Originally Posted by Speedub.Nate
My take on it -- an I could be wrong -- is that the Real Designs hubs and rings that pop up here and there are all "NOS" -- New Old Stock that is floating around in dealer and distributor inventory. I'm pretty sure none of this stuff we're seeing is of recent production.
Your recollection of the company is correct. They were in business for a short time, maybe four years, beginning in the mid-90's, and went away as part of that post-bling-anodized-period industry consolidation / shake out.
I would agree with this assessment. Our team was sponsored by them around '96-'98, and the stuff I see on store shelves and available online is exactly the same as what is in the old catalog. I would avoid their 8-speed cogset, but the brake levers, chainrings and front hubs all work[ed] quite well.