Finish Line's Mechanic Grip Gloves Are Protective Second Skins
It might sound strange to get excited about a pair of work gloves, but when I saw Finish Line’s new Mechanic Grip Gloves, I got a big smile on my face. Over the past few years, I’ve worked on bikes wearing something very similar meant for automotive work, and they’re the best I’ve ever used. I put them on for everything, from a full bike build to lubing a chain to changing tires. Unlike latex or nitrile gloves that are easily torn, this type of glove is tough, thanks to a fabric base material. Thanks to Finish Line, I finally get to use a tough glove designed exactly for what I need it to do.
On the Finish Line model, a thin, textured polyurethane coating covers the palm and fingers and protects from oil, grease, and dirt. This coating is so thin that you can still feel small parts and tools; little things like cable ends and chain links are easily handled. The coating adds grip, too, so it’s easier to hold slippery items, with just enough protection to prevent most cuts. Those with latex allergies will be happy to hear that these are latex-free.
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Another downside to latex or nitrile gloves is how inevitably sweaty they make your hands. Finish Line's gloves avoid that problem: Since the protective coating only covers the palm and fingertips, the backside is very breathable, so hands stay dry. (This also means you can’t submerge them in degreaser, but there are other gloves for that kind of use.) Since your hands aren’t sweaty and sticky, these pull right off with a simple tug at the fingertips.
My favorite feature of these gloves is that they’re reusable. Unlike single-use gloves, the Mechanic Grip Gloves are machine-washable. I’ve gotten months of use out of very similar gloves, and at just $5 a pair for both the small/medium and large/extra-large sizes, there’s no reason to be working on your bike in anything else. (Find out how to work on your bike with our quick online mechanic course!)
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