well of all the things ... i got the Sram chain, same link markings as the LHT original, for a 9 speed cassette. did come with the gold closing link. i assumed i would have to break it to length, matching the original. doncha know, placed link to link along side the original, it was a full link short (two, counting the connector). i put it on the bike and connected it. bike appears to shift fine with a little more pazz-ing than before. not sure how it will do in the road or if i have created biking's premier faux pas, but we'll see. i saved the old chain "just in case" and have a spare connecting link. it will keep me going until/ if i need to order yet another (longer) chain.

reading the Sram online instructions indicates i should also change the chainrings & cogs whenever i change the chain.

anyway, today's question: the new chain is coated with some really sticky goop. maybe it's a boiled in wax type of lube. Sram warns about using a citrus cleaner or soaking the chain ( i understand the latter). but what to use to wipe the outside so it won't attract every spec of dust in the universe? rag dampened with WD40 solvent? then oil with my usual oil? i have used Tri-flow and ProLink right along.

thanks