Working on Bikes is Dirty – Glove up with Disposable Nitrile Gloves!

Like many people I do a lot of maintenance on my mountain bike. When you spend as much on a push bike as some pay for a second hand car you want to keep it working sweet and there is something great about doing that work yourself in the workshop with a few beers and the stereo pumping.

Until now I have persevered with grime and grease covered hands when doing this work and it occurred to me last week while wrenching away in the workshop trying to undo a quick link on my chain that prolonged exposure not only to the greases but also the cleaning chemicals and solvents we use when cleaning our bikes probably isn’t great for our bodies long term. How many of the chemicals we use are possible carcinogens or cause skin reactions?

 I decided that enough was enough and bought some disposable nitrile gloves to keep in the garage for bike repairs and I can’t recommend enough getting some yourself. They are great not only for keeping your hands clean but are also great for general protection from cuts an nicks while working.

Glove Up = No more chain lube and blood filled cuts on the knuckles – fine by me!

Now before you go spending upwards of $50 at your LBS for some gloves I’ll let you in on a secret. These things are ‘cheap as’ from online trade and industrial suppliers. in fact (here comes the plug 😉 ) at Direct2Trade we sell nitrile gloves really cheap. There are generally two types available a ‘standard’ thickness nitrile glove which is great for most uses and my personal choice but if you are really concerned there are double thickness nitrile gloves available for greater protection.

I recommend you also stash a pair or two in your bike pack as they can be a saviour on trail not only for repairs but can be used in first aid or survival situations and don’t forget they are not just for bikes! You can use them working on the car or for 100 other tasks.

One last thing – Don’t keep reusing the one pair! They are designed to be disposable, the chemicals will slowly react with the glove and eventual they will begin to perish. 

Cheers
Liam @ Direct2Trade