"Really expensive stuff, and lame/nonexistent customer service."

i've dealt with paul many times regarding various things about cranks and hubs and each time i got a response back from him within a day or two, and when i've called and talked to him personally he's been extremely friendly and helpful.

i dunno bout these brakes though. the design of the lever doesn't look that ergonomic. i'm sure it's well built and will last forever unlike some of the cheaper cross levers i've destroyed, but yeah - the c-shaped lever is questionable. i'd have to ride with it before passing judgement though.

i've been riding paul hubs for two years just about every day on nyc streets and havent had any problems. they heavy duty hubs that i'm not worried about breaking a flange on. can't say that bout the level hubs i have.

i've been riding paul cranks for coming up on a year and i ****ing love em. they're stiffer than my 75's and feel great. i love the way they look, although i'd prefer them without the playing card stuff. as far as the proprietary chainring set-up goes, i like it. riding nyc streets daily in the past i've tended to have a problem with loosening chainring bolts, and i haven't had to deal with this at all with the pauls.

there's also a lot to say for supporting independent, small, american businesses which is one of the primary reasons i've gone with paul stuff in the past and the main reason i went with the cranks.