Originally Posted by
howaboutme
Here's the question. After just one ride, my chain and gears are coated in black, assuming it's grease. I figure it should take a bit longer for my drivetrain to look that dirty. Am I doing something wrong? Am I really not getting my chain as clean as I think? Any advice?
You are cleaning off the outside dirt and then applying lube, which works its way into the chain and liquifies the lube & grease there. This then moves out and coats the drivetrain.
I wipe my chain and chainrings the first couple rides after cleaning & lubing. When the rag doesn’t come away black, it’s good until the next clean & lube session.
If you want to get your chain completely clean, follow the ShelBroCo method:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html