Originally Posted by
DrRobert
I don't believe this is necessarily true.
KMC chain I recently bought was covered with some kind of sticky goop that sure didn't impress me as a lubricant. However Shimano chains feel more like oil.
More research needed but common sense tells me the chains are coated to prevent rust/extend shelf life which may or may not be on optimal lubricant.
Anyway, I stripped the goop off and lubed it myself.
I also disagree and will say using a good chain lube, it will definitely "get where it needs to go". I put a drop on every link rather than just running a chain across dripping bottle.
Regardless of debate, fact is, the factory lube is gone the first time you clean your chain, which for me is about every 100 miles so if in doubt, there is not much advantage in leaving whatever coating is on the chain new.
There are whole threads on this.
The factory lubricant is very good lube. Its put on before the chain is assembled. The "stickiness" is not really an issue, unless you're riding in very dusty conditions.
Both Shimano, and Sheldon say its the best lubricant available, and you shouldn't strip it off.