Review: The #creakybottombracket 2022 Holiday List

(2022) Here we are with the eighth annual creakybottombracket.com Holiday List, and it’s “just in time” for the season. If we’re honest, the phrase “just in time” and holiday guides are quite irksome, as if there were doubts products would show up for consumption. What follows ‘just in time’ are a bunch of buzzwords and phrases to get consumers onboard with offloading money. But cyclists being cyclists, we go through products regularly. The more we ride, the more it needs replacing. For us, this year’s service course and closet have been pretty beat up from three long years of pandemic. Before researching extra items, we made the mistake of opening the office’s website email and promptly panicked at the volume of Black Friday ads.

In case one has not checked their personal emails, specifically the promotions folder, be prepared for dozens, if not hundreds of soliciting emails regarding offers and items arriving “just in time” for your convenience. We even isolated one email that claims knowledge over the term Black Friday as a police phrase used to describe suburban shoppers descending to the city's department stores sixty years ago. It was unclear if the Philadelphia periodical email claimed the phrase as having started there.

To us, it’s the small stores that get drowned out in all of this. We highlight their offerings over the big name companies. We collected a list of cycling items that caught our attention over the past twelve months and deserve a look for the discerning person on your list. We also would like to thank those that have read over the last few years. Readership skyrocketed during the global lockdown and has - shockingly - maintained itself since. Additionally we have made good on events that were deferred for years. This means we will hopefully see each other out on the parcours for 2023. Before we begin, we’d like to wish you happy holidays, and be safe.

Gift Voucher to the Local Bike Shop (Any amount)

At some point during the past year, it was realized that six of seven local bike shops have shuttered in the last ten years. Those that have survived have not been immune to consumers turning to the internet for parts. Stores with open doors have needed to reinvent themselves to stay ahead of the curve. 

Supporting the local bike shop doesn’t just keep the money in the local community, it supports it. From learn-to-ride clinics to lead outs for the local 5ks, bike shops do a lot more than just talk bikes. Gifting a voucher to someone sends them into the local shop to support them, especially after a trying three years. And hardly anyone ever spends the exact amount of a gift voucher. They usually overshoot the figure, spending more, benefiting the shop further. Keeping the bike shop on Main Street is the biggest gift when spending local.

Backyard Beans Coffee Company (From $14)

As cyclists we consume enough coffee to give a herd of elephants anxiety. We have been awake for roughly a decade. As a matter of fact this article is being edited at 11pm for the third night in a row because- coffee. Backyard Beans arrived in the area and filled a gap in the cafe experience. We were satisfied. But then Backyard Beans Coffee Company took it further and it’s why they landed themselves on our Holiday List for 2022.

Backyard Beans Coffee Company has not only been producing great coffee, they are owned and supported by cyclists and runners. Backyard Beans is a sponsor of the local Bikeworks cycling team. Several of their customers have participated in notable gravel races and marathons. Like a bike shop on Main Street, Backyard Beans Coffee provides a further sense of community with their involvement. They ship their coffee and are also featured at many Whole Foods locations. If you’re as lucky as we are, you can take the asphalt bike out and ride to either their Lansdale or Ambler locations to try-before-you-buy. It’s where we get our Punch in the Face.

Copper Hat All Natural Shave Soap Lumberjack ($15)

Naturally cold Northeast winters evoke visions of flannel-clad workers dragging tree limbs to the fire pit for yard cleanup. Or what about those Maine clothing catalogues featuring flannel-clad people dragging pine trees out of the forest? Around our office, it’s the season of tree pruning. Just recently the office parking lots was roped off so trees could naturally be taken aback. Those who go into the trees for work are gazed upon with amazement for their bravery and skill.

Copper Hat Quality Wet Shaving Supplies shave soap has been a featured soap on our site, as well as their Journey shaving brush. We were impressed by the solid feel of their non-tallow soap, Shaved Ice. We figured to put their soap on our list this year because of their quality ingredients and perfect timing for Lumberjack shave soap. Per Copper Hat, the scene evokes the smell of wood chopping and pipe smoking. There is nothing more restorative than a hot wet shave after a long cold ride. Adding the wafting aromas of chopped wood and pipe tobacco may have us lathering up for a fourth, fifth, and sixth pass. 

Peaty’s Holeshot Tubeless Puncture Plugger Kit (From $20)

For the second straight year we feature Peaty’s products. Aligning themselves with Chris King colors, Peaty’s continued that trend with their line of Holeshot Puncture Plugger Kit. We’re overdue for a plug kit after our last one of another brand unreliably snapped off. Twice. The ride is already in a dark place, why have a puncture plugger fail, too? 

Supplied with a sharp fork tip, the plugger comes with two separate sized plugs. The anodized aluminum body provides leverage as well as storage for repairs. And if the plugs aren’t big enough to repair the tire, chances are, there’s nothing out there to help you except a call to the team car (for roadies that is, sorry mountain bikers, start hiking). This little device can come up big for the cyclist in your life. A quick purchase can go a long way with Peaty’s Holeshot Tubeless Puncture Plugger Kit

MINT Socks (From $24)

Claiming neverending style, The Freshly MINTed sock website certainly offers colors and combinations previously unseen. These are socks that can match the office attire that morphs into changing for the bike commute home. Want further proof of unique colors? How about MINT’s Butter sock that is - well - the color of butter? The designs are crisp and fresh yet uncrowded and overwhelming. That’s tough to execute when using a sock as a design piece.

MINT’s socks range from five-inch to a few eight-inch cuffs. They offer some inspirational designs such as Pride and Scotch Neat. The Almost Famous has an appealing yet simple design. MINT states they are always changing designs, and they’ll even take recommendations. If we read that correctly, MINT might recommend picking up the Butter sock. They might not make it forever.

Twenty-fifth Annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race ($55 per independent site)

There are several big races in the Northeast celebrating round anniversaries. Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race is one of them. Eying its 25th running in 2023, the race is as simple as it gets: start riding from the Whiteface ski lodge, descend into Wilmington, turn left and climb an 8% gradient highway for eight miles. The whole race is no more than twelve miles, with no more than 500 entrants, but participants must complete the distance in two hours. 

We have never been climbers, especially sustained climbs that take over an hour to complete, but the challenge is alluring. It’s a unique event and none of us can say we have actually done a hillclimb. Once the finish line has been crossed, racers are rewarded with a rocket descent. Feel free to stay at Cadence Lodge in Wilmington to keep the cycling theme going (and to avoid having to ride uphill back home). There is also a pump track nearby to ride ironically. And if people are truly sick, there used to be the Whiteface Uphill Foot Race. Participants in both the running and bike race had their own category. I can’t imagine why they don’t have it any more. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race has been around for a quarter of a century. It’s certainly proved it’s worth a look.

absoluteBLACK Graphenpads (From $60/ pair)

There we were enjoying a nearly silent disc braking system on our asphalt bike until the pads needed replacement. After multiple calls of whether the same pad was in stock, we learned about the supply chain disruption and thought to play the long game. It was then that we learned the nearly silent disc braking system was not so silent forever. With limited stock, a set of inferior pads were installed and the whistling and honking hasn’t stopped.

Then came a review regarding absoluteBLACK disc brake pads meant to provide confidence and braking consistency. Initially strange in appearance, the Graphenpads offer cooling fins to disperse immense heat buildup under heavy braking, something Bucks County cyclists know a thing or two about. And should one take our advice regarding the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race, you’ll need these on the rocket descent. With so many positive reviews, and with desperate brake pads installed in the road bike, absoluteBLACK Graphenpads are a gift that shows the giver cares whether or not your bike can stop. But they especially care about whether the group ride can hear your guitar-pick brake discs for two miles after the stop sign. 

R.E.Load Custom Messenger Bags (From $31)

Navigate to the R.E.Load website and one is greeted with directions to ‘ring the buzzer’ for pickups. This Philadelphia company produces amazing cycling gear from seat bags to oversized messenger bags. Anyone riding in the area should automatically sport one of these bags on their bike. The company makes bags to custom orders, and naturally we have been messing around with the custom design feature. Hopefully they haven’t picked up our IP address just yet.

Nothing says Philadelphia more than a cycling bag made by R.E.Load called the Hoagie Hauler. A saddle bag called the Kitchen Sink is also inspirational in their approach. With eyes to detail, R.E.Load can outfit a single person or a whole team. Though they are a small company, they epitomize the small business mantra. Planning a big ride? The Snack Pack handlebar bag will provide extra space. Going offroad? The BRAAP Pack can take care of you out on the trail. But as mentioned before, their custom service can get you rubbing palms together at a spotlight stealing holiday gift. We’ve had this place on our list for almost a year, and we couldn’t wait to get this out there.

Park Tool Ratcheting Torque Wrench (From $115)

Ride with carbon components or frames long enough and one will eventually have to purchase a torque wrench. There are many on the market but the most reliable torque wrenches are from Park Tool. With two offerings: the 5.2 and 6.2, shoppers can select the torque wrench perfect for their settings. Be advised that Park Tool does not include attachments for either of their Torque Wrenches.

Park Tool delivers quality torque wrenches at fair price. Those who demand torque settings between 2-14 nM should opt for the 5.2; those who regularly need 10-60 nM should opt for the 6.2. There is that bit of crossover, but having precision like Park Tool delivers is important. For example, seat posts usually range from 5-7 nMs while cassettes can exceed 30 nMs. The devil is certainly in the details, but gifting a Park Tool torque wrench for the cyclist in your life is an easy purchase.

La Passione Club Deep Winter Tights (From $200)

Regrettably we missed the clearance sale on La Passione’s winter bibs. Just this morning the ride was clouded by the fact that the thermal lining is showing its age on our winter tights. Combine La Passione’s quality construction with beautiful aesthetics and we could add a new member to the cycling closet.

Winter tights can make or break a ride, especially in our region where a route can go from a window ridge top down to the cold humid Delaware River in a short amount of miles. Those are the moments when winter wear is essential. La Passione has established themselves as firm providers of quality cycling gear. Their summer bibs are our go-to garments because of the reliability. Reliability is certainly a noun to look for when describing gear meant to get through the coldest of rides.

Abbey Tools Tenth Anniversary Kit (From $300)

We featured the Abbey Tools Team Issue Toolbox last year as a high ticket item. This year the bike tool company is celebrating their tenth anniversary by offering a commemorative box with two or three tools, depending on the selection. Coming in an engraved walnut box, Abbey Tools delivers in amazement as they always do. This is the gift for the cyclist who has everything except a titanium chain whip, thru-axle Crombie, and HAG with engraving. These tools are built to last generations.

We have several Abbey Tools in the office service course and hardly a moment goes by where we pounce on the chance to use any of their tools. Someone’s new bike still feature the plastic disc on the back? Here comes the fight to remove the cassette with Abbey Tools. Engraving is a great way to go when it comes to cycling tools because all too often they walk. Having a name etched into titanium is rather difficult to alter; Abbey Tools Tenth Anniversary Kit signifies longevity and enjoyment for years of bike maintenance.

Fiftieth Annual Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb ($350)

For five decades, cyclists have challenged themselves to grind up the mountain claiming to have ‘the worst weather in the world.’ Mount Washington in New Hampshire has a ‘fun fact’ of recording 231 mph winds, which would probably be a headwind on race day. The course is nearly 7.5 miles but offers an average of 12% gradient. The route climbs 4600 feet in that distance alone. As stated, the race is not a guarantee. If the weather is bad, the race gets one more chance the day after.

Last year’s edition was popularized by Phil Gaimon’s close win at the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb. Riders have stated that the steep headwall in the final quarter of a mile is what crushes dreams. Yet people come back to try again next year (check out the Strava segment here). Registration is competitive, and the Hillclimb typically has a running waitlist. It’s not easy to gain access to Mount Washington by any mode of transportation, but to race up the mountain on a bike is a bucket list experience. To ride it on the fiftieth anniversary is extra special.

Jacob Ray Razors Straight Razor (From $100)

Each year we focus on a custom straight razor designer, and Jacob Ray Razors have featured some beautiful pieces. Because cycling is highlighted as the antithesis to car pollution, straight razors fit perfectly into the narrative off the bike as a way to reduce shaving waste. Further, shavers wind up saving money because of the longevity of items such as a custom straight razor or shave soap. To prove our point, Jacob Ray Razors provides a chart graph to demonstrate the absurd savings a straight razor provides compared to cartridge razors.

Part of the American Bladesmith Society, Jacob Ray Razors grabbed our attention by immediately offering wedge (traditional) or non-wedge razors. They were speaking our language from the start. By offering custom razors, Jacob Ray Razors can create anything your imagination commands. Whether it’s a traditional style straight razor or a contemporary monster blade with carbon fiber scales, anything is possible. 

Giant TCX Advanced Pro 1 ($4200 per Giant website)

This is the first time we have featured a big-name bike brand like Giant Bicycles on the Holiday List. This year’s entry is for good reason. While other bike companies have abandoned store referrals, Giant still maintains bike shops as their go-to sellers. That is, the company will tell you where you can score one of their Giant TCXs through their affiliate bike shops. This sends us back to the first gift- the gift card to the local bike shop.

Meanwhile we have eyed up a TCX for quite some time. The TCX fits perfectly in the life of a person who does not care for the gravel lifestyle yet needs a bike to join the crew on unpaved trails. And while being competitive in cyclocross has never once crossed the mind, it’s the fact that we could send writers into the pit and tell them to survive so they can write a race report. The TCX can do all that for us. Should we return to the Black Fly Challenge, we would be able to install 45s on the hookless tubeless system for greater control. When one ponders over a bike that can check the most boxes, a Giant TCX Advanced Pro 1 is certainly at the top.

Breadwinner Cycles (Price varies)

We could hear the celebrations from miles away when Philly Bike Expo learned they would host Breadwinner Cycles for the 2022 event. The celebrated Breadwinner Cycles, out of Portland, OR, is a quality bike design and fabricator. Using Columbus steel, each Breadwinner bike is custom made, continuing our custom theme. It goes beyond just the bike, though. Breadwinner can build a road or mountain bike, or anything in between. Their quality builds take advantage of Chris King being located nearby as well as Sugar Wheelworks. All of these notable companies can combine to produce a show stopping bike.

It’s beyond the bike, though. We’ve always had a soft spot for bikes with shot peened fenders for that classic look. Meanwhile road bikes come with hydraulic disc brakes to nod at the contemporary scene. This is the bike company for the cyclist who wants a unique build with a recognizable name. Allowing the person on your list to customize the bike means the end result will be a cherished item. Nothing provides a better gift than a bicycle. And if we’re talking bike gifts, nothing provides a better build than a Breadwinner bike for this holiday season.