>* how close do the IRD freewheels get to On Topic Shimano freewheels?
>Shimano had their twist-tooth stuff going during the later OnTopic period.
Functionally (dimensions, etc.), the 6-speed versions are very close. But they use ramped cogs, so they look quite different. See the test in the last Bicycle Quarterly...
How about Tessostar handlebar tape? Dugast tubulars appear to be similar to the old ones, too. If you are generous, you could count the Challenge tubulars as well. Of course, then it's a slippery slope toward Honjo fenders... -- Jan Heine Editor Bicycle Quarterly 140 Lakeside Ave #C Seattle WA 98122 http://www.bikequarterly.com