Originally Posted by
boop
Googling around, I find a bunch of different recommendations on what to do with a new chain, ie, install it as is with factory grease, degrease it a little bit, degrease it completely.
Going to the source
https://www.kmcchain.eu/service/how-...at-a-new-chain
it says
A new chain usually feels sticky at first. These are residues of the high-performance grease used during assembly. Remove this grease with a thin-bodied oil or cleaner (no aggressive grease solvents!), lightly oil the rollers and remove excess oil with a cloth. After that you're ready to roll.
We recommend never to degrease the chain completely.
Stupid question: what is a thin-bodied oil?
What they are referring to is called a “severely hydrotreated heavy naphthenic oil (CAS No. 64742-52-5)” or something similar. The oil isn’t “heavy” but is produced by cracking a heavy naphthenic oil. It has a relatively low viscosity compared to other oils. 3-in-One uses it as their oil and you’ll find something similar is just about any other oil based bicycle chain lubricant.