datlas 

I finally broke down and replaced my old uniglide chain. I got a SRAM PA-850, which works quite well with my shimano Dura-Ace 7400 6 speed drivetrain. The "power link" is a great idea and I like it.

Anyway, the chain seems to be well lubed from the factory...but the instructions indicate I should lube it regularly (duh)...but what's not clear is if I need to lube it initially. I suspect I don't have to, as it shifts well and runs smoothly and silently.

So am I correct that I don't need to add any lubricant for the time being?

Doug

jemoryl

There is a lot of debate surrounding this issue. My take is to use a cloth with some odorless spirits to wipe off the bulk of the excess factory lube (it is sticky and collects crap). Then ride it until it is ready for your regular lube regimen. I use ProLink/homebrew, so this would eventually flush out and replace the remaining factory lube after a few cycles.

bac

I used to say yes. However, Sheldon Brown (RIP) says no. Now, so do I!

Sheldon Brown on new chain lube

"New chains come pre-lubricated with a grease-type lubricant which has been installed at the factory. This is an excellent lubricant, and has been made to permeate all of the internal interstices in the chain.
This factory lube is superior to any lube that you can apply after the fact.

Some people make the bad mistake of deliberately removing this superior lubricant. Don't do this!

The factory lubricant all by itself is usually good for several hundred miles of service if the bike is not ridden in wet or dusty conditions. It is best not to apply any sort of lube to a new chain until it is clearly needed, because any wet lube you can apply will dilute the factory lube."

... Brad

due ruote 

I believe the consensus is there's nothing quite as good as factory lube (not sure why - whether it's the lube itself or the way it's applied during mfr.). Anyway, I'd just ride it as is until it shows signs of needing service, then clean/lube as you normally would.

San Rensho 

Leave the factory lube on it. Never use solvent on your chain, just wipe the chain with a rag every time you ride and use a small amount of lubricant about every other ride.

bellweatherman

How much is a small amount?

datlas 

Lubricate every other ride? REALLY? I must be a slacker, I probably lube it every other month (and I ride nearly every day, so roughly every 50+ rides).

San Rensho 

I use a pump oil can that delivers about a teaspoon of oil with every pull of the lever. I hold the tip of the oil can against the bottom rung of the chain and rotate the cranks backwards at the same time I slowly pull on the oil can lever so the teaspoon is evenly distributed.

Right before my next ride, I wipe the chain with a rag to get the excess oil off. I leave a rag draped over the chain to remind me to wipe it of before I ride.

I do this exclusively on my chain, never clean it in solvent, just replace it when its near the wear limit. My drivetrain is visually clean (not gleaming perfect, but I ride bikes, I don't keep them as works of art), silent and shifts perfectly.

Elapsed time for maintenance is about 30 seconds every time I ride.

caloso

I believe Sheldon. Just leave the factory stuff until it gets dirty, noisy, or both. And then apply Pro-Link, wipe, ride, repeat ad infinitum.

operator

Oh for ****s sake. Learn how to use the search, there's about 39 billion threads on this topic already.

TalkingHead

my LBS said not to mess with the factory grease on the chain for at least 300 mi. Lucky i have a Strada so i know how much mi. I bought some pedros wax chain lube at another store..hope it works ok..i think all lubes are about the same probably right?

Retro Grouch 

Do you believe that all religions are the same ? Bicycle chain lubeing practices and the ferver of religious zealots are about equal.

neil0502

I [heart]

TalkingHead

I think for my region, the wax based lubes are good from a few things i read.

I use dry lube like ezzox on my firearms, works great..breaks them in well aswell..no sticky residue.