Most chains come with cosmoline on them to keep them from rusting while in transit, and or storage. It's thick and attracts dirt. Most people I know clean that off before installing and apply a good chain lube after install and before use. Crazy a good chain doesn't come with at least rudimentary instructions.My new Rail came with some very thick chain oil/grease. With less than 100 miles, the chain is fairly dirty but I’ve always heard one should leave the original lube on. Thoughts?
Crazy a good ebike doesn’t come with good instructions.Most chains come with cosmoline on them to keep them from rusting while in transit, and or storage. It's thick and attracts dirt. Most people I know clean that off before installing and apply a good chain lube after install and before use. Crazy a good chain doesn't come with at least rudimentary instructions.
I always clean my chains with a brush-equipped cleaner (like Finish Line or Park Tools) with a degreaser reservoir. IMO wiping it off with a rag just isn’t worth the effort because you aren’t cleaning the key areas. And I always use Finish Line Dry Lube.It probably won't make much difference either way to the chain life. If the dirt is bothering you, then clean it.
MTA: I would at least wipe the dirt off with a rag and add an oil based lube every 100 miles or so. If you are switching to a dry or wax based lube, you should clean it first.
You use the exact products I do for chain maintenance. I say keep it clean!I always clean my chains with a brush-equipped cleaner (like Finish Line or Park Tools) with a degreaser reservoir. IMO wiping it off with a rag just isn’t worth the effort because you aren’t cleaning the key areas. And I always use Finish Line Dry Lube.
^^^ this. I've heard the "that stuff is lube" story but fact is that is not a chain lube. The world won't end if you let time and life clean it off, but you won't hurt anything by wiping it off and replacing. I use Rock and Roll Gold and a small towel. Its a combination solvent and lube so one step: Squirt on, wipe off and job done. Cleans off the old crap and lubes all in one step.Most chains come with cosmoline on them to keep them from rusting while in transit, and or storage. It's thick and attracts dirt. Most people I know clean that off before installing and apply a good chain lube after install and before use. Crazy a good chain doesn't come with at least rudimentary instructions.