this post was submitted on 02 Jul 2026
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How do you prep a new chain? (leminal.space)
submitted 6 days ago by MrWrinkles@leminal.space to c/bicycling@lemmy.world
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I just measured my chain stretch for the first time and it exceeded my tools max measurement. So I bought a new SRAM PC830 chain and upon opening the box, discovered the sticky nature of factory grease. Which would be catastrophic for my dusty desert commute! So obviously, that has to come off. I consulted the web and found a brilliant website with charts for various chain lubes. https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/

I ended up following KMC's advice and cleaning the grease off with a light oil (WD-40 was handy). Then a wet lube (I forget the brand; whatever my LBS stocks).

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[–] teft@piefed.social 2 points 6 days ago

I just soak it in some degreaser or iso 90 and then wipe it down, let it dry, then lube it with my ceramic lube.

[–] Nighed@feddit.uk 2 points 6 days ago

Chain wear sticks have two measurements normally - if you are beyond the longer one, you may find that your rear cassette is worn too and that your new chain skips. Hopefully you're fine though.

I have an old tupperware that I put degreaser in, stick the cassette and chain in there, wash, rinse, put on bike, then oil.

[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 2 points 6 days ago

I use Silca Strip Chip along with their wax, plus Endurance Chip. No more bullshit. Especually in dusty environment, if affordable, wax should be great.

[–] PlantJam@lemmy.world 0 points 6 days ago (1 children)

If your chain was that bad you almost definitely need a new cassette (back) and maybe even a new chain ring (front).

[–] teft@piefed.social 1 points 6 days ago

Not true. You can easily get three chains per cassette if you’re good about checking chain lengthening. Even more for a chainring.

[–] thenextguy@sh.itjust.works 0 points 6 days ago

My lbs recommended WD-40 too. Works for me.