The answer to the old bicyclists tale about that gunk being the 'best lube ever' is in your fingertips. Run your fingertips back and forth along the length of the chain. Can you feel the rollers turning smoothly and easily? No? Then it is not even lube at all. It is there to protect the chain from rust, until sold. I take mine to my car mechanics shop and clean it with the parts cleaner. Then I blow it dry with compressed air. No water or acidic degreaser ever touches the chain. Later on, I clean it with Brake Klean on a towel. Again, no water or acidic degreasers, which should never touch your chain. bk