Brent Steelman, who was an Excel importer at one time, might have some relevant information.
Years ago, I asked one of my French bicycle business customers about Excel tubing and asked for pricing. (I was intrigued by the steel/carbon combination tubes and by the light weight).
My customer replied that Excel was a small firm, difficult to deal with, and unreliable. I quickly dropped the idea.
I doubt he would have made these comments about Vitus (with whom he was doing business on a regular basis and from whom I had bought tubing).
Hugh Enox
Jevelot