Paul Components 100% Pure Cranks are square-taper for a wider range of fits

Paul Components shows that what's old is new and that it's hip to be square.
By Jeff Barber

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Provided photos.

California-based Paul Components has decided it’s hip to be square. The brand is re-releasing their 100% Pure square-taper cranks with an updated three-bolt, direct-mount design that works with the latest drivetrain standards, including SRAM Eagle Transmission.

“So… is this a joke?” the brand asks in a release. “Nope, we really ARE that weird.”

The advantage of a square-taper crank

According to the folks at Paul, using a square-taper allows them to adjust the Q-factor via the bottom bracket spindle length. This, in turn, offers the possibility of improved chainlines, depending on your frame and rear cog setup.

Close-up of a bicycle's crankset featuring a vibrant purple crank arm and a black chainring with a "Wolf Tooth" logo. The chain is slightly worn, and the bike frame is a light blue color. A colorful, decorated water bottle is visible in the background, set against a grassy backdrop.
Prototype crankarms, right.

Paul 100% Pure Crank specs

100% Pure crankarms are CNC machined from 2024 aluminum alloy in Chico, California. The set, which doesn’t include a bottom bracket spindle, is available in lengths from 155-180mm and in four colors. The largest, 180mm crankset, is said to weigh 516g, not including a spindle.

Paul is using the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) square-taper spec, which you can read about on Sheldon Brown’s website. Shimano still makes square-taper bottom brackets, along with Phil Wood and FSA.

The Paul 100% Pure Cranks are available for purchase online and in bike shops for $308.

What do you think: Do square-taper cranks deserve a second look, or are you glad those days are in the past?

 
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