New chain question

[myers830]

I have watched tons of videos regarding chain maintenance and its crazy how many options and lubes people use...but my question is about the new chain that comes on the bike. Does it have a factory lube on it? I ask that because all the chain manufacturers say "don't remove the factory lube" because nothing you put on there is as good as the factory lube. They recommend to not lube the new chain until a few hundred miles or when you start hearing that it needs more lube. The other way guys are doing it...is to completely clean the new chain with degreaser or mineral spirits...then apply whatever lube you want (i.e. start out with a clean chain). What are you guys doing with your new chains that ship with the bike?

 

[Nova Haibike]

For my own bikes, I take off the factory lube and use my current choice (Rock 'n' Roll Gold or Extreme). But I am certain only a very tiny percentage of people do that, and initially just run with the lube the bike shipped with.

 

[Anna]

I have watched tons of videos regarding chain maintenance and its crazy how many options and lubes people use...but my question is about the new chain that comes on the bike. Does it have a factory lube on it? I ask that because all the chain manufacturers say "don't remove the factory lube" because nothing you put on there is as good as the factory lube. They recommend to not lube the new chain until a few hundred miles or when you start hearing that it needs more lube. The other way guys are doing it...is to completely clean the new chain with degreaser or mineral spirits...then apply whatever lube you want (i.e. start out with a clean chain). What are you guys doing with your new chains that ship with the bike?

After two short rides on my new Giant Liv Intrigue, the chain made horrible rub sounds and the shifting was not smooth. I cleaned the chain and applied Rock ‘n‘ Roll Gold. Things improved immediately. I wish I had trusted my ‘gut’ reaction initially (when I brought the bike home)...chain felt dry. It appears that there is already a tiny bit of wear on one of the cogs.... Conditions here are very dry.