1980s Grandis Special SL 55cm with Zeus 2000 Groupset
The Grandis Special SL is a superb example of Italian racing bicycle craftsmanship from the early 1980s, combining elegant hand-built construction with one of the most distinctive group sets of the era. Founded in Verona by master frame builder Silvino Grandis, the company built a reputation for producing beautifully finished, competition-focused bicycles in relatively small numbers. Before establishing his own marque, Grandis gained considerable respect as the chief mechanic to Gianni Motta and the Sanson professional cycling team during the 1960s, where his meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise became widely recognised. Those values carried into every Grandis frame, making the marque highly regarded among knowledgeable enthusiasts and collectors.
Constructed from lightweight Columbus SL tubing, this Special SL features beautifully crafted Grandis investment-cast micro-fusion lugs, an engraved head badge and the distinctive curved brake bridge positioned low between the chain stays to increase rear triangle stiffness without compromising ride quality. The frame has been professionally re-chromed and refinished in its original metallic lime-yellow Grandis factory colour by Atlantic Boulevard, complete with accurately reproduced decals. A matching Zeus Criterium steel headset and bottom bracket complete the frameset exactly as intended.
The bicycle is equipped throughout with the exceptional Zeus 2000 Groupset, manufactured in Spain by Industrias Zeus of Eibar. Developed as a genuine rival to Campagnolo Super Record, the Zeus 2000 was renowned for its precision engineering, elegant styling and remarkably low weight. Its distinctive "Drillium" machining, seen on the Chainset, rear derailleur and other components, reduced weight while creating one of cycling's most recognisable designs. The Groupset is complemented by Zeus 2000 hubs laced to Martano tubular rims, an engraved black Cinelli 1A stem with Cinelli 64-42 handlebars, an Arius saddle mounted on the distinctive Zeus seat post, rare original Zeus gum brake hoods and Zeus Pista-style pedals with drilled toe clips and leather straps. Together, these components create an exceptionally authentic, beautifully balanced and highly collectible period racing bicycle that perfectly captures the innovation and craftsmanship of European cycling during the golden age of steel.
