
Zeus spoke wrenchSpoke Wrench11/08/2010
Zeus Pedal WrenchPedal Tool11/08/2010
Zeus pedal toolPedal Tool11/08/2010
Zeus freewheel toolFreewheel Removal Tool01/20/2010
search Zeus Vintage Tools List
Photo Selection from Recently Updated Items
Additional Resources
Catalog NameSourceFile SizeDate Added
Zeus catalogs & ads 1970's - 1982Velo-Pages.comN/A2/20/2008
Zeus Catalog No.102, 1973VeloBase12,776kB4/29/2012
Zeus Advertisements, circa 1973VeloBase6,033kB4/20/2011
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