PNW Loam Lever VS Fox Shox 1x Remote

Words by: Reamonn Ryan

We could spend years going over and comparing every dropper remote on the market but it really only makes sense for us to compare the ones we choose to ride all the time. I have been riding the PNW Loam Lever basically since it came out a few years ago. Before that, I had been running Fox’s 1X remote and to be honest, that thing was a pile of crap. Its minimal design looked good and helped reduce excess weight on your bike (like a remote’s weight really matters) but overall, there just wasn’t any integrity behind the product. The tiny clamps and minimal material left it susceptible to breaking while in use or in a fall. This led to many people switching to stronger remotes like PNW’s Loam Lever. Just like I did. A few years later, it seems as though Fox was listening to every naysayer out there and finally decided to do something about it. With the release of their freshly updated 2021 Transfer Dropper, we saw a fresh new 1x remote that wouldn’t disappoint.

Fox’s 1x Remote

The 1x remote resembles the Race Face Turbine Remote and well, that’s because that’s probably where the design came from. Fox acquired Race Face a few years ago and we have started to see a cross over between the brand with products like their Transfer dropper seat post. Although the Turbine dropper was an absolute failure, the Transfer was a huge success. All they had to do was stamp a Race Face logo on it and they were set for success. The Remote was a different story, however.

The new 1x remote will feature a sealed bearing for smoother actuation and a redesigned paddle for ultimate comfort that is small enough to stay out of the way. Another bonus is the clamping capabilities as the remote will come in the option to mount on a SRAM MatchMaker, Shimano EV, and a normal 22.2mm clamp.

PNW’s Loam Lever

PNW Won the hearts of mountain bikers all over the world with the release for the loam lever. From aged veterans to the sport, to newbies, we have seen riders of all types rushing to the Loam Lever. It has been a favorite of our for many reasons. The first behind the design as it features a soft rubber pad on the paddle which is unlike any other bran don the market. The second is the craftsmanship. The machining and engineering behind these droppers are nearly unmatched. And lastly are the color options. Customizing bikes is what we do and having the option to add that extra little bit of bling to the bike is a must. With 5 color options for the rubber pad, we can fit the perfect accent to almost any build.

The Loam Lever also features a bearing to ensure the smoothest actuation and durability. It also features just about any aftermarket brake mount available on the current market which is also a must for maintaining a clean cockpit. But why would you choose the loam lever over Fox’s new remote?

Which one is better?

This question is hard to answer, really. It really does come down to personal preference at the end of the day. They both have sealed bearings, a durable design, clean clamps for the perfect integration to your brakes, and at the end of the day, they are both going to do their job. If you are a weight weenie, you can save a whopping 1.5grams by choosing the PNW Loam Lever over the Fox 1X. Realistically, no one is going to notice that weight difference. So which one do I choose?

My Favorite

“I personally have to choose the Loam Lever. With the easy integration to my SRAM G2 Brakes with a MatchMaker Clamp, the new black anodized bodies, and the overall comfort of a rubber pad over straight alloy, it’s a no brainer for me. I spend a lot of time using a dropper as my local trails have a constant climb, descend, climb, descend, climb, etc. You get the point. Not to mention I don’t run gloves so the extra cushion and grip continues to feel good no matter how much I press the lever. The Fox 1X does have a really smooth feeling actuation sand the small paddle is nicely tucked away from your hand. I do still consider it a strong competitor and it remains an option of mine in case the Loam lever is out of stock.” - Reamonn

This article was written / authored by Reamonn Ryan. Reamonn has worked in the bicycle industry for 6 years now and currently runs our Instagram account along with testing products, editing video content, and writing blogs like this one you just read. Reamonn was a die hard BMX kid for over 10 years and once he started at Worldwide Cyclery made the switch to mountain bikes where he can send stuff better than most guys at the shop. If you like any of our Instagram posts or have gotten any responses from your DM's it was most likely from Reamonn, so give him a thanks. As with all of our employees, Reamonn is a key part of making Worldwide Cyclery the "Best Damn Bike Shop in the World".