"i think it might also be hirose who first made the bottle cages that nitto subsequently manufactured - those fancy delicate steel ones that rivendell sells... "
Nitto has been making both cages and tubular steel racks for quite a long time. Couldn't tell you exactly how long, but it was an old business for them nearly 20 years ago. In fact, in the back of their factory they have a little framebuilding shop where they turn our fully equipped camping bikes in the French tradition. The frame shop may be closed now, but in the mid 80'ss they were producing just a hand full of bike per year that were really quite beautiful.
Bryant Bainbridge
Portland Orygun