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Should I remove the factory grease from a new chain?

BikeGremlin

BikeGremlin

Wheel Wizard
Staff member
I got this question in the Bicycle chain wax PROS & CONS video's comment section - and it's a good one:

Hello, Gremlin. How are you doing? I hope you are well.Dear friend, I read your article about lubricants for use on bicycle chains on your website; this one: (Bicycle chain lubricants – explained).I am amazed by so much information, it is helping me a lot in my preventive maintenance of my bike.But I have a question and I would appreciate if you could help me with your opinion.Is it recommended or not to remove the lubricant/oil from new Shimano chains before the first use?and then apply a lubricant of our choice.
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BikeGremlin
I just wipe a new chain from the outside using a rag, to prevent the factory grease from attracting much dirt. Apart from that "intervention," I like to leave the factory grease on the chain. It is durable and lubricates well. Once the chain needs re-lubing, I wipe it clean and use oil.

I did mention that as a tip at the end of the article: "How to lubricate a bicycle chain?"
This comment (by Jaroslav) and the follow-up reply in that article might also be interesting.

The only exception is when using wax (or some other really dry lubricant). In that case, it is best to start with a completely dry chain, cleaned of any grease or other lubricants.

Relja
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I just wipe a new chain from the outside using a rag, to prevent the factory grease from attracting much dirt. Apart from that "intervention," I like to leave the factory grease on the chain. It is durable and lubricates well. Once the chain needs re-lubing, I wipe it clean and use oil.

I did mention that as a tip at the end of the article: "How to lubricate a bicycle chain?"
This comment (by Jaroslav) and the follow-up reply in that article might also be interesting.

The only exception is when using wax (or some other really dry lubricant). In that case, it is best to start with a completely dry chain, cleaned of any grease or other lubricants.

Relja
 
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