PNW Components Loam Gen 2 Flat Pedal

When PNW Components launched the first generation of the Loam flat pedal, we were initially taken aback by the somewhat unusual shape and lack of pronounced concavity, but we were then quickly won over by the actual performance of the pedal out on the trails. The all-new Gen 2 version builds on the same general shape as its predecessor, but it has been reworked in every aspect to further improve on its performance and serviceability. The pedal hits the market today, but we’ve been testing it for a month or so already, so we can tell you all about how it has turned out.

PNW Components Loam Gen 2 Flat Pedal Highlights

• Aluminum platform
• 115x109 platform size
• Platform height: 15.5 mm front/back, 14 mm center, 17 mm over axle
• “Tectonic” and grub screw pins, 10 pin heads per side (only 12x pins total per pedal)
• 2x sealed bearings and 1 bushing per side
• Alloy steel SCM415 axle
• Easy to remove axle/bearing system
• Colors: Black, Silver, Purple, Green, Orange
• Weight: 422 grams per pair (verified)
• MSRP: $159 USD

Initial Impressions

The Gen 2 Loam builds on the same shape as the Gen 1 pedal, with the outside edge narrower than the inside. Every aspect of the pedal has been reworked however, starting with the profile and the curves of the different parts of the pedal. The center offers more concavity thanks to a more aggressive shaping of the ridge above the axle. The front and rear edges are flat, while the side edge has been given a slightly convex shape to help support the arch of the foot for those who like to place their foot really far forwards on the pedal.

In terms of numbers, the Loam 2 measures in on the somewhat conservative side compared to some of the other options we’ve tested in our big flat pedal comparison feature (that’s been running since 2016). The “Pin-To-Axle” measurement is 113 mm, which provides for plenty of real estate even for those who like to place their feet away from the crank arms. The measured concavity is 6 mm, a good number but not on par with the deepest options out there. The total height of the pedal is 26 mm with pins, which is about average or slightly on the shallow side, which makes the Gen 2 Loam a good choice for those seeking decent concavity without a pedal that feels too tall.

To source the pins, PNW turned to fellow flat pedal maker Tectonic. The Tectonic pins fit straight through the whole pedal body and are held in place by a small locking bolt. The advantage is that a mangled pin can pretty much always be removed, without worrying about any stripped threads in the pedal body. There is also quite a lot of material around the pin body this way. The tops of the pins still have threads for grip. Regular grub pins are used for the 2 innermost pins on each side of the pedal.

Serviceability was high on the list of aspects that PNW wanted to further improve upon for the new pedal. To that end, PNW designed a “cartridge” system which can be removed with a simple adjustable spanner (or 18 mm hex spanner). The axle spins on 2 sealed bearings and a larger inboard bushing, all of which are accessible and can be easily replaced once the main cartridge has been removed from the pedal body. It’s a nice solution that makes it easy to work on your pedals and keep them fresh for longer. On the topic of freshness, the Gen 2 Loam is available in 5 different colors – our “Fruit Snacks” sample looks great, with deep and uniform anodization and attention to detail in the machining. $159 USD is not chump change but it’s a competitive price for this level of execution, we’d say. You get 2x spare Tectonic pins, 2x spare grub screws, and 2x pedal washers in the box with your purchase.

On The Trail

The Gen 2 Loam felt great under our feet from the beginning. You can just about make out the somewhat raised shape of the outside edge during your first ride, but it soon becomes second nature. The pedal feels natural under the sole, regardless of where you like to run your feet – wide or narrow, front or back. 

The level of grip is great, not fully on par with the outright market leaders perhaps, but really not all that far behind. We remember being impressed by the amount of grip on offer from the original Loam, despite that pedal’s lack of concavity, testament to the fact that good pins and pin placement are also important for grip. The Gen 2 Loam is another step up now in terms of grip.

The shape of the pedal looks unusual when viewed from above, with the length tapering off towards the outside edge giving the pedal its distinct profile. In use, that has no impact on comfort or grip though, and the pedal works well regardless of where you place your foot. The outward taper could also help the pedal avoid hanging up on trailside obstacles, at least in theory. In any case, the Gen 2 Loam feels roomy without feeling bulky, and we had two testers report that it does its job well even when the trail gets rougher.

What’s The Bottom Line?

The Gen 2 Loam pedal stands out in the crowd thanks to its unusual curves, with the outside edge tapering off in width. The rest of design aspects are now somewhat more in line with the rest of the market, with a multi-dimensional shape that offers central concavity with a raised outside edge to support the arch of the foot as well. Serviceability has been addressed with an easily removable axle system cartridge and the use of full-length “Tectonic” pins, ensuring that riders can refresh their pedals at home with simple tools when needed. The redesign translates to a pedal that feels great and delivers plenty of grip out on the trail, just short of the market leaders perhaps but still confidence-inspiring enough to tackle any kind of riding with ease. The workmanship is first class and the asking price of $159 USD provides for great value in the high-end pedal space. Certainly a new pedal more than worthy of your consideration. 

More information at: www.pnwcomponents.com.

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord - Age: 52 // Years Riding MTB: 20 // Weight: 190-pounds (87 kg) // Height: 6'0" (1.84m)

Johan loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.

Photos by Johan Hjord and Ingrid Hjord (thanks Mom!)