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

[DaveMatthews]

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.

What mileage do you regularly get out of a well cared for chain?

 

[stompandgo]

2,000-3,000 miles

 

[DaveMatthews]

2,000-3,000 miles

Is that an ebike average, or historical acoustic bike inclusive?

 

[stompandgo]

historical. Remember, I currently ride a low power 300W max e-bike, where most of the time, I'm riding with 90W max assist.

 

[DaveMatthews]

historical. Remember, I currently ride a low power 300W max e-bike, where most of the time, I'm riding with 90W max assist.

Yup, understood. That is why I asked.
Riding and shifting style makes a massive difference IMHO and experience, be it hub drive or mid drive.

 

[stompandgo]

Also, with analog. Rider weight, riding or racing style, road conditions, so many factors.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Also, with analog. Rider weight, riding or racing style, road conditions, so many factors.

No doubt, along with weather, road conditions and area (salt on road in winter etc.).
Variables...

 

[RunForTheHills]

I would never strip the factory grease from a new chain unless I was going to go the paraffin route. Aftermarket lube won't penetrate like the first factory application. If you do want to strip it though, soak it in mineral spirits (paint thinner). You can save it and reuse it.

 

[DaveMatthews]

I would never strip the factory grease from a new chain unless I was going to go the paraffin route. Aftermarket lube won't penetrate like the first factory application. If you do want to strip it though, soak it in mineral spirits (paint thinner). You can save it and reuse it.

What do you feel is your average mileage per chain?

 

[RunForTheHills]

What do you feel is your average mileage per chain?

I would say north of 2000 miles, but I don't really track the miles on the chains closely. I probably change the chain more often than needed. Chains are cheap and easy to replace. Probably the only time I give everything a real good cleaning is when I replace the chain and cassette.

 

[fooferdoggie]

2,000-3,000 miles

I get that on my mid drive too 3500 on a e bike chan. I am testing it out on my commuter see how it compares. rock and roll works well it there is a lot of rain.

 

[PCeBiker]

I have a $13 mini crock pot with wax. The unwashed new chain goes in and cooks.

You don't clean the factory grease off the chain before you put it in the wax?


I started with hot water and Dawn detergent in the sink, then dried it, then rinsed it in Naphtha, then Dawn again and dried again, then Acetone and dried again, then a final hose down with Brake cleaner outside on the back porch.

 

[DaveMatthews]

@Jeremy McCreary Are you trying RnRG for the first time, or is it your "go to".

 

[PedalUma]

New tire rear tire = new chain and gears. I just had this conversation:
Patrice,
I just ordered the new KMC e-chain. It is pricy yet fits the need. It arrives sometime Monday. I will boil it in wax and ship it. The number of links should be just right with no cutting. You may be able to Insall it yourself. You will need to break the existing chain and that takes a special tool, a type of plyers you may already have on your multi-tool. Or I will send it ahead to a shop.
Patrice,
As Josh knows, I boiled your original chain in wax. All the bubbles come out between the pins and rollers. It stays smooth and clean for its entire life when wiped. Chains new ship are covered in shipping gunk. The last bike shop in Grand Rapids replaced it with that gunk as a lazy standard. You don’t want to touch it. Gross. Yucky. Your needs for this ride are not standard. You are on an epic continental ride. Can I make a chain that is just right for you and ship it ahead to any designated bike shop? Give me about four days lead time. Automotive brake cleaner can remove the gunk, but it is smelly, makes a mess, and the residual gunk can foul the breaks. It does not penetrate the pins and rollers like boiled in wax. I would love to create a chain that is exactly correct for you needs. I only wish that I were there to install it and meet with you.
Hi,
I have an issue with my chain. I wipe it down every night. Usually there is a bit of dirt on my rag, sometimes more or less, but never black grease. The chain stayed nice and shiny. Since I had the chain replaced the “new” chain looks dark and there is quite a bit of black grease on my rag when I wipe it. Is this a problem? I liked my other chain so much better. I’m a bit pouty about it. Should I still put Muc-Off on it every 100 miles? All is well. Tomorrow is supposed to be a scorcher and I have a 50 mile ride. What’s up with you? -patrice

 

[PCeBiker]

I have a $13 mini crock pot with wax. The unwashed new chain goes in and cooks.

,. I will boil it in wax and ship it. ,
As Josh knows, I boiled your original chain in wax. All the bubbles come out between the pins and rollers,..

Sure,..
I boiled my chain in wax, but I cleaned it REALLY Good before I put it in the hot wax.

Wax won't bond to metal unless it's completely parched of all grease and oil.

And I pulled it out at the proper temperature this time,..

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

@Jeremy McCreary Are you trying RnRG for the first time, or is it your "go to".

Go to, mainly because that's my mechanic's preference.