PNW Loam v2 or One Up V3

ricekrispyota · Jul 25, 2025

I'm looking to get a new dropper post for the bike I just got. The bike will fit up to a 240mm dropper. I'm looking at either the PNW Loam v2 or the OneUP V3. OneUp makes a 240mm dropper and PNW goes up to 225mm. OneUp has a two year warranty vs. PNW's lifetime warranty. It looks like the OneUP is about 300g lighter than the PNW (according to Microsoft AI response)

I'm looking to see if anyone has any side by side comparisons or opinions either way to help with my decision. I have the Loam V1 on my old bike and have had zero issues with.

Both are about the same price as a package deal (Post/lever/cable and housing).

The current post on the bike is a 175mm KS Lev. I have about 5" of post sticking out of the frame.

Thanks.

tedmasta · Jul 25, 2025

i have both older versions, and the PNW holds up better over the long run.

oneups need a more maintenance and are generally louder/dirtier.

the oneup is def lighter and blingier though w/ lower stack height.

i have multiple pnw loam/range droppers some are several years old and they are basically never needed more than a quick clean and re-grease.

my oneup is three years old and has to be rebuilt every year or it sticks.

if you can wait for a sale, the pnw stuff usually goes for 30% off every month or two.

bphiller · Jul 25, 2025

I'd get a loam because it comes in silver

. I've had the loam V2 and oneup V2 and thought the loam was a little smoother but no issues with either. I have two bikeyokes now, they are really a cut above if you can find one on sale or on pinkbike in the same price range as the pnw/oneup. The PNW/oneup slowed down a bit and need service after about a season while the bikeyokes seem like they stay fresh forever.

Ezra E · Jul 25, 2025

I’ve had the one up v2, and a Pnw coast.
The Pnw is shockingly smoother. I love my Pnw dropper.

bad mechanic · Jul 25, 2025

OneUp if you need the lower stack height.
PNW if you don't.

PNW customer service is fantastic.

BarryR · Jul 25, 2025

My PNW 200mm loam travel post is great (I like the Loam Lever also). I do need to do the service a few times a year but it's quick.
They're also known to have a little side to side play but it's only noticeable when you go looking for it.

Yes: their customer service is outstanding!

I had a flew glitches when I serviced it (on 2 different occsasions). Called them, got through to someone in 10 seconds who gave me exactly the information I needed.

They also have a lifetime warranty (not covering "normal wear and tear though" which is reasonable).

wolfmw · Jul 25, 2025

PNW all day every day. Have Loam V1, Loam V2, OneUp v2, OneUp v3. OneUp posts work fine, but PNW is next level better imo.

Doesn't seem likely that there would be 300 g difference, if you care might want to directly compare mfg stated weights rather than relying on the AI answer there.

ETA: another thing to consider/check - I believe PNW gets you more drop for the required insertion depth. ie, can fit a PNW with more travel than OneUp in the same frame. Mayr or may not matter for you, and I might be wrong but I remember that being a plus for PNW.

ricekrispyota · Jul 26, 2025

wolfmw said:
Doesn't seem likely that there would be 300 g difference, if you care might want to directly compare mfg stated weights rather than relying on the AI answer there.

For the length I'm looking at, OneUp at 210mm is 515g, and PNW at 200mm is ~660ish according to the websites. Not 300g, but 145g is still a fair amount. Thank you.

foggnm · Jul 26, 2025

It probably doesn't matter. A dropper goes up and down. My favorite has been the bike yoke but they are pricey and though rebuild-able the parts and service are expensive. I have a v2 210 oneup that has really needed nothing over 5+ years (other than a little lube). My only criticism of it is the side to side play can be heard when standing/descending. I just bought a new cartridge to overhaul it for $60...but really don't have a reason to yet. I personally don't like the collar graphics on the pnw. I use my oneup with a raceface/Fox newer generation lever, which for whatever reason I've found to be one of the smoothest levers. That said, I have a mediocre dropper and lever on my YT and it gets the job done even though it has a very budget feel. You're unlikely to think about what dropper you ride after a month of use.

PNW Loam v2 or One Up V3

ricekrispyota

tedmasta

bphiller

Ezra E

bad mechanic

BarryR

wolfmw

ricekrispyota

foggnm

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