Answered New KMC chain...

[congerball]

Proper noob question....anyway, fresh out the box it has some sort of sticky greasy coating on it....should I clean it then lube up with my own stuff or is it good to go straight out the box? ??

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Apparently, that storage coating is the best chain lube your chain is gonna ever have and I've heard recommendations that it should be installed straight on. Although I believe the reasoning behind this is more to do with road bikes.

But from experience in MTB, that sticky grease (reminds me of motorcycle tacky chain lube) also attracts a lot of dirt, sand and grit so the chain just becomes clogged with muck depending on the conditions of where you ride.

If you ride in winter wet muddy conditions, I'd leave it on. If you ride in dry dusty conditions, you might want to consider washing it off and lubing with your usual "dry" lube.

Up to you... I don't think it's a major either way.

 

[Rusty]

I just give the chain a thorough wipe down with a rag to remove as much as possible .... as well as running a soft brush across it to remove as much from the inside of the side plates. Stops ruining your chain in the first couple rides due to grit sticking to that crap.

 

[outerlimits]

If you are going to use a wax based lube like Squirt. Throw it in a bucket of petrol to degrease it first.

 

[congerball]

Thanks to all ??