Originally Posted by
GovernorSilver
You're right, you did say "sometimes".
But to be clear, no the LBS guys and gals who advised me on what to do with my web bike didn't say rinse off the chain.
They told me what parts to rinse off. I didn't feel it was necessary to spell it out - I thought you and other experienced cyclists already knew what parts could be rinsed off, whether with a light pressure hose, a wet rag, or whatever.
I've actually considered bringing my bike into a car wash now and then during the winter and I *would* rinse off the chain (and then re-lube it). A wet chain is better than a salty one.
Really my point is that salt is highly corrosive and will do a number on your bike's bare steel components. Rinsing the salt off is a good idea, just not always practical.