Strip new chain grease before lubing with Rock N Roll Gold?

[Jeremy McCreary]

Before replacing the SRAM Eagle GX 12-speed chain on my Specialized Vado SL 1, thought I'd better get some help with the factory grease controversy. Little help from forum search.

Q1. Should I strip the factory grease off the new chain before lubing — specifically with Rock N Roll Gold?

SRAM says to strip the external grease only. Gemini AI says yes or no, depending on how you ask. Internet opinions all over the map.

Q2. If yes to Q1, will the Rock and Roll itself strip at least the external grease?

Q3. Any role here for my still-unused Park Tool chain cleaning system? (Avoiding strong solvents for medical reasons.)

Thanks!

 

[Gionnirocket]

What I'm curious about.... is it possible to post about anything without mentioning your bike model?
This is definitely a Specialized shortcoming.. but at least this time we were spared the multiple gratuitous photos

But to answer the question... Stripping the factory grease will make for a neater chain going forward.
As for any lubrication advantage of stripping or leaving, it's negligible.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I have found the easiest way to do this is with some water based degreaser and an insulated bottle. I put the chain in the bottle I pour in the cleaner and boiling water and shake it then rinse it a couple times and the chain is cleaned inside and out.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I have found the easiest way to do this is with some water based degreaser and an insulated bottle. I put the chain in the bottle I pour in the cleaner and boiling water and shake it then rinse it a couple times and the chain is cleaned inside and out.

Thanks! What degreaser do you use?

 

[DaveMatthews]

Before replacing the SRAM Eagle GX 12-speed chain on my Specialized Vado SL 1, thought I'd better get some help with the factory grease controversy. Little help from forum search.

Q1. Should I strip the factory grease off the new chain before lubing — specifically with Rock N Roll Gold?

SRAM says to strip the external grease only. Gemini AI says yes or no, depending on how you ask. Internet opinions all over the map.

Q2. If yes to Q1, will the Rock and Roll itself strip at least the external grease?

View attachment 213195

Q3. Any role here for my still-unused Park Tool chain cleaning system? (Avoiding strong solvents for medical reasons.)

Thanks!

I used that exact Park Tool system on both of my ebike chains, and my sons as well. It did a really good job of degreasing/cleaning the chain after 2 run throughs with clean solution.
I went to Squirt wax based lube after which requires a squeaky clean chain to start.
It didn't take long to use all of the Park Tool solvent/cleaner and by the time I needed to do a 3rd chain I just used warm water with Dawn dishwashing liquid. That maybe took 3 passes with new cleaner and came out really nicely. Not as quick/easy as the solvent, but if you're sensitive then consider gloves/mask, or try the Dawn maybe. Either way, the cleaner tool works a treat!

 

[fooferdoggie]

Thanks! What degreaser do you use?

that purple stuff or something like that.

 

[PCeBiker]

I went to Squirt wax based lube after which requires a squeaky clean chain to start.

@Jeremy McCreary

You should really consider a wax based lube alternative.

The chain stays completely clean all the time.
Nothing sticks to it.

You don't need to get all carried away like @PedalUma and I do, and cook your chain in the kitchen, but since you're going to Deep Clean your new chain anyway, you could try some wax based lube, and if you don't like it, you can oil it later.

I'm gunna be using T-9 for regular chain maintenance.

 

[PCeBiker]

,.. I just used warm water with Dawn dishwashing liquid.

I used Dawn in hot water and cooked it on the stove.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I used Dawn in hot water and cooked it on the stove.

I do the same but I also saute some onions

 

[PCeBiker]

I do the same but I also saute some onions

Actually, everything is so clean that you can use your sauté pan to cook onions right after you finish with the chain.

I wonder if @Jeremy McCreary can talk his wife in using her pots and pans?

 

[Aushiker]

I would suggest taking the manufacturer's advice. In this instance you can find it at https://www.rocklube.com/about-us.html.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Yeah that sounds like a wasteful sloppy mess!
But gold for the manufacturer

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I would suggest taking the manufacturer's advice. In this instance you can find it at https://www.rocklube.com/about-us.html.

Yes, checked that before posting but found no advice about new chains with factory grease. Sent them an email. I'll share what they say.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

You should really consider a wax based lube alternative.

Thanks, maybe next time. For now, I'm sticking with Rock N Roll lube.

As for cooking chains in the kitchen, we just finished a wife-driven kitchen remodel. No one wants to see a headline like "Local woman poisons husband for cooking bike chains in her new kitchen".

 

[PedalUma]

I have a $13 mini crock pot with wax. The unwashed new chain goes in and cooks. It has a broken coat hanger through it in several spots. I jiggle it several times over an hour. Little bubbles come out as the wax goes in. Then I hang it from my vice handle. Everyone has vices. What is cool as @PCeBiker knows, it opened a sideline of doing bikini waxing. It stays clean so much longer than shaving. And, husbands and boyfriends don't become mad when their shower razor was used on legs. You can do the bikini waxing and chain waxing all in the garage, so your wife won't mind.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Thanks, maybe next time. For now, I'm sticking with Rock N Roll lube.

As for cooking chains in the kitchen, we just finished a wife-driven kitchen remodel. No one wants to see a headline like "Local woman poisons husband for cooking bike chains in her new kitchen".

Another thing I'm curious about.... does she ever let you get on top?

 

[DaveMatthews]

This thread...

 

[fooferdoggie]

I used Dawn in hot water and cooked it on the stove.

I used Dawn in hot water and cooked it on the stove.

that leaves gooy grease residue on the pan its easier to just shake ot. I know because I tired that method.

 

[DaveMatthews]

This thread...

Guy on the left (Jeremy):
"All I did Dave, was post what I thought was a reasonable and interesting question regarding starting a new chain cleaning and lube regimen on a bicycle forum."

Guy on the right (Dave):
"Well... It's Saturday afternoon Jeremy, and there may be beers involved?"

 

[stompandgo]

I ride the factory chain grease until it starts to get noisy. That can be around 100 miles. Then I wipe it down with Finish Line citrus degreaser on a rag, followed by a dry rag, followed by R&R Gold, followed by a dry rag. Repeat once the chain gets dirty or noisy.

In the pit at today;s race, I was speaking with a team mechanic. They are all on board with wax. They know the chain lengths of every rider's bike. They strip new chains, wax them, and put them in a bag with the rider's name on them. When the chains get dirty, they change them out with a new one.