What do you use to clean your chain?

[Kalidurga]

I've wanted to try this, but I always have trouble getting the gook that comes on the chain off - and I think you have to do that before you can use the nice self cleaning lube - don't you

When I first used the self-clean lube, I degreased the chain first with my chain cleaner. Then I finally tried just using the lube. I still pick up a little bit of gunk, but it wipes off pretty easily. That's why I want to try this with a brand-new chain, for the sake of comparison.

[Blueberry]

But my brand new chains always *come* with gook on them I'll be interested to see what results you get, though...

[SouthernBelle]

When I cleaned my chain last week, I spent more time running it through a towel than I did in the chain cleaner. I think it's the cleanest I've ever gotten it.

[maillotpois]

But my brand new chains always *come* with gook on them I'll be interested to see what results you get, though...

My understanding is that is simply a protective lubricant to prevent rust more than anything else - that's why you always need to lube an "out of the box" new chain.