I have a click/tic/creak noise that I can't seem to diagnose.

My best definition of the noise is, it is a Creak on every pedal stroke when in the smallest 3/4 gears (34/25-34/19) when climbing. It seems to come from the BB/crank area at about... 5 o'clock on both sides.

It first showed up after a wet ride. I cleaned and re lubed the bike after the ride. I thought at first it was from the bb. Removed and reinstalled the cranks and bb with no change.

Second I though it was the rear axle, removed rear wheel and greased the dropouts. helped but did not eliminate the noise. (it was quite loud, now it is not an overwhelming noise)

I can't quite figure out where to go from here, as the noise only shows up when climbing hills in a low gear... both seated and standing. If I focus on smoothing out my pedal stroke the noise does seem to go away. I am using speedplay x5 pedals, could the be the cause?

I think part of the problem is I don't have the smoothest pedal stroke when climbing, but this noise just showed up recently.

check your bb it may not be tight.or might need to replace if it a seal unit. if you can remove the seal ,you could clean,replace the bearings,repack with new grease. it could be a creak rear axle. you only notice it under load like climbing a hill. only thing to do there is to replace it. it could be a problem with the pedals too. need to do overhaul to find out. this a problem with to many probable.

Couple of thoughts. Grease pedal threads and pedal internals. Make sure skewers are correctly tightened. Could be loose screw in your shoes. Do you use anything like a Powerlock or Connex link? They can wear and make a clicking noise in only some gears. This could prove to be very frustrating, any little thing could be causing it.

Here are my favorite candidates for your creaking or clicking sounds

First check all of the bearings involved for any play - BB, pedals, rear wheel.
If anything is loose or feels at all gritty, rebuild it. Otherwise i'm guessing it's not bearings.

Next check these things:

chain ring bolts
bottom bracket/crank arm interface (especially square taper - torque the crank bolts down really tight)
bottom bracket (usually the cups in the frame)
pedal threads
chain/deraileur noises

The best way to fix all of these things is disassembly, cleaning, a coat of grease, and tightening to the proper torque.

If there's any way to isolate the problem - if you can make it happen without the pedals turning, or if it's on every pedal stroke, or other pattern.

good luck