Chain lube - Should I get rid of thick tacky residue?

[antnee]

[Mod note: Moved from thread - https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/e...ike-lubricants-but-were-afraid-to-ask.194362/]

I note all the pertinent comments about Chain lube but would ask this one question: It's always been covered in a thick tacky residue, which I presume is to stop it rusting during storage. I've always used degreaser to clean it off but perhaps I need not have; and could used it straight off?

Any thoughts would appreciated - many thanks.

 

[ianrauk]

Leave.
It's good for a couple of hundred miles.

 

[Drago]

+1. Its the best, most thoroughly applied lube the chain will ever have.

 

[S-Express]

As above. However, run the chain through a rag (maybe with a bit of WD or GT sprayed onto it) in order to clean it off the outside - the lube isn't serving any purpose there.

 

[antnee]

Thanks all I knew you would have some good Ideas So when the new chain comes I will do as you say I was amazed to see just how much the old chain had tarnished on the summer bike during storage I will remove ( and smother in some oil) next autumn when I lay it up for the winter.
Cheers