BBP Launch of Unique Bike Parts: Paul Powerglide Rear Derailleur
It is with a ton of excitement that we are launching a new portion of our Boise Bicycle Project website to feature some of the more unique and special historical donations that we receive here. You can access and shop the products right on our website, and yes we are able to ship!
Many of you may remember the postings of heritage bikes from a number of years ago (we still receive inquiries on these special bikes) and this is a similar place where we will be showcasing historical bikes and parts. We will also be telling the story of each bike and component with all of the information we find through research and contact directly with the companies that created them.
Below is a very unique rear derailleur to start off this series!
Iconic 1990s CNC-Aerospace Mountain Bike Component – Paul Powerglide Rear Derailleur
We reached out to Paul Components regarding this rear derailleur and have pinned it down to a late 1995 production date. It does not have the American flag sticker or USA stamp that is commonly found on later production models and instead just has a large engraved "Paul". Every part of this derailleurs design was meant to be both functional and beautiful and it is still highly sought after with some special editions selling for north of $3k.
Designed by Paul Components in Chico, California, the first Powerglide derailleur was introduced in 1995. It featured a flat faceplate with "Paul USA" engraved on it. In 1996, the final version was released (see catalog scans in the photos), replacing the engraving with a sleek decal and proudly displaying the American flag—an homage to the era's boutique U.S. bike part makers.
With a retail price of around $250, the Powerglide stood in a league of its own compared to the $85 Shimano XTR. It wasn’t just a derailleur—it was a masterpiece of design, engineering, and performance. Every single part was replaceable, down to the bushings, and it was crafted entirely from high-quality materials like aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. The result? A rebuildable, lightweight, and smooth-shifting derailleur that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
This is a rare find for collectors and enthusiasts alike and a true gem from the golden age of mountain biking!
