New chain has sticky lube on it
01-12-10, 10:56 AM
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Alfredo Contador
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New chain has sticky lube on it
Hello, I got this new chain KMC or something. However it is sticky. Must some kinda factory lube. Should I clean it out before using it?
01-12-10, 11:02 AM
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Conservatives don't want to waste anything so they just leave the factory lube on the chain.
Libertarians want to clean out all of the old lube and start over new.
Liberals just clean off the excess around the outside.
01-12-10, 11:15 AM
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I think you might get a better answer in politics and religion. How did you vote in the last election?
Conservatives don't want to waste anything so they just leave the factory lube on the chain.
Libertarians want to clean out all of the old lube and start over new.
Liberals just clean off the excess around the outside.
Conservatives don't want to waste anything so they just leave the factory lube on the chain.
Libertarians want to clean out all of the old lube and start over new.
Liberals just clean off the excess around the outside.
something tells me I should just use the search feature. I need a hero!!! 
01-12-10, 11:17 AM
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The late, great Sheldon Brown said to leave it. It's as good a lube as you could ever apply by hand, and best of all, it's inside the links. If you degrease the chain, you'll just flush it out and have to relube. So he advised just installing and riding it for a hundred miles or so and then just add lube as needed.
01-12-10, 11:25 AM
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The late, great Sheldon Brown said to leave it. It's as good a lube as you could ever apply by hand, and best of all, it's inside the links. If you degrease the chain, you'll just flush it out and have to relube. So he advised just installing and riding it for a hundred miles or so and then just add lube as needed.
01-12-10, 11:31 AM
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I voted for Cindy. I have a thing for ice queens.
01-12-10, 11:50 AM
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I think you might get a better answer in politics and religion. How did you vote in the last election?
Conservatives don't want to waste anything so they just leave the factory lube on the chain.
Libertarians want to clean out all of the old lube and start over new.
Liberals just clean off the excess around the outside.
Conservatives don't want to waste anything so they just leave the factory lube on the chain.
Libertarians want to clean out all of the old lube and start over new.
Liberals just clean off the excess around the outside.
Either way, is it safe to assume that those who voted for President Obama prefer ChainJ?
Seriously to the OP, wipe the excess off and use as is until it needs a re-lube.
Now to the health care reform debate.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 01-12-10 at 11:54 AM.
01-12-10, 12:12 PM
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01-12-10, 12:26 PM
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Actually, I think it's intended as a rust inhibitor.
01-12-10, 12:28 PM
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https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html#factory
Here's what Sheldon said:
Factory Lube
Here's what Sheldon said:
Factory 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.
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.
01-12-10, 01:24 PM
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What does the sticky stuff on your chain taste like**********
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01-12-10, 03:01 PM
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Alfredo Contador
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Thanks to those who responded within the scope of my question. If I were to use the chain as-is with the factory sticky lube, won't my sprockets and chainrings be coated with the sticky lube too then?
01-12-10, 05:36 PM
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There really are 3 answers to your question and people willing to fight to the death in support of each one. Follow your own instinct.
01-12-10, 05:55 PM
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I think it's a matter of personal preference. I remove it before installing the chain because my 'on the bike' cleaning method doesn't get rid of that stuff very well. So, it's easier to just get rid of it from the get go. bk
01-12-10, 07:03 PM
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I just add Pro-Link, wipe, and go.
01-12-10, 08:32 PM
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It's just an artifact from the normal birthing process of a chain... the oily residues are protective fluids from the mother.
Did KMC include the chain's placenta in the bag also? I hear it's good with fava beans and chianti.
Did KMC include the chain's placenta in the bag also? I hear it's good with fava beans and chianti.