Well I avoid soap because after it rains you can wash your hand pretty well but holding onto the hoods becomes pretty interesting. I avoid any petroleum products as they deterrioriate synthetic plastics/rubbers over time unless they are specifically engineered to resist the effects of gasoline, etc. I use some simple Armoral, you know that stuff specifically for plastic to keep it fresh and UV resistant. It is pretty slick when freshly applied but soon dries to a normal feel. Have been using this stuff for my old balloon bike handlebar grips for years and it works pretty well there also. I do a regular touch up on my hoods about once each 2 months just to keep them fresh.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ