[CR] Zeus Crank Dating Codes

(Example: Production Builders)

From: <jeff-arg@bizwi.rr.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 21:10:59 -0500
Subject: [CR] Zeus Crank Dating Codes


Has anyone "cracked" the Zeus crank dating codes? They are stamped on the inside with a letter. I think it goes as follows:

a = 1971 b = 1972 c = 1973 d = 1974 e = 1975 f = 1976 ...etc., etc. you get the picture

For the Zeus 2000 cranksets, the early cranks (up to perhaps "d") were not milled. Also, the chain rings were not drilled. In about 1975 the cranksets were milled, with oval-shaped holes milled plum through the crank arms. Also, the chain rings were drilled, and had slender flanges for the chain ring bolts. The early milled cranks proved to be a little too twisty, and in about 1977 or so, (definitely by "h") the crank arms were no longer milled all the way through. In about 1980 or so, definitely by "k" the crank arms were forged a little wider. Also, the chain rings used wider, cut out flanges for the chain ring bolts.

I could be off by a year or more on the date codes. Can any of you Zeusophiles chime in?

Jeff Pyzyk
Milwaukee, WI