[CR]Araya Tita Ace rim production dates?

(Example: Bike Shops:R.E.W. Reynolds)

From: "Charles T. Young" <youngc@netreach.net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 21:26:33 -0400
Subject: [CR]Araya Tita Ace rim production dates?

I've acquired what seems to be a fairly trick wheelset comprised of 28h Araya TitaAce rims laced 3X to DuraAce hubs. Rear is a freehub type w/ 6 cogs and is tied and soldered and the front hub has a oil clip. In addition to the Araya TitaAce transfer, the front rim also retains a transfer that states on the left side: TITA NIUM over a blue background The right side has world champion stripes with superimposed white banner and the following in red: 78 World Champion

I imagine that might have been for a track event.

Any thoughts on when these were in production and info on rim weight, durability, usage would be helpful. I figure they'll suit a early '80's unknown maker British time trial frame that needs buildup. Other than a few sets of Rovals, I haven't much beside 36h wheelsets and the odd 32h so strong would be good news given the low spoke count and my 185 pounds.

Also, I suppose there is a cogent reason why rims aren't routinely made with titanium and figure that it is probably because they don't offer a real reduction in rim weight over aluminum alloy until they are paper thin.

thanks,
Charlie Young
Honey Brook, PA