The PNW Loam Dropper Offers Top-of-the-Line Features for $199 [Review]

It’s not every day that a brand improves an already excellent product, and drops the price at the same time. That’s exactly what PNW Components has done with the new PNW Loam dropper post. I’ve been testing one for almost exactly three months ahead of today’s launch, and here’s what I’ve found.

With the release of the PNW Loam dropper post, PNW Components is retiring the Bachelor which previously sat atop the brand’s dropper post line. Somehow, the PNW Loam is cheaper by $40, lighter by 40g, and adds adjustable travel, among other improvements. Honestly, I’ve not convinced the folks at PNW Components understand how the bike industry is supposed to work, but the upshot is consumers end up ahead.

PNW Loam Dropper Features

The PNW Loam dropper is available in 30.9, 31.6, and 34.9mm diameters with travel lengths ranging from 125 to 200mm. I’ve been testing the 30.9/200mm version, and my sample weighs 579g.

Like the newly revised PNW Rainier which Matt reviewed in September, the PNW Loam dropper features adjustable travel. With this feature, buyers can dial in the amount of travel they want, in 5mm increments, by up to 30mm, without needing a tool. Practically speaking, this means riders can maximize dropper post travel based on their saddle and seat tube height, assuming there is ample room to fit the post’s overall length.

Speaking of overall length, PNW says the Loam is 18mm shorter than the post it replaces, making it compatible with more frames and potentially allowing some riders to move up to a longer-travel post.

The air cartridge inlet.

Two-bolt head.

The PNW Loam dropper is one of only two PNW posts to feature an adjustable air cartridge that can be tuned to tweak the post’s return speed. The air port is located below the two-bolt saddle clamp and can be charged using a standard shock pump.

Finally, PNW makes the Loam dropper customizable by offering optional color bands that fit around the mid-cap of the post. The stretchy bits are like mini Livestrong bracelets, available in several colors to match PNW grips and dropper remotes. The PNW Loam dropper ships with a gray band and additional bands can be purchased separately.

PNW Loam Dropper Installation

Installation and removal are a breeze thanks to the slotted actuator. Because my extra large hardtail frame features a straight seat tube — and because I have long legs — I didn’t find it necessary to reduce the travel of the post. Mine ended up sticking out of the frame by about an inch or two.

PNW Loam Dropper On the Trail

When I received the PNW Loam dropper post back in August, I knew nothing about it. There wasn’t a spec sheet in the box, and the only clues I had were the markings on the post itself.

Within the first few miles of an initial 25-mile ride the Loam dropper felt like a premium post. With 200mm of travel, the telescoping inner tube glides smoothly and consistently, and doesn’t appear to slow at either end of its journey. Out of the box the return speed is good; not too fast, and not too slow. Still, it’s nice knowing that I can make adjustments down the line, especially as the post starts to slow down due to crud buildup and the inevitable pressure leaks over time.

The PNW Loam dropper post functions quietly; there are no loud thunks on the way up, or clangs on the way back down. The actuator, paired with the PNW Loam remote, offers just the right amount of throw that makes for reliable operation, even in a hurry.

After a couple hundred miles of riding, my sample has about a degree of rotational, side-to-side play. Other than that, it’s feeling great and will likely be my go-to dropper post for a long time to come.

PNW Loam lever and matching grips.

It’s hard to believe that PNW offers their nicest dropper post for just $199, but keep in mind that doesn’t include a remote and buyers will need to pony up five more bucks if they want to customize the color. The brand’s premium PNW Loam remote lever is priced at $69, while the least expensive, over-the-bar PNW option rings in at $29. Buyers who are upgrading from another dropper post likely already have a remote they can use.