getting factory lube off a dura ace chain

BullGod said:

Just bought a new "spare" bike (Cinelli Unica) and to my dismay it came pre lubed with some sort of sticky lube that is almost like glue.

Probably "Cosmolene", that's the stuff most new chains are covered with to protect them from oxidizing during shipping. I've never had a problem cleaning it off with a liberal dosing of either Simple Green or ProGold (the latter is more expensive, but you don't have to rinse & lube the chain afterwards).

BullGod said:

Just bought a new "spare" bike (Cinelli Unica) and to my dismay it came pre lubed with some sort of sticky lube that is almost like glue.

I've just raced in the rain on it, and now the stickyness has attracted dirt, and it has spread onto the chainset and cassette. I've tried degreaser, soap and water plus a special chain cleaner but this hasn't gotten it all off.

I like a clean, dry chain with Pedro's ice wax - any ideas what I can do to remove this "glue" like substance?

I remove the protective grease from new chains in a 2l plastic ice cream bucket with Kero, works a treat... you will be amazed at the [censored] in the bottom of the container, yes a new chain from the pack.

I use mineral spirits to remove the packing oil/grease from new chains.

Your gonna love this one...steam clean it off...I have cleaned cosmoline off quite a few antique rifles in the past with a steam cleaner and it will strip it off in a couple seconds...all the way through the chain...or you can run it through a heavy cycle in your dishwasher...no kidding...will clean it like no ones business...just be sure to dry it completely and oil/whatever as soon as its dry (dishwasher method)...the other good thing about using the steam is its so hot it almost dries instantly...I know you still don't belive me...just do a google search for removing cosmoline and look at what all the gun collectors are doing...steam baby...

I thought I'd read somewhere that the stuff used on new chains was actually a superior lubricant. If so, it might be best just to thoroughly clean the outside of the chain rather than soaking it in solvent.

Camilo said:

I thought I'd read somewhere that the stuff used on new chains was actually a superior lubricant. If so, it might be best just to thoroughly clean the outside of the chain rather than soaking it in solvent.

Sheldon Brown.

Thing is, its only good until it is heavily encrusted with [censored], which is almost instantly. If you've attempted, it is really hard to get the stuff off without chemical aid.

RoadBikeGuy said:

I use mineral spirits to remove the packing oil/grease from new chains.

+1. Always worked for me.