Paul Powerglide Rear Derailleur

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".

Designed 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!