[Yak] Questions about Capreo

[David Sherman]

I have a Capreo cassette hub. Generally like it, but I've been  
tormented occasionally by the first group of cogs rattling along on  
well-textured road surfaces. I thought I might tighten the lock-ring,  
only to realize that my standard Shimano tool wouldn't work.  D'oh!

I went to Shimano's site, and I discovered that the word "capreo"  
cannot be found. Hmm. Could it be that (1) Capreo was a momentary  
experiment for Shimano, destined to be phased out, (2) Capreo is a  
small niche limited to small wheel manufacturers like Bike Friday and  
Dahon, or (3) Capreo marketing is just gettin' started? (Probably not  
the third scenario.)

Anyway, does anyone know where I can find a removal tool for the  
cassette? (I'm not far from Eugene, so I might drop by the factory in  
the weeks ahead).

Why did I put a Capreo hub on my bike? I like normal front  
chainrings, higher gearing is more comfortable for fast group rides,  
and I have the early Samsonite suitcase (which are a pain with large  
chainrings). Seems like a good solution for small wheels, I just hope  
I'm not at the dead-end of an evolutionary detour.

Any other Capreo thoughts?

Dave Sherman