New chain: remove the factory goop ?
09-14-07, 04:01 PM
#1
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New chain: remove the factory goop ?
I'm going to get a new chain (SRAM 9 speeds).
1) Should I remove the goop that's part of the factory process and then apply the usual bike chain oil ?
2) Should I leave the goop and add oil ?
3) Should I leave the goop, apply no oil, and wait after a couple of rides to clean it and lubricate ?
4) None of the above (is it possible ? ;-)
Cheers.
1) Should I remove the goop that's part of the factory process and then apply the usual bike chain oil ?
2) Should I leave the goop and add oil ?
3) Should I leave the goop, apply no oil, and wait after a couple of rides to clean it and lubricate ?
4) None of the above (is it possible ? ;-)
Cheers.
09-14-07, 05:24 PM
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Contrary to popular opinion, the "goop" on the chain is an excellent lubricant.
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This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
09-14-07, 05:37 PM
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#3 for my personal bikes.
But repairs in the shop, I usually slap it on and then lube with oil just to be safe (because they usually come back rusty.
But repairs in the shop, I usually slap it on and then lube with oil just to be safe (because they usually come back rusty.
09-14-07, 05:45 PM
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Man, this topic always gets contentious and brings out a lot of bad information. Dobber is absolutely right and Sheldon Brown says the same thing. Leave the factory lube/goop there as it is an excellent lube.
If you want to keep the outside of the chain from picking up a lot of grunge, you could do a quick external wipe with a kerosene dampened rag to remove the surface lube but DO NOT soak the chain in solvent to degrease it.
If you want to keep the outside of the chain from picking up a lot of grunge, you could do a quick external wipe with a kerosene dampened rag to remove the surface lube but DO NOT soak the chain in solvent to degrease it.
09-14-07, 05:46 PM
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09-14-07, 08:00 PM
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As usual, I vote for #2 - remove the factory goop and apply your fav lube. I mountain bike ride in the dry, semi-arid desert called Southern CA. That factory goop quickly turns into a dirt magnet.
And as I always say, never discuss politics, religion or this topic amongst friends.
And as I always say, never discuss politics, religion or this topic amongst friends.
09-14-07, 09:18 PM
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If we could have a scientific study, I would bet there would be no significant difference in any method or lube as long as you cleaned and lubed often. We have to talk bout somethin', and this is a favorite!
09-15-07, 04:19 AM
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SRAM advise against it....but what would they know.
09-15-07, 06:40 AM
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I use the KMC Z chains on my fixed Cross-Check. I generally run 600-900 miles on them, straight from the box, then replace them with a new one. At $6 a pop, cost of convenience.
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This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
09-15-07, 12:54 PM
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C'mon! Do a SEARCH. This question gets posted at least once a week!
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09-15-07, 02:57 PM
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You are of course jumping to the conclusion that I throw them away. I recycle them onto my other fixed, singlespeed or Nexus 8 equipped bikes. Since I ride a considerable amount in the winter / ****ty weather, I keep a fairly good stash of pre-waxed chains ready to swap.
__________________
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
