"It has been pointed out to me that perhaps this statement could be interpreted as being negative, denigrating, or even possibly racist i regards to our fellow bicycle enthusiasts in Japan."
Really, by who? What a load of nonsense. I honestly love folks who take offense at the notion that others might... well take offense! What PC twaddle.
Hey, I have no problem that Japanese collectors pay what I regard as absurd prices for stuff in bidding frenzies. It's more amusing than annoying. And sure I am sure some collectors in Japan really do have 53 Simplex skewers with the little plastic wingnuts. But I guess I shouldn't say this because it's.. what "racist"? Wow. Anyway, here's hoping this German-Dutch-Scottish American can make enough money to beat them at their own game. You'd just say I'm a guy who has to have it all at any price. And you wouldn't be racist. Just right.
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA