Originally Posted by nos
What I remember of Real was that it's a brand that used to be a peer to the Ringle, Machine Tech and Paul's. Now, you don't know where or who is making the stuff now.
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.