Dave Scott had a lot of input on the Ironman, as did Alan Goldsmith and WSI's founders, who were bike experts AND businessmen. It took 2 years to design and negotiate the Equipe with Cinelli. They knew what they wanted. KAS is right. Tsunoda didn't cookie-cut frames. At the time, the best place to get your frame made was Japan, if you wanted to sell and not lose money.

As for the whole Roman thing, Alvin Toffler is a good read. Someone else if not them, just part of the First Wave. Interesting side issue.