[CR]Shimano branded Dura Ace AX 'aero' bikes: info???

(Example: Racing:Wayne Stetina)

Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 18:18:13 +0100
From: "Simon P-J" <simonpj@mac.com>
To: "'Classic Rendezvous'" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-reply-to: <000f01c8c019$086cc2c0$6501a8c0@Perry>
Subject: [CR]Shimano branded Dura Ace AX 'aero' bikes: info???

Can anyone provide or point to information about the Shimano branded Dura Ace AX aero tubed bikes?

http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/simonpj/Shimano+AX+Aero+Bike_001/

Were they produced solely to promote and demonstrate the Dura Ace AX groupset? Or was it about selling bikes - with Shimano making a serious move into the top end of the racing bike market?

How many markets did they appear in? Large or small numbers? Just the US?

Who were the frames made by? Were there different versions? Were they all built in Tange Aero tubing?

Many thanks for any answers.

Wyndham Pulman-Jones
Girton, Cambs., UK.