Originally Posted by gyozadude

I would argue that the cost of a square taper JIS BB has never been cheaper. I can buy today, for $18, a Shimano UN55 which is like the UN54 only with metal cups on both sides and not plastic on one. Sealed cartridge bearings. Pretty darn smooth, and square taper. I can also buy a Vuelta BB in square JIS taper in a variety of widths. Sealed cartridge bearings, steel cups. $14. And I just bought a new Vuelta crank, compact crank set, 50-34 for just $30 and it's square taper. So it's not getting that expensive. It's not super high end, but it works great and it's compatible with Shimano. I picked up an SR cheap XCT v2 crank for around the same price, $30 and it supports a square taper.