PNW Loam grips review

PNW’s Loam grips give good feedback from the handlebar and prove tacky in most weather conditions thanks to the multi-pattern design.

The grip pattern fends off hand rotation, while the single grip clamp gives plenty of security on the handlebar.

They feature a varying grip design, with the inner third and underside of the grip using a mushroom texture, while the top sees a more supportive pattern that's said to help relieve fatigue caused by trail chatter.

A single clamp is used on the inside of the grip to attach it to the bar, next to which is a small rubber flange that tapers into the rest of the grip.

The Loam grips are available in Regular 30mm and XL 34mm diameters, both measuring 133.5mm in length.

I tested the regular-sized grip, which weighed just over the claimed 90g, topping my home scales at 96g.

The grips are available in 11 colourways, so there’s likely one to suit every bike.

PNW Loam grips performance

PNW’s Loam grips are easy to install, sliding quickly over the bar with little interference.

The single inner clamp is tightened using a 3mm Allen key bolt, making for easy adjustments when at home or out on the trail.

This clamp gives the grip a solid connection to the bar, with zero movement detected, even on wet days.

I’m not usually a fan of flanged grips, but the tapered design of the Loam grips provides a good anchor point without making it difficult to reach the gear shifter or dropper lever.

The spiral mushroom pattern around the inside quarter of the grips does a good job of countering forward hand rotation during braking. It also adds comfort around the thumb and forefinger knuckles when removing a digit for changing gear or pulling the brake lever.

Horizontal grooves on the underside of the grip provide plenty of purchase for your fingertips to dig into, making it comfortable to strangle the bars through rock gardens.

The zig-zag pattern on the top of the grips keeps your palm in place, and I found this to be especially effective when wearing mountain bike gloves.

This denser zone also gives the Loam grips good vibration damping, with trail buzz feeling well absorbed without losing any feeling.

The rubber of the grip extends around the bar end, which does a good job of hiding scratches when resting the bike on the ground.

In colder weather, the compound becomes less tacky, resulting in less grip. This is especially noticeable when wearing gloves.

There is no outer taper to the grip, which makes overhanging your hand easy, although some riders may miss the support of an outward edge.

PNW Loam grips bottom line

The PNW Loam grips give plenty of feedback without sacrificing comfort.

The use of multiple tread patterns results in a comfortable and confidence-inspiring connection to the bike, with the spiral mushroom pattern proving to be one of the best ways of reducing hand rotation.