Jan Heine, Seattle wrote, <<Have seen them on a few French bikes. Very modern in that they don't use ball bearings, but bronze sleeves. Which also saved weight. Probably the same problems with wear. I guess these will go to Japan, too...
Also, wrote me;
<<Since you've been studying the Japanese e-bay market - I'd be interested in what you found.>>
1) There are known over 50 bidders in ebay USA. I have confirmed about 42.
2) Some are collector, private user, buying agent, and dealer. Some are resold in Yahoo in Japan. (ebay Japan shut down due to unpopularity)
3) They like French touring bikes and parts.
4) Those who can use computer, are professional, well to do, upper middle ages.
5) Because of physical limitation of their land, bicycle is not only sporting goods, but also transportation means, they are willing to pay ANY prices for what they want.
6) They have less regards to themselves nowdays, will bid each other(bidding w ars, good for sellers), not like old Japanese ideas of "one race-one family"
7) So far none of them are selling anything in ebay.
We have records of ebay high prices in our C-R site, you may realize vast majority are Japanes buyers.
KEN TODA, High Point, NC.