New chain, how to treat it

[bonker]

I have a wonderful new bike and a new chain. Eventually I plan to use a dry lube, as it is my best bike.
The factory grease is good so should I just leave this on for a while and then start using the dry lube or strip the grease off??

 

[HLaB]

Its best to leave the grease on, its supposed to be superior to any other lube and particularly reaches the place where it isn't easy to reach. I've found I get better life out of a chain if I don't degrease it but use the Mickle Method (search the forum for it ;-)). If you are planning on a wet ride though I'd put some lube on top. A couple of times I've used the chain straight out of the box it has quickly developed surface rust in wet weather.

 

[zacklaws]

Its also best to remove the factory grease too, it may be the best lubricant there is, but it covers the chain and therefore ends up getting all the crap off the road stuck to it and turns into a grinding paste wearing the transmission out. I always degrease a new chain and then relube it but only on the roller sides.

At the end of the day, its up to yourself what you prefer