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The PNW Loam Lever was simply up to date with extra adjustability and a bigger thumb pad. We’ve been testing one out for the previous few weeks to see the way it stacks up towards the unique, which we’ve been utilizing for the final 4 years. Discover our ideas and an in depth comparability on this evaluate…
I believe we are able to all agree that there are lots of nice dropper publish choices available on the market at this time, however most of them embody both a sub-par lever or no lever in any respect. I discover it unusual that many firms supply high-end dropper posts in a wide range of sizes and lengths however don’t present a lever choice to match.
In 2018, Washington-based PNW Elements got down to change that with the Loam Lever, making it their mission to supply a dropper publish lever with a crisp, constant really feel that would deal with the damp situations of the Pacific Northwest. It’s constructed up round a CNC-machined alloy physique, stainless-steel {hardware}, an outsized sealed cartridge bearing for the lever’s pivot level, and each side-to-side place and pivoting attain adjustment. The Loam Lever is completed with an injection-moulded thumb pad tha’ts accessible in a variety of colour choices that pair up properly with PNW’s different elements.
Unique PNW Loam Lever (left), Loam Lever V2 (proper)
I’ve been utilizing the unique PNW Loam Lever continuous on my Why S7 since its launch. It has seen hundreds of kilometres and actuations, a number of housing and cable modifications, and has been pushed by rain, mud, and snow. It hasn’t skipped and beat in that point, proving itself as one of many smoothest and most natural-feeling dropper levers available on the market. After 4 years of stable use, I haven’t changed the bearing, and whereas it’s beginning to really feel barely much less buttery off the bike, it’s practically good when mounted. In brief, it’s one of many nicest upgrades you may make to your bike for nicely beneath $100.
Loam Lever Gen 2 vs Loam Lever Gen 1
The subsequent era of Loam Lever shares the unique’s recognizable general design. It’s nonetheless produced from CNC-machined aluminum, makes use of a big sealed-cartridge bearing on the pivot level, and depends on stainless-steel {hardware}. What’s new is an improved mounting block that gives one other place for the lever to be mounted in and basically will increase the lateral adjustment from the unique’s 6mm to 14mm. Having extra room to dial within the place of the lever is nice for accommodating completely different hand sizes, working round different cockpit elements, and to creating a customized setup.
The brand new Loam Lever additionally has a bigger redesigned thumb pad that PNW claims is “simpler to actuate when that you must drop your seat in a rush.” Trying on the photographs above, you’ll be able to see that it’s not drastically larger, however the finish tapers outward as an alternative of inward, which ought to make touchdown a thumb in the suitable spot that a lot simpler. The lever continues to be completed with a grippy silicone pad that gives traction in all situations. It’s additionally price noting that the Loam Lever nonetheless has an built-in barrel adjuster for fast cable pressure changes, and the cable bolts on on the lever finish, which makes establishing and changing cables/housing that a lot simpler.
The Loam Lever is obtainable with a number of clamp kinds, together with a normal 22.2mm hinge clamp, SRAM MatchMaker X, Shimano I-SPEC II, and Shimano I-SPEC EV. They cost $5 to change the 22.2mm clamp for any of the opposite choices and an extra $5 for a cable and PNW-branded housing at checkout. It is available in seven colours that match their line of pedals, grips, and different elements.
Ideas Whereas Driving
Having logged so many miles on the unique Loam Lever, I seen the brand new thumb pad right away. I discover it simpler to succeed in, and paired with the third mounting gap, it’s that a lot easier to dial within the place of the thumb pad in relation to my grips and brake lever. The brand new form is simple to actuate with the tip of your thumb in case your hand is out of place, and I’m joyful to see the silicone pad make a return as nicely.
Whereas I’ve solely been utilizing the brand new lever for a few weeks, it feels just like the updates are worthwhile and make for a greater dropper publish lever. Contemplating how easy my authentic lever nonetheless is and the situations I’ve used it in right here within the Pacific Northwest, I don’t anticipate the brand new Loam Lever to fall quick. Whereas the lever operates easily and with out a lot effort, it’s not as gentle because the Wolf Tooth Distant Mild Motion dropper lever that’s presently put in on Emily’s Ibis Ripley AF. For those who’re in search of the lightest attainable lever really feel, I believe Wolf Tooth ought to be on the high of your listing.
Professionals
- Larger thumb pad is simple to succeed in/hit
- Extra adjustment to dial in place
- Huge sealed-cartridge bearing and stainless-steel {hardware}
- A number of attachment choices
- Numerous colours
Cons
- Lever throw isn’t as gentle because the Wolf Tooth Mild Motion lever
- Identical value as made-in-USA choices
- Materials: CNC’d Aluminum, Silicone Pad
- Weight: 48 grams
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Worth: $69 USD
- Producer’s Particulars: PNWComponents.com
Wrap Up
The unique PNW Loam Lever was already one of many nicest dropper publish levers accessible, so it’s thrilling to see PNW again with a worthwhile replace. The expanded adjustability and bigger thumb pad are noticeable and sensible updates assist the Loam Lever preserve its place as certainly one of my all-time-favourite dropper publish levers. It’s easy, grippy, and makes for a incredible improve to any mechanically actuated dropper publish.
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