PNW Loam Dropper Post V2 – Updated and Dialed In

PNW’s Loam Dropper Post V2 Is Refined Like Fine Wine

Let’s be honest, no one upgrades their dropper post because it’s sexy. You upgrade it because the last one slipped, sagged, or sounded like it was gargling rocks. So when PNW Components dropped their new Loam Dropper Gen 2, we were all ears—especially since the original Loam Post had already built a reputation as one of the best value-driven posts in the game.

We dove into what’s new, what’s improved, and whether this dropper is the set-it-and-forget-it post you’ve been waiting for.

What’s New? (And Why It Matters)

This isn’t a ground-up redesign—it’s a smart evolution. PNW took everything they learned from Gen 1 and made focused improvements that riders will actually feel.

Here’s what’s fresh in Loam Gen 2:

• Slimmer, Lower Stack Head: The new top section is noticeably lower, giving you more room to drop that saddle. A major win for bikes with limited insertion depth or riders chasing every millimeter of clearance.
  

• Upgraded Seal Head: Now threaded instead of held in with a circlip. Translation: easier home service, no weird tools required, and fewer excuses to avoid a rebuild.
  

• 225mm Travel Option: Yes, you read that right. If you’re a tall rider or just love to get rowdy, the Loam V2 is one of the few droppers out there to offer up to 225mm of drop.
  

• Revised Bushing Material & Travel Adjust: Improved durability and longer service intervals, all while keeping the tool-free 25mm travel adjust bushing we loved in V1.
  

• Improved Collar Design: A chamfer reduction lets the post sit deeper into your frame, increasing usable drop.

None of these changes are flashy. But they add up to a post that’s more reliable, more serviceable, and more user-friendly—all while staying at a price point that’s way below the Kashima-coated competition.

Specs & Options

Here’s the full lowdown on what you’re working with:

• Travel Options: 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, 200mm, and 225mm
  

• Diameter Options: 30.9mm, 31.6mm, and 34.9mm
  

• Routing: Internal only
  

• Actuation: Mechanical (cable)
  

• Drop Tune: Tool-free 25mm adjustable travel (in 5mm increments)
  

• Weight: Approx. 500–640g depending on size
  

• Price: $229 (Black) / $234 (Silver)
  

• Finish Options: Matte Black or Silver
  

• Warranty: 3 Years
  

• Lever Compatibility: Sold separately; works great with PNW’s Loam Lever Gen 2

Gen 1 vs. Gen 2: Worth the Upgrade?

If you're already rocking the original Loam Post, you know it was one of the best bang-for-buck options out there. But PNW didn't just sit back—they tweaked, tuned, and upgraded the V2 in all the ways that matter most to riders.

Here’s how the Loam V2 stacks up against the original:

Max Travel:

• Gen 1: Topped out at 200mm
  

• Gen 2: Bumps it up to 225mm for those who want maximum drop

Seal Head Design:

• Gen 1: Circlip retained = trickier to service
  

• Gen 2: Threaded top seal = way easier to open and maintain at home

Stack Height:

• Gen 1: Decent, but not the lowest
  

• Gen 2: Shorter head height lets your saddle drop lower—great for frames with limited insertion
  

Travel Adjust Bushing:

• Gen 1: Tool-free, but some play developed over time
  

• Gen 2: Still tool-free, now with improved materials for better long-term durability

Seat Clamp Design:

• Gen 1: Functional but a bit tight to access
  

• Gen 2: Slotted clamp design makes saddle angle adjustments easier

Collar & Insertion Depth:

• Gen 1: Solid but could limit insertion on some frames
  

• Gen 2: Chamfered collar increases insertion depth, helping you run more drop on more bikes

Price:

• Gen 1: Started around $209
  

• Gen 2: Starts at $229 (Black) or $234 (Silver)—still a killer value
  

So should you upgrade?
If your V1 is still working perfectly and you’re happy with the travel, you’re fine. But if you’re building a new bike or want a dropper that’s easier to work on, offers more drop, and fits better in tight seat tubes—the Loam V2 is the clear winner.

On Trail Performance

We’ve been testing the V2 around our local trails and, like most dropper posts, it’s all about set-it-and-forget-it. Install is straightforward, especially if you’re familiar with cable-actuated posts. It pairs perfectly with PNW’s Loam Lever, but any standard trigger will work.

The action is smooth, return speed is just right, and there’s no noticeable play after a few weeks of use. We’ll be running this post long-term to see how it handles real-world abuse—wet rides, trail dust, poor maintenance habits, all of it.

For now? It’s rock solid.

What’s Worldwide’s Takeaway?

The Loam Dropper Gen 2 doesn’t make wild claims. It just delivers practical improvements that real riders will appreciate. With more drop, less stack, and easier serviceability—all while staying under $235—this is one of the smartest buys in the dropper post world right now.

Whether you're building a new rig or upgrading your old post, this is a dropper that does everything right without trying too hard. And that’s exactly what we want.

We’ll keep riding it through the season and let you know how it holds up. But if you’re wondering what Jeff’s putting on his personal bike next month?
Yeah, it’s probably this one.