How clean is clean - chain wise?

[Kalidurga]

Based on what I've read and been told, and the smidgen of experience I gained last season, I'd agree with li10up. It seems that grit in the links of the chain should be of more concern than a little grease. If my chain's running smooth and quiet, the links aren't sticking, and the chain "tatoos" on my calf are faint to non-existent, then I'm inclined to think my chain's ok.

Note: My brand-spanking-new, never-been-touched-by-degreaser chain is all lubed, wiped and ready to go. Now I just need some warm weather (and to get over being sick) to see how well it resists dirt and grime!

[MontyBiker]

In all honesty the most effective way to get a chain clean (in my experience) is with white spirit. But is it worth mentioning that if you have a shimano HG chain then this is defo not the way to go as repeatedly removing and replacing HG links is a no no.

BUT if you have a SRAM chain then simple soak it in white spirit, then hang the chain to dry, then lube and it's as good as new!

FYI, heres a decent article about chain maintenance.