Chain is sprayed with WD-type stuff any time it gets ridden in the rain, and otherwise gets cleaned every 500mi or so. Yes, I use the on-the-bike cleaner (now), but used to soak about half of the chain at a time in a can full of kerosene and scrub with a toothbrush. I've used all sorts of lubes over the years, but now pretty much use Rem Oil (lightweight gun oil) or Break-free with teflon. Chains last for more than 5000mi. Then again, I'm still using the wider 5-6-speed chains.