I raced my first SR600 a few times but never in a point to point stage race. Pretty much only circuit races and crits around here. I'd recommend riding with a group with some racing experience before showing up at a race. You might be surprised at the pace. I know I was even after riding...
I've never used front low racks and panniers. Perhaps the low mounted weight would help. I know I've used the Stronglight headsets on a couple of bikes but never noticed a problem with them.
I don't look often enough locally to know if things are selling or not but there's a good looking mid 1980s ST500 that's been listed for 28 days at $189. Here's a $200 1996 M500 that will be interesting to watch as it's just been posted...
I think that the importer of 3Rensho was in Madison WI. I used to see them regularly when I went to the swap meets there. Very nice bikes. Haven't been to the swap in several years now but would like to go again. It's one of the biggest swap meets in the USA, I'd guess 2nd to Veloswap in...
I didn't know that Miyata built the Allez frames either. I have an 80s Miyata but don't remember the model. Also have a red steel lugged Allez but it's quite a bit newer. It seems to me that it was made by Giant.
I'm wondering what was so different about the Trek. It only has 57 mm of trail compared to the Cannondale's 55 mm. Both are low enough that low speed flop shouldn't be a problem.
It would be interesting to view old tour footage of the team and individual time trials and see what details you could see of the time trial bikes. My guess is that they would have had more sponsor decals than the one you posted has.
I try not to look at for sale ads very often. I already have way too many bikes. Also don't want to encourage you to buy something you don't need. But if that was near to me I'd be going to look at it.
My guess would be 2004. I wonder if that could be a real team frameset with more recent components. The team rode with Campagnolo components that year I believe. The higher end production time trial bikes all had sort of odd graphic paint schemes that year - at least the ones shown in the USA...
I saw the first flowering tree here yesterday, though temps were in the 40s most of the day. Normal for the date is 63. I'm looking forward to a ride without winter clothes. Will be warmer next week but rain is predicted most days.