Originally Posted by
nlerner
I've become much more hesitant to do the full on degreasing down to bare metal on chains after reading on the interwebs that getting rid of all of the original lubricant isn't a good idea (and iirc manufacturer's instruction caution against full degreasing). I'll spray with WD-40 while the chain is on the bike, run it through a rag to get off the worst of the gunk, and re-lube with whatever product I have on hand.
Bicycle chains are not "sealed" like motorcycle chains that use actual O-rings at the roller, side plate interface, which retains factory provided pin/roller lubricant, essentially for the service life of the chain. The seams between the side plate and rollers on bicycle chains are open to drain with even just a long ride in the rain, so I wouldn't worry about trying to retain any factory provided lubricant, as it is essentially a total loss system that needs to be replenished by application of lube to the chain every time after you give it a good clean, or after every wet ride.