PNW Components now offers their new Loam Carbon handlebars in 35mm and 31.6mm diameters, and after several months of riding on the new carbon bars, it’s a clear winner. Retaining the elements we loved from their alloy Range Handlebar — a favorite thanks to the slightly tweaked 10º sweep — it offers an increase in all-day comfort while retaining the handling feel suitable for high-performance riding. The carbon iteration adds additional comfort thanks to the carbon material and additional compliance and vibration-absorbing qualities that come from the space-age material.
We covered the carbon Loam bar specs in our first look article on the 35mm bar here, but here’s a recap of the technical specs:
- Premium pre-preg UD Carbon
- Rated strong enough for e-bikes and DH riding
- Upsweep: 5° Backsweep: 10°
- Width: 800mm (740mm minimum trim width)
- Rise: 25mm or 38mm
- Clamp Diameter: 35mm and 31.6mm bars are now offered
31.6mm PNW Loam Carbon Handlebar now available
I have a strong preference for 31.6mm bars for a few reasons. One, they’re more compliant in general in compared to the oversized and stiffer 35mm standard. Two, I have a box of stems for my bikes so I can customize the fit in a range of lengths. As someone that enjoys testing different bikes, dialing the fit is a big aspect of having a positive riding experience. Having to add 35mm stems is a pain.
That said, 35mm receives all the spec these days on new bikes and its hard to deny the cool factor – you gotta admit it does look cool. However, it looks out of place paired with steel and titanium frames. That said, the 35mm pairs well with carbon frames. The oversize bars are confidence-inspiring on when riding aggressively on ebikes and my eMTBs both are adorned with 35mm bars.
At this point, most riders have a favorite stem standard, and after riding both the 31.6mm and 35mm PNW Loam bars, I felt they had similar ride qualities on the trail. That said, I ride different trails on my hardtail and trail bike, so it’s not a very scientific comparison. Personally, I’d just go with the one that matches your favorite stem.
The PNW Components bars are great – and if you’re unsure of the 10º sweep, do yourself a favor and pick up a less expensive alloy Range bar when they go on sale to try it – we don’t think you’ll regret it. I only have one thing that bugs me; while the graphics under the brake levers look cool, when you swap parts around as much as we do, it gets a big boogered up.
The Carbon Loam Bar lists for $149, with color decals available to customize your bars for $5.00 more. It and the 35mm Range Stem are available now. Check them out at PNWComponents.com, or support the site by shopping for PNW Components gear with our partner link at Amazon.com.
On a side note, PNW Components threw a PNW Range Pack hat into the goodie bag when they sent the bars over. As a multi-sport enthusiast, the quick-dry nylon cap is a stand out from most the hats I have in the collection. It looks like a sporty baseball cap but I’d wear it on the water, in addition to anywhere else. For $25, it’s solid option for a go-to cap.