Flat tyre on the way in this morning

[Dec66]

Rear one, naturally.

So, off comes the back wheel, old tube out, new tube in, pump up, replace wheel... And get fingers thoroughly caked in tons of shite off the chain.

So, my lovely bright blue brake hoods, and the brake levers and shifters, are now thoroughly besmirched, sickeningly so in fact.

What do others do to avoid this? I've tried using rubber and plastic gloves whilst changing the wheel and they just get caught up in the chain and/or sprockets and rip.

 

[Sittingduck]

Perhaps a couple of baby wipes in a plastic sandwich type bag, rolled up in your saddle pack / napsack?

 

[Markymark]

Rear one, naturally.

So, off comes the back wheel, old tube out, new tube in, pump up, replace wheel... And get fingers thoroughly caked in tons of shite off the chain.

So, my lovely bright blue brake hoods, and the brake levers and shifters, are now thoroughly besmirched, sickeningly so in fact.

What do others do to avoid this? I've tried using rubber and plastic gloves whilst changing the wheel and they just get caught up in the chain and/or sprockets and rip.

Mini wet wipes pack. Cleans most admirably.

 

[Milkfloat]

Gloves, baby wipes or front of trousers - whatever comes to hand. Although saying that, I have developed lots of techniques for not touching the chain when wheel changing..

 

[Dec66]

Forgot to mention; I had a pack of wet wipes in the bag, but because they'd been in there so long the feckers had dried out.

 

[*Dusty*]

rubber palmed fabric work gloves.

This kind of idea, I get them free from work, nitrile gloves too.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DWGG.html?source=adwords&kw=&gclid=CKWvhZTg-8cCFWjmwgodtG4KmA

 

[potsy]

Disposable gloves and try not to be so cack-handed

 

[Milkfloat]

Forgot to mention; I had a pack of wet wipes in the bag, but because they'd been in there so long the feckers had dried out.

That is what spit was invented for - even if you have a full bidon, spit is what you need.

 

[Dec66]

That is what spit was invented for - even if you have a full bidon, spit is what you need.

Trust me, spit wasn't going near the amount of chain/sprocket clag I was caked in, it was like I'd been trying to wash my hands with a bar of Cherry Blossom.

 

[Dan B]

I usually find there's enough road dirt on the tyre and rims to make my light grey handlebar tape thoroughly dark grey even without having to go near the chain. I think in fact my chain probably has less crap on it than my tyres

 

[Justinslow]

Regularly clean your chain and your bike/wheels???

Seriously, I put a new tyre on the rear yesterday, didn't touch the chain at all. The old tyre came off easy the new one less so, but my hands were only slightly grubby.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I use those disposable vinyl gloves doctors and nurses use. I've one had one rip, when it got caught in the chain After use turn them inside out as you take them off then stick 'em in the back pocket to properly dispose of at home.. Not like some who throw them in the hedgerow or drop them in the cycle lane.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Make sure chain is on the smallest rear sprocket before removing wheel, and keep bike right way up. Practise taking off and replacing. Find dock or other large leaves to keep fingers clean if you have to touch chain. Clean hands if required with grass, dock leaves etc.

 

[Tom B]

More practice with gloves.

Nitrile gloves are better and keep them new cos they go weak and crap!

 

[fatjel]

Black bar tape