Cycling Gear
PNW Loam Gen 2 225mm Dropper Review
PNW Loam Dropper Gen 2 (225mm) review
a logical endpoint of modern trail and enduro geometry: longer reach, steeper seat tubes, and the expectation that you’ll point your bike down
something that looks like a hiking trail at speed. The PNW Loam Dropper Gen 2 in 225mm is built for that reality—maximum room to move,
minimum fuss, and a design that treats a dropper post like a serviceable component rather than a sealed mystery.I’ve ridden plenty of posts that impressed me on day one and annoyed me on day sixty. The Loam Gen 2 isn’t the kind of product that begs for poetry;
it’s the kind that disappears under you. That’s the compliment.
What the 225mm travel actually changes
Let’s skip the marketing and talk riding: the biggest upgrade from a 170–200mm post to 225mm isn’t “more drop.” It’s more consistent technique.
On steep roll-ins and choppy descents, that extra saddle clearance reduces the moments where you unconsciously guard your hips because the seat is
hovering just a bit too close. The result is less mid-run micro-braking, fewer body-position compromises, and a calm that feels like free speed.
If you’re already sizing your frame for stability, a long-drop post can also let you run the saddle at a proper pedaling height without cheating it
low just to survive the downs. That matters more than we admit. A good dropper is as much about the climbs as it is about the descents, because it
stops you from choosing between biomechanics and bravery.
- 【Frame】: Durable steel dual suspension Mountain Bike frame. Featured with Front suspension fork and rear coil shock to smooth out the bumps along the way.
- 【Speeds】: Effortless gear change with 18-speed twist shifters and front and rear derailleurs.Help you find the perfect cadence to navigate your path ahead.
- 【Control】: Front and rear linear pull brakes provide control and strong stopping power.
- 【Tires】: The 26-inch all-terrain bike tires are great for various terrains, while fit to riders 5'2'' to 6'2'' inches tall.
- 【Ideal Rider】: The ideal rider for this bike is a men/woman aged 13 and up.
- SMOOTH DUAL SUSPENSION FOR COMFORT: Front suspension fork and rear spring shock absorb bumps, providing a controlled, comfortable ride on trails, gravel paths, and uneven roads.
- DURABLE STEEL FRAME WITH STYLISH DESIGN: The strong steel frame features a sleek gray gloss finish with bold red accents for durability, a modern look, and long-lasting performance.
- 21-SPEED SHIMANO GEAR SYSTEM: Conquer any terrain with the 21-speed drivetrain, Shimano rear derailleur, and twist shifters for smooth, precise gear changes, even on steep hills.
- KNOBBY ALL-TERRAIN TIRES FOR GREAT TRACTION: 26-inch tires deliver excellent grip and stability on dirt, gravel, or pavement, ensuring confidence and control in any conditions.
- BUILT FOR RIDERS 5'0" OR TALLER: Perfect for trail rides, commutes, or recreational cycling, this bike offers a comfortable fit and all the features you need for exciting outdoor adventures.
- Lightweight 16.5 inch aluminum mountain frame is the perfect bike for rides around your neighborhood or trails with 26-inch wheels fit riders 5' 3" - 5' 8" inches tall
- Bicycle is equipped with an alloy crank that delivers smooth gear changes, requiring minimal maintenance
- Mountain bike has twist shifters with a rear derailleur to make gear changes quick and easy
- Lightweight and sturdy alloy wheel and wide knobby mountain tires offer stability and balance to riders on all terrains and in all weather conditions
- Quick-release seat posts for easy adjustments, arrives 80% assembled, will need the following tool: Phillips head screwdriver, 2.5-8mm Allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers with cable cutters
Ride feel: smooth, controlled, and un-dramatic
The Loam Dropper Gen 2 returns with a smooth, confident speed—fast enough that you never wait for it, controlled enough that it doesn’t feel like it’s
trying to punch the saddle into you. PNW tends to nail that “middle” behavior that suits real-world riding: repeated on/off transitions, winter grit,
mid-ride adjustments, and the kind of neglect most droppers will eventually punish.
Side-to-side play is the question everyone asks. In practice, the Gen 2 stays composed. No dropper is immune to some rotational or lateral movement over time,
but this one feels appropriately tight, and—more importantly—predictable. When a post develops slop in an inconsistent way, it starts to distract you.
The Loam’s behavior stays in the background, where it belongs.
Setup notes: measure first, celebrate second
A 225mm post is not a universal fit, even if you want it badly. Before you commit, measure your insertion depth and confirm your frame can swallow
the post. Long travel is only useful if you can actually run it at full extension without overextending your pedaling height.
I recommend grabbing a proper metric tape measure and doing a quick dry-fit check. If you’re on the edge, consider whether a 200mm option would give you the
same benefit with less hassle. But if your frame and body fit the 225mm category, this is one of those upgrades that makes your bike feel “new” in a way that
suspension tuning sometimes doesn’t.
Small but meaningful detail: pairing the post with a high-quality remote and clean cable routing changes the whole experience. If your lever feel is gritty,
every dropper feels worse.
Serviceability and ownership: the long-term story
The best compliment I can give the Loam Gen 2 is that it behaves like a component you can own rather than a component you can merely replace.
PNW has a reputation for sensible maintenance, accessible support, and parts availability—exactly what you want from a post you’ll cycle through mud season after mud season.
If you’ve ever had a dropper start to sag and then spent weeks searching for the right seal kit or the right shop willing to touch it, you understand how much
that matters. A dropper post is a wear item. Buying one that acknowledges reality is a practical form of performance.
Who this post is for (and who should skip it)
The Loam Dropper Gen 2 in 225mm is for riders who:
- Have the frame insertion depth and rider fit to use 225mm travel properly
- Ride steep, modern trails where saddle clearance changes body position
- Want a durable, serviceable post rather than a “set it and pray” unit
You should skip it if:
- Your frame’s seat tube is restrictive or interrupted (bends, bottle bosses, shock yokes)
- You’re already struggling to get proper pedaling height on full extension
- You mainly ride mellow singletrack and rarely need maximum clearance
Recommended add-ons (Amazon links)
A long-travel dropper is only as good as the small parts that support it. Here are a few accessories I genuinely like for making dropper setup cleaner and more reliable:
- High Quality Cable Cutter - This cable cutter works excellent in cutting up to 5/32" wire rope cable of all kinds. It is widely used in industrial and home applications like cable railing, fencing, bike brakes, and other DIY projects. Recommend using with 1/8" stainless steel wire rope WR01 and hydraulic crimper CR09. Package includes: 1pcs cable cutter,4pcs bike brake cable cap end tips
- Clean Cut - The blade of this wire rope cutter is quite sharp and durable since the blade is made of chrome vanadium steel and has been hardened by high-frequency quenching. This steel wire cable cutter can make exact and clean cuts without fraying or smashing the cable ends
- Safe and Easy - The safety lock of these cable cutters prevents accidental opens and cuts that might hurt you. The ergonomic one-hand operation and non-slip rubber grips make it work easily. With telescopic spring and lightweight design, it is beginner-friendly and portable
- Advice for constructing a system - To help you build Sliver cable railing system more efficiently, we recommend the following product combinations from Muzata, including cable railing kits CB40 CR07, wire rope WR02, protector sleeve CR72 CR79, angled washer CR60, cable cutter and hydraulic crimper CK12, posts PS01-LA4S PS02-LH4S L34S, handrails HT10-SL4, handrail connectors HA01 HA02 HA23
- Why Muzata - We make home renovation simple, seamless, and budget-friendly with premium products and expert installation guidance. Planning a custom project or need layout advice? Our team is always here to help you complete your project with confidence
- PRECISE & HIGH QUALITY - Manufactured in Taiwan, our torque wrench is engineered for superior precision. It ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy, ensuring dependable results every time. Includes a calibration certificate with a trackable serial number for your assurance.
- DURABLE - Built to last, featuring a reinforced ratchet gear head made from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel for maximum strength and durability.
- LONGEVITY - Protect your investment with our proprietary Electro-Black finish, providing advanced rust and corrosion resistance for extended tool life.
- PERFORMANCE - Easily read and set torque levels with our patent-pending dual-range scale. The high-contrast, yellow-on-black markings are designed for easy visibility, even in low-light conditions.
- OMFORT - Equipped with a reversible ratchet head that drives in both directions and measures torque in a clockwise direction. The ergonomic, knurled handle ensures a non-slip, comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue.
- ADVANCED FORMULA: Our unique Bio Grease is based on renewable resources and has a combination of extreme pressure lubricity additives and natural ‘slip’, giving it unrivalled performance in its class!
- IMPROVES PERFORMANCE: Our high-quality grease is formulated to protect your bike in order to preserve components and improve the performance of moving parts.
- ANTI-CORROSION: Muc-Off Bio Grease prevents water ingress in order to protect against corrosion. The formula itself is also highly resistant to water ‘wash-off’ so it will work for longer to protect your bike against rust.
- BIODEGRADABLE: Our bicycle grease is formulated to be fully biodegradable. We've designed a badass grease that is super effective but gentle on the planet.
- SUITABLE FOR ALL BIKES: Whether you prefer to hit the road or shred the trails on your MTB, Muc-Off Bio Grease is the perfect choice for keeping any moving parts well-greased for the ultimate performance.
- FIRST-AID ESSENTIALS- From cleaning small wounds, cuts, blemishes, and acne to sanitizing skin areas prior to injections for bloodwork, immunizations or insulin shots- our pads cater to a vast variety of sanitization needs.
- INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED: Individually wrapped alcohol pads preserve their pristine quality and sterilization. Whether you're a professional or an individual at home, you'll appreciate the convenience and hygiene of these alcohol pads individually wrapped.
- ANTISEPTIC WIPES: Our antiseptic wipes individually wrapped, each containing 70% Isopropyl, are designed to prevent infections prior to injections. The soft, highly absorbent 2ply construction of these Med pads is gentle on all skin types.
- VERSATILE USE: Experience the versatility of our antiseptic wipes, suitable for both professional and home use. Whether you're in a medical facility or at home, MED PRIDE Alcohol Prep Pads provide the sanitization you need.
- PACK OPTIONS: Select the right pack for you, with Medpride offering its alcohol prep pads as part of your diabetic supplies. Whether you're stocking up a professional medical facility or your home first aid kit, our alcohol swabs are available in packs of 100 and 200 to meet your requirements.
- MULTI-FUNCTION: This measuring tool has a quick-change button that changes between three measuring modes such as inch, fraction, and millimeter to make conversion a snap during measurement. Our metric caliper measuring tool is splash and dust resistant.
- THREE UNIT CONVERSION: The electronic digital caliper micrometer measurement range is 0” - 6” and 0 mm – 150 mm with a resolution of 0.0005” / 1/128” / 0.01 mm and an accuracy of 0.001” / 0.02 mm for precise readings in all your measurement needs.
- QUALITY: The body of the digital caliper is constructed using finely polished stainless steel with a knurled thumb roller and locking screw that ensures smooth sliding and accurate positioning when taking measurements. The large digital caliper screen makes it easy to get quick and accurate readings.
- VERSATILE: The Neiko 01407A electronic digital caliper measurement tool is perfect to measure inside, outside, depth and step with two sets of jaws and a probe as a vernier caliper.
- EXTRA LARGE LCD SCREEN: Each digital stainless-steel caliper has an extra-large LCD screen for easy and clear readings for faster efficiency and accuracy for all jobs. Each digital caliper comes with a gray portable strong case for easy storage, pressure resistant and shockproof.
- Allen wrenches (aka hex keys) for tightening or loosening screws
- Includes 36 hex keys in SAE and metric sizes and with long and short arm lengths
- Made of durable chrome vanadium steel with a black oxide finish for rugged strength and rust resistance
- 2 hinged cases included, complete with dedicated slots for key storage and clear size markings for fast locating
- Ideal for working on bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, furniture, machinery, and more
Note: Affiliate links help support our testing and editorial work at no additional cost to you.
Verdict
The PNW Loam Dropper Gen 2 (225mm) is the kind of upgrade that changes your relationship with steep terrain without demanding your attention.
It’s smooth, solid, and sensibly designed for riders who actually ride—often, aggressively, and in conditions that aren’t always polite. If your bike can fit a
225mm post, this is one of the cleanest ways to make a modern trail bike feel more capable immediately.
Long travel isn’t a gimmick anymore. It’s a fit and function decision. PNW’s Gen 2 makes the case that “more” can also be “simple.”
FAQ
- Is 225mm of dropper travel too much for trail riding?
- Not if your frame and fit support it. The benefit is more room to move on steep or technical descents while keeping correct saddle height for pedaling.
- How do I know if my frame can fit a 225mm dropper?
- Measure available insertion depth and check for obstructions inside the seat tube (shock hardware, bends, bottle bosses). Compare that to the post’s insertion requirement.
- Will a longer dropper make climbing worse?
- No—if set up correctly. A longer-travel post allows a full pedaling height and more precise on-the-fly adjustments; it shouldn’t force a lower saddle position.
- Do I need a special remote lever for the Loam Gen 2?
- You don’t need a “special” one, but a good-quality remote and fresh cable/housing dramatically improve feel and reliability.
- How often should I service a dropper post?
- It depends on conditions, but regular cleaning plus periodic inspection of cable tension and hardware torque will prevent most issues. If you ride wet, muddy trails often,
expect more frequent maintenance.
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