Closing out 2024 we were honored to have the Loam Carbon Bar included in The Loam Wolf’s Editor’s Choice Awards. Travis over at The Loam Wolf put in some extra time testing out the Loam Carbon Bar, and to our delight he had a great time riding the bars. Here’s some key takeaways from the full review, to do the deep dive head over to The Loam Wolf.
SWEET FEATURES
“The Loam Carbon Handlebars are a perfect choice for riders looking for strength, compliance, and weight savings.”
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Compliant Bore Design (CBD): This design focuses on providing vertical compliance while maintaining lateral stiffness, meaning the bars absorb trail vibrations without sacrificing handling precision.
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Flex: The bars are stiff enough for technical riding but flexible enough to smooth out vibrations from rough trails, creating a better experience on long rides.
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Weight: Weighing between 220g to 250g, depending on the rise, the handlebars are lightweight for carbon handlebars in their category.
COMFORT+PERFORMANCE
“If you ride long, technical trails or aggressive downhill, the PNW Loam Carbon Handlebars make a noticeable difference in comfort.”
- Reduced Fatigue: The 10° backsweep and the specific carbon fiber construction significantly reduce hand fatigue, arm pump, and discomfort during longer descents.
- Vibration Dampening: The bars absorb a lot of the trail chatter, which is noticeable on rougher terrain, making the ride more comfortable overall, especially for aggressive riders.
- Compliant Yet Stiff: While they offer vibration dampening, they still provide the necessary lateral stiffness to maintain precision on technical trails.
GEO LOVE
“The 10° backsweep will feel odd at first, but after a few rides, the change in comfort and wrist positioning will be appreciated.”
- Backsweep Considerations: Some riders may initially need time to adjust to the 10° backsweep, especially on steep or technical climbs. However, after a few rides, the increased comfort and control are well worth the change.
- Positioning: The positioning of the bars contributes to a natural wrist position, which is ideal for long rides or steep descents.
LAST WORDS
“If you’re after a handlebar that reduces fatigue and offers superb comfort without sacrificing stiffness or performance, the Loam Carbon Handlebars deliver.”
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Recommendation: The PNW Loam Carbon Handlebars are highly recommended for riders seeking a balance between comfort and performance. They excel in long, technical descents and are ideal for reducing hand fatigue over extended periods of riding.
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Suitability: The handlebars are suitable for trail, enduro, downhill, and e-bikes, making them a versatile option for different types of riders.
READ THE FULL REVIEW AT THE LOAM WOLF