I first noticed barber pole style stripes painted on the seat tubes of Mercian‘s (not to be confused with the once-French Cycles Mercier) but have come across the same playful treatment applied to Bob Jackson‘s upon looking for a new touring frame that actually fits me- unlike my current frame. With both Mercian and Bob Jackson being long established English builders, 1946 and 1935 respectively, I imagine the style originates from England. I’d be interested to hear if any readers might have any insight into the provenance of the whimsical paint job.
cork grips 
My Bob Jackson does not have the striped paint job on the seat tube and is not the World Tour (the model I believe you’re eyeing). However, I wanted to comment that I am more than happy with my Olympus Road frameset. I bought it several years ago (the price has gone up a bit) and I have ridden it on the gnarliest dirt roads of VT, MA and CT (including D2R2) and it has been wonderful.
It’s an extra option, but I am in fact considering an ‘off-the-peg’ World Tour model. Badass for riding the D2R2!