The Loam Stem from PNW Components is the brand’s premium option that features bold colours and top-level CNC machining. In practice, it does its job incredibly well with plenty of markings to make it easy to set up and excellent looks. At this price, it’s rubbing shoulders with some lighter contenders but it’s modern, well designed and certainly one of the best MTB stems.
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PNW Components Loam Stem – Technical details
With the Range Stem being part of PNW’s cockpit range for years now, it’s about time that the brand unveiled a blingier model to the range. The Loam Stem encapsulates everything that makes PNW what it is while upping its game.
CNC’d from a block of 6061 aluminium, it comes in four anodised colours as well as 31.8 and 35mm clamp diameters. Admittedly, the range of lengths on offer is limited, with 32mm and 40mm currently available, but we’re told that there’s a 50mm option coming soon.
As for measurements, it’s all looking rather good. There’s a zero-degree rise, which can be helpful for adjustment in overall stack height, and there’s a 38mm stack on the stem itself. Claimed weights range from 148 to 170 grams, and the 40mm length, 35mm clamp stem on test comes in at 166g, six grams heavier than claimed.
For carbon handlebars, the brand includes a sachet of friction paste.
PNW Components Loam Stem – Performance
PNW couldn’t have made the setup of the stem easier. Granted, stem installation is pretty straightforward forward, but the brand leaves no guesses when it comes to bar alignment, and that can be a tricky task. Easy bar alignment comes thanks to handy markings found at the stem’s faceplate, and when used with the Loam Handlebar, the markings on each are designed to correspond with each other.
The setup comes even easier as all bolts use a 4mm Allen and torque up to 6Nm, as marked on the side of the stem. Additionally, there’s a no-gap faceplate, meaning that when torqued, there shouldn’t be a gap between the upper of the faceplate and the body of the stem. This eradicates the need to balance the gaps between the two, which at the best of times, is no easy feat. To put it simply, there’s just no guesswork when it comes to setting up the stem.
In fact, markings are everywhere with specifications printed on the inner clamping surface, so dare you change your stem from this one, you’ve always got a reference to the size and specification you’re currently running.
The best stems are the ones that do their job and are quickly forgotten, and that’s exactly how the Loam Stem works. Aside from the louder than life colour that harks back to bikes of the 90s, I’ve had zero complaints..
Build quality is top-notch with a smooth and precise finish, and PNW didn’t hold back on laser etching neat logos into the steerer clamping area.
When combined with the PNW Components Loam Handlebar, stiffness was right on the money with a direct steering feel that comes thanks to the large clamping surface.
Where everything is very good on this stem, the main downside is its weight. At this price, there are lighter stems around. We’re talking around 30 to 40 grams in difference, so it’s not huge, but with that in mind, the Loam Stem isn’t one for the uber weight-conscious.
PNW Components Loam Stem – Verdict
With that extra weight in mind, there are a couple of competitors to compare to, the first of which is Gusset’s S2 stem. This one comes in more length options and both clamp diameters, but its stack is a little higher, and it only comes in black. However, Gusset claims a weight of 139g.
Next up is e*thirteen’s Plus 35 stem. This example doesn’t get an extra short size, rather 40 and 50mm lengths, and there’s no information on its stack. It’s a little lighter at 145g, it gets a zero-degree rise, but interestingly, it gets a very different steerer clamping bolt layout that’s said to boost knee clearance and maintain alignment when tightening.
Adding to the value, the Loam Stem is covered by the brand’s Lifetime Warranty, not that you’ll need it.
If you can forgive a few extra grams and are looking to bling your bike in the latest PNW goodness, the PNW Components Loam Stem is a worthy option. It’s easy to set up, rather good-looking, and it just does its job.
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Product purpose:
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Stack Height: 38mm
Compatibility: Fits 1-1/8″ steerer tube
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