I enjoy working on my bikes, but I hate it when my hands look like I repair diesel engines for a living (no offense to anyone who repairs diesel engines). Bicycle repair usually involves grease and even the best of cleaning products won’t get all the grease and oil out from under your fingernails. Therefore, when I have a messy job planned on one of my bikes I always wear Microflex Diamond Grip Powder-Free Gloves (and since I am writing about latex gloves I will pause for a moment to let all the men make some juvenile comment about them before I continue).
Microflex Diamond Grip Powder-Free Gloves
Microflex Diamond Grip Powder-Free Gloves are both thicker and more durable than standard latex gloves, and they are even thicker in the fingertips to prevent ripping and tearing. Microflex markets these gloves for use in “mid to heavy-duty environments,” and in my experience they are perfect for bicycle repair. They are also recommended for automotive repair, EMS and healthcare services, laboratory and law enforcement use.
One of the nicest things about these gloves is the texture pattern on the fingertips—it provides fantastic grip even when the glove is wet or greasy. You might think the only reason to wear these gloves is to keep your hands clean, but the added grip they offer during use is another great reason to use them.
These gloves are available in six sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) and the interior is both powder-free and chlorinated. A box of 100 Microflex Diamond Grip Powder-Free Gloves retails for $17, but I doubt if you ever see them for sale at your local bike shop. The best place I’ve found to purchase them is from Amazon.com where they sell for under $12 a box (and they offer free shipping on orders of $25 or more).
irishkatie
September 5, 2012 at 9:28 AM
Hmm, I have never worn gloves when I fuss with my bike (which really is not a lot..but I have been fussing with the saddle recently as you know. And look, I used the correct term today lol.)
Though … sometimes I wear gloves when gardening (not a lot, but sometimes). Okay, I know this comment about gardening is neither here nor there … but uhm …I like to babble.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 5, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Katie, it is never called “babbling” when one is discussing cycling. Just think of it as “free association.”
iswimbikerunstrong
September 5, 2012 at 10:18 AM
A pair of them weigh next to nothing. Stuff a pair in your flat repair bag for when you have to fix a flat on the rear tire. Especially if you have white handlebar tape.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 5, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Great idea! I’ve gotten my hands VERY messy a few times while changing a rear tire (I only seem to get flats on rainy / muddy days).
bamboogirl
September 5, 2012 at 11:18 AM
I love these! My stepdad works at a pharma company and gives me the “out of date” ones. I use them when I’m wrenching, degreasing, chopping chili peppers / garlic, or cleaning my bike. I personally like the purple color gloves. I’ve tried latex free, but they feel slippery inside for some reason.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 5, 2012 at 12:49 PM
You are very lucky to get them for free! I have also used them for a few painting jobs around the house.
vgrandja
September 6, 2012 at 6:29 AM
I hope they have this product in Canada. For sure something I can use. Don’t want to have grease on my skin!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 6, 2012 at 10:31 PM
I imagine Amazon.com will ship it to you — gloves are better than bicycle grease anytime!
vgrandja
September 7, 2012 at 11:34 AM
For sure!
Md. Alsanda
September 6, 2012 at 11:09 PM
Thanks for the visit
All Seasons Cyclist
September 7, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Hope things go well on your blog!
Cherry
September 8, 2012 at 2:22 PM
Oh it’s the worse when you have to fix your bike during a ride, your hands get all lubricated, & then get the handlebar tape all black when you resume riding. Yuck!! I carry around a couple of gloves now in my saddle bag!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 8, 2012 at 9:47 PM
I also carry a single use pack of “Grease Monkey” wipes (I reviewed them last year). They cut through grease like nothing else (in case you forgot the bring the gloves).
dw64 (or Masaaki or Masa)
September 8, 2012 at 8:40 PM
This is another great product I was not aware of! If you keep this in your pocket, it will be handy when you have to work especially with your chain on the road. I can also use these when I want to work with the chains of my bikes once in a while. Thank you for another great review! Your blog is so useful, more useful than magazines!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 8, 2012 at 9:48 PM
Thank you so much! My main reason for buying these in the first place was because of the mess caused by repairing a chain. Also, these gloves are about half the price of the ones sold by Park Tools.
Dmitry Bokov
September 9, 2012 at 1:00 PM
What you think about ParkTool Nitrile Mechanic’s Gloves? http://goo.gl/4ghBW
All Seasons Cyclist
September 9, 2012 at 8:34 PM
The ParkTool Nitrile is an excellent glove and the guys at the local bike all use them. However, the Microflex glove does the same thing and is just as durable, but it cost about half as much.
lalahsghost
October 3, 2012 at 11:46 PM
I keep a pair of rubber gloves on my hands in the winter during snowbike riding. Just in case I fall off, get snowy, and somehow get my hands wet, the moisture barrier helps keep my hands a bit warmer!
All Seasons Cyclist
October 3, 2012 at 11:50 PM
Winter cyclists usually operate within one of two categories: One group wants their clothing to “breath” while the other doesn’t mind if their hands or feet sweat as long as they have a barrier that keeps moisture from hitting the outer layers. In the winter I always travel with a pair of waterproof gloves n case I have to change a flat.