SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The 2017 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) in Utah is all wrapped up, but here at Cyclocross Magazine we’re still digging through the latest and greatest cyclocross and gravel offerings that caught our photographer’s eye. We're almost done; how bittersweet!
NAHBS isn't just a framebuilder's show. It's a show dedicated to the passion in the sport, and Paul Components brings that in spades. Paul had components featured on several NAHBS bikes, including a hot pink retro Dean titanium singlespeed.
We recently had the chance to go behind the scenes at Paul Components Engineering, on a tour led by Paul Price himself.
Based out of Chico, California, Paul has been in the business of bike components for 27 years. It first launched by offering quick release seatpost collars, then skewers/levers, and have expanded into brakes (and stems, and drivetrain, and hubs...and more). For those with retro tastes and a love for the roots of the sport, or just a desire for smooth and utilitarian product, Paul is a clear fan favorite.
The Paul Components booth, featuring the man himself. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
At this year's NAHBS, Paul showed off its new improvement: sealed cartridge bearings on their brake levers, which eliminates the slop and tightening tolerances from the bushing-style pivots on the brakes it had previously sold. Paul says that the cartridge-style levers are the same weight and price as its bushing-style levers, as well.
Precision, persistence, and purple. Now the levers have sealed cartridge bearings. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
Most products are offered in black or silver, but Moon Units are another story. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
The made-in-California components were seen on show bikes throughout the show. Look familiar? A Paul Components Moon Unit was on Hollie McGovern's 2017 NAHBS bike.
McGovern has been playing with his in-house painting; check his Instagram for a fun bar/stem fade. © C. Fegan-Kim Cyclocross Magazine
Internal cam quick-release seatpost collars are a Paul standard, available in either US-sourced aluminum or stainless steel. Paul offers all of their components in black and silver finishes, but often there are one or two wild colors to choose from, as well.
Paul also showcased their QR and thru-axle lineup, including the addition of a Fox Boost and non-boost 15x100mm and 15x110mm thru-axle, which might work for the upcoming Fox Adventure Cross fork.
Full photo gallery below. See our growing coverage of cyclocross and gravel bikes from the 2017 NAHBS here.
NAHBS 2017: Paul Components Photo Gallery:
Discussing the finer points of their internal cam manufacturing. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
