Bicycle Mechanics - Did I ruin my chain?

After taking my hybrid down a muddy dirt trail yesterday, I brought it home to clean it up; took off the chain and degreased it Sheldon-style.

After degreasing and rinsing, I put it directly on an electric stove burner to dry out.

In the past, I've done this at about 20% heat... this time it was at about 60%. Once I realized how hot it was, I took it off with tongs and set it aside to cool.

Some of the links have turned blue!

I let it cool down, installed it, lubed it, and it feels fine for a brief run through the neighborhood... but is it?

Didn't turn red-hot, did it? If it works, it's probably OK , assuming you got lube into all the nooks and crannies; if any old lube remained after degreasing, it was likely burned out. Don't know if I would feel comfortable in the long run (for severe hillclimbing, cross-country touring, etc.) unless a metallurgist told me the heat didn't do bad things.

Is there a metallurgist in the house? :D

Is there a metallurgist in the house? :D

Sorta - mechanical engineer/knife maker.
You can't get true heat treating colors on steel unless you clean it to a "white" condition. What you probably did is bake off the remaining residue that was on it after degreaseing. If it's a true blue color from the heat it's what is refered to as a "spring" heat treat which would be OK. I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks, all. I get to test this on my commute tomorrow.

What kind of "burner"? Is it an induction top?

Most likely you screwed up the temper of the metal. Watch for increased wear rate.

try it in a skillet with olive oil next time

I doubt you got it hot enough to justify any concerns.

After taking my hybrid down a muddy dirt trail yesterday, I brought it home to clean it up; took off the chain and degreased it Sheldon-style.

http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html ?

;)