PNW Components has been best known for solid performing dropper seat posts that pair performance and longevity with a value-packed price point. Their line has been ever steadily expanding, first with cockpit offerings and now pedals. The PNW Loam Pedal is their first platform pedal, fabricated from 6061 aluminum.
Features
- 445 Grams (Pair)
- Forged and post-CNC’d 6061 aluminum
- (2) Sealed cartridge bearings and (1) roller bearing
- Platform size: 105mm wide x 115mm long
- 22 Custom replaceable pins per pedal, threaded in from underside
- Fully rebuildable and serviceable
- MSRP: $99 USD
In terms of construction, the Loam pedal is inline with other offerings, being forged into its rough shaped then CNC’d into its final form. The Loam pedal utilizes sealed cartridge and roller bearings with the rebuild kit being offered for a very reasonable price of $25. The rebuild kit includes all new internal parts – inner bearings, washers, etc. Pin kits($9), washer kits($5), and axle kits ($19) are available as well should you need them.
First impressions & comparisons
The flat, tapered shape of the pedals was the subject of debate with a few of our riding buddies initially, who expressed concern about the tapered body design based on the photos. Indeed, the Loam pedal lacks the concave seen in a lot of platform pedals, and instead the pedal body tapers with longer pins added to maintain the concavity effect. The logic is sound – being narrow at the ends means more clearance for rock strikes, and if you bash pins, they’re easily replaced.
Many of the comments speculate upon the level of grip. I personally like a pedal that features a grip amount that is somewhere in between stuck like flypaper and being free to move around. Like any pedal, the key to success with the Loam pedal is to pair them with the right shoes. With the Loam pedals, I had the best results pairing them with Five Ten Freeride shoes for all-around trail riding. Of the shoes currently in my rotation, they feature the softest rubber sole, and it was a strong solid pairing. I’ve also been running them with the Shimano GR7 which also features a ton of grip, as well as a stiffer sole than the Freerider. Less grippy soles, like those found on the Shimano GR5 were not as positive of a pairing for aggressive and rough terrain.
On the trail
Turns out the best aspect of the Loam pedals is the tapered, thin edges, which provide a significant amount of ground clearance. The eggbeater shape that gets called out actually works quite well, and I felt a good amount of support. (significantly more than with the Spank Oozy pedals they replaced) With BB heights getting lower across the board, pedal strikes (as well as chain ring impacts) are common on any technical trail with rocks, and the additional ground clearance is appreciated.
My primary all-around trail bike is a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO, which, even in the high bb setting still is quite low, and as such, even being conservative in rocks, I still bash pedals periodically. The Loam pedals aren’t the lightest option out there, but the weight is respectable for a quality pedal that should hold up for the long haul.
In terms of traction, the Loam isn’t the most grippy pedal you can find, but for most of the trail riding I’ve done on them to date, I found them to be more than adequate for my riding style.
Who are the Loam pedals for?
When it comes to shuttle runs and long-travel bikes, I stick to the biggest platform pedals I have like Shimano’s Saint pedal or the Spank Spoon (in the larger size). With gravity riding I care less about heft, and value grip and durability first)
At this point, riders are blessed with a multitude of options that are all optimized for a slightly different riding experience. I found the Loam pedal to be a solid option for all-around trail riding, which really is most riders out there. While I initially rocked them on the dirt jumper, the bulk of my time with them has been on trail rides and jumpy flow trails. (I tend to run large, heavier pedals on the DJ bike as there’s no advantage to running a skinny pedal on it; plus the new less expensive resin model feels like a better match for the dirt jumper) I feel like they were best on flow trails and trail rides where you’re often banging your pedals off roots and rocks; this where the optimized shape of the pedals shine.
If you’re already a fan of the PNW posts and bars, adding the pedals is a nice way to tie off your setup. At $100, they’re a solid value in comparison to the other alloy, sealed bearing, low-profile pedals. Check them out at PNWComponents.com or add a pair to your order next time you’re shopping at REI.com or JensonUSA.