Each year, John highlights some of his favorite products he used in 2022. These run the gamut from camping gear to apparel, components, accessories, and more. Let’s check out what made his list this year below!
Ultradynamico Mars 29er $85
While I’ve been putting Ultradynamico Mars tires on every one of my vintage projects, I’m perhaps the most impressed with the 29er versions. While not plump enough for my mountain bikes – I like my 2.6″ tires! – they’re great on a tourer or gravel bike. Since mounting them on my Hunqapillar I can’t get over how well they ride, both on paved or dirt roads, plus, who doesn’t love a grey tread!
Peter White Edition SON 28 Hub $309
If you have bought a SON hub, chances are it came from Peter White Cycles. When I wanted to get a dynamo setup for my Hunqapillar, Bailey from Sincere Cycles got excited. He exclaimed, “You HAVE to get the Peter White edition!” What makes this hub so special? Well, it’s got Peter White’s logo on it!
Tomii Cycles Stem Cap
Part jewelry, part bike component, all beautiful. Living in the SouthWest, it ain’t hard to see turqouise everywhere, so when I saw Nao Tomii make these stem caps, I had to have one for my Womble. While they’re anything but cheap, they are a work of art! You can contact Nao at his Instagram if you’d like one.
Look X-Track En-Rage Pedals $90
After breaking multiple pairs of a prominent component manufacturer’s pedals, I was losing my mind trying to find a clipless pedal that would stand up to trail riding. I walked into Sincere Cycles one afternoon, and Bailey had just gotten in a full shipment of the Look X-Track En-Rage pedals (worst name ever, I know.) The price was right, and so far, the spindles haven’t bent or the bearings imploded. They’re also made in France. That’s a win-win for me!
7Mesh Men’s Chilco Anorak $200
A while back, I got an unexpected box from 7Mesh, and inside was this Chilco Anorak in bright turmeric yellow. The box was so light I thought it was empty! Little did I know this ultralight jacket was filled with a Polartec fabric 7Mesh calls WTV, which stands for Wind, Thermal, Ventilation. This fabric is designed to be stretchy and offers a windbreak on the exterior, while the loft interior keeps you warm. I’ve found it perfect for sub 40º riding weather here in the Southern Rockies.
Photo by Kyle Klain
Rapha Men’s Trail Pants $180.00
I struggle to find mountain bike apparel that I like. Primarily pants. I’ve tried several options out on the market but keep coming back to the Rapha MTB pants that were sent to me as a media care pack. They’re slim-fitting, comfortable, and wearable as a shell in 40º weather or with merino leggings underneath when it gets colder. There are traditional pants pockets, as well as zippered “phone” pockets; the waistband is comfortable with two cinch straps on either side. I’ve been wearing these for two seasons now and can’t get enough…
PNW Pebble Multitool $37
For most quick singletrack or gravel rides, I don’t carry a pack; I’ll just toss the PNW Components Pebble in my pocket. If I get a small hole in my tire, it’s got a Dynaplug plugger; if I still can’t get my stem centered, it’s got tools for that. The Pebble is the bare minimum you can get away with on a ride!
This Pebble was sent to The Radavist by PNW to check out with no obligation to review.
Hoplark HopTea Sparkling Water
One of the biggest struggles with cutting back or quitting alcohol all together is missing out on the trailside or post-ride beer. When I found Hoplark’s HopTea sparkling water, I couldn’t (and still can’t!) get enough of it. The chamomile tea is smooth with a hint of citra hops. If you want an even more citra hoppy beverage, don’t miss the Citra Bomb sparkling water. I buy mine direct from Hoplark on a subscription service.
It ain’t easy to quit drinking, but little NA bevs like this have helped me socialize when booze is around!
Alpacka Raft Classic $990
Not everyone can afford an oar or drift boat, plus the trailer you need to pull it, and all the outrigging. Yet you don’t need a traditional raft to get on the river. Alpacka Rafts were a game changer when they first came onto the expedition scene. They’re small, lightweight, and you can carry them in a small backpack or mount them to your bike. There’s an optional hull zipper, so you can stuff your camping gear into them too! We’ve done several river trips this year, and the Classic has been an absolute blast. Here’s my trusty Classic on the San Juan from earlier this summer.
Alpacka also makes a bike rafting-friendly raft called the Caribou, but it’s not as zippy and maneuverable as the Classic.
MKS XC iii Pedals $65
With the cost of vintage MTB components on the rise, it’s nice to see heritage components like the MKS XC pedal get a modern, more affordable version. At only $65, you can get the same vintage look, with some fresh spinning bearings, and when you clip a rock on a ride, you won’t cry! ;-)
Engin Cycles Port Royal Cranks $575
Supporting US production is essential to me, yet many US-made crank options are over-designed and don’t vibe with my aesthetic proclivity. Yet, the Engin Cycles Port Royal Cranks have exceeded my expectations. They have a classic silhouette, are tough, and are made in Philadelphia. Read my thorough review in our archives.
What about you? What were some of your favorite goods from 2022? Or do you have any experience with these products? Drop your notes and questions in the comments!
