If memory serves me, Rivendell still uses some Vitus tubes in some frames. They are apparently still around, still using steel.
I know it was available at least as early as 1973, as it was used on the repair of a frameset that was rebuilt that year with Vitus for top and seat tubes.
My perception is that the better Vitus stuff was as good as anything Reynolds made - but like all things French, it was vastly under-rated.
Russ Fitzgerald
Greenwood SC
rfitzger@emeraldis.com