Originally Posted by Gresp15C

The time to oil the chain, and protect other components, is before it rains. I don't mean that to be snarky, but in fact things like cables and chains should be lubed as part of the assembly or overhaul process, and the chain should be kept lubed. In the process of winterizing one bike, I applied a coating of motor oil to some of the exposed metal parts with a toothbrush.