Review: Handlebar Mustache Crossbar and Timber Socks

(2018) I initially set out to score the Crossbar socks from Handlebar Mustache’s new collection. The 2018 lineup was debuted online at the Tour of Flanders via social media. Take the backdrop of this website into consideration and it’s easy to notice the matchy-matchy of the Gulf colors in their orange offering. I clicked ‘Add to Cart’ and continued with my day. 

Here’s something that should interest you: You could stop shopping at one pair of socks, select your shipping, digitally swipe your card, and be done with the transaction, or you can do something positive. Handlebar Mustache donates one pair of socks to the homeless shelter for every two pairs transaction. A few hours later I went back to hbstache.com and found the Timber socks to be the perfect complement to my simple kits enough to add them to the cart as well and finished the transaction. This is a concept to support. 

I’m sure there are startup companies who focus on socks to establish their existence in the sport apparel industry. It’s noticeable when the company is on the path to success. Several years ago the first pairs of Handlebar Mustache socks were delivered to the creakybottombracket.com office. The orange day-glow colors were an added attempt to be seen on the roads at any given time of day. There was also an eye to matching the team kit at the time. Considering we follow auto racing, the bright colors smacked of dirt track numbers made bright on purpose to be seen in the low light conditions.

We have been fans ever since.

Naturally the Gulf colors of the Crossbar socks grabbed our attention. Streaming services recently enamored with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Steve McQueen, the enjoyment of the Gulf livery has been relished easily. The complementing orange and powder blue cars with the contrasting white number plate and black finish is recognizable the world over. Shrink that down into a pair of cycling socks and I fully expect someone to ask, “Hey, Gulf GT40 fan?” 

The Timber socks have an interesting effect to them. They appear to light up when staggered next to dark blue and light blue. We’re particularly excited to pair these socks with the black Belgian Boys Club Tommeke bibs and Koppenberg jersey. All that black will be set off by zig-zags of blue hues. It helps the blue is close to the Belgian blue used in their national jerseys.

It’s certainly noticeable when groups of people believe in something so much, entire teams purchase the same socks. Who’s to argue with entire teams wanting Handlebar Mustache socks? But just in case you need a little further prodding, just imagine the helpful turning over of a pair of socks to someone less fortunate all because you sprung for one more pair of socks. Sure teams like hbstach.com’s socks, but think how much more someone in need of socks would like them. 

Editor's note: Hbstache.com supports other great causes such as Speak Out socks for people of the transgender community. Two dollars of each sock purchase will be donated to the ACLU. They also offer Speak Out Socks featuring "Fuck Nazis" in response to the racism and violence of Charlottesville and elsewhere in the United States. Two dollars from each pair will be donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center. (2018)