Dirty hands? (Product Review)

Remember how the marshmallow test can give us insight into a child's likelihood of being successful in life? Well, today's blog topic is on a product that isn't monumental in terms of overall life well-being, but it can say something about the type of person you are. Dirty or clean? Anal or nonchalant? Sorry, there's no life-changing psychology to accompany the conclusion, but I think it's interesting stuff. (My thoughts at the end.)

Grease Monkey Wipes.

If you're not familiar here's the product in a nutshell according to their website, "Grease Monkey Wipes, a division of Kong Concepts LLC, was created by frustrated cyclists who wanted an easy, portable way to clean up after getting greasy from changing a flat tire."

The wipes are gaining popularity in the cycling world and beyond. Even NBC's Shark Tank crew found it worthy of their precious dollars.

The low down:
I had a few of these bad boys sent to me to test out and review. It was perfect timing as nasty winter weather has been leaving my bike full of dirt, grit and grime, plus I'm riding a lot more these days training for half-Ironmans and a full Ironman this year -- add all that up and I'm cleaning my ride 10 times more than usual. Not to mention, I've inevitably had a few flats recently. All that equals black, greasy hands on a regular basis and, thus, a great reason to put Monkey Wipes to use.

The wipes, which are roughly $1 each unless you buy in bulk, do an excellent job at cleaning the grease, grime and oil from your hands and even under your fingernails after you've been working on your bike -- especially great for when you're on the road and don't have soap and water to wash off. They come in a tiny flat little packet (2.5" x 4"), so they're easy to take along on rides.

Monkey Wipes are also great to use at home so you don't smudge the walls, doors or anything with black greasy grime. This is very important to me, as I live with my parents and if I were to get grease anywhere besides the garage my mom would probably chop off my head! (Not really, but she wouldn't be pleased).

Other bonuses: Monkey Wipes are all natural and made with a citrus base so you're not cleaning with harsh chemicals. Plus, they aren't solely meant to be used for cycling. You can use them if you're painting, working on the car, doing yard work, construction or any sort of dirty work.


Conclusion:
I think Grease Monkey Wipes are a great, innovative product that many cyclists will deem necessary in order to avoid greasy hands that mess up their pretty bar tape, gloves, frame or whatever they touch.

However, I personally can live without them and don't plan on purchasing more. I don't mind the occasional greasy-hands look that comes with good ol' fashion bike work. In fact, I kind of like it. Don't ask me why. But then again, I'm the girl who can't even follow through with a new year's resolution to paint her toenails.

Plus, at about $1 per wipe, Monkey Wipes are not a product I "need." I'll save those dollars for a quality post-ride meal or for my "moving-out-of-my-parents'-house" fund ;)

But that's me. You might thing these things are the greatest invention since sliced bread. In that case... There's a great deal if you buy Monkey Wipes in bulk: Get 24 wipes for $21.40 or the 30-count canister of wipes for only $4.99!



Bottom Line:
Great idea, but not something on which I'd spend my money. I can deal with the gunk and clean it later or even deal with a stain. Heck, a little grease here and there adds character. I like when I can save a buck (remember - struggling grad student here.)

However, I think a good number of people will buy the wipes in order to keep themselves and their gear clean because they invest a lot of money and time in it all, and they want everything to look nice, which is totally OK and acceptable! In that case, buy the wipes; there's nothing like them and they do the job well!