My general post ride procedure is as follows: wash the chain in a BBB chainscrubber for 60 crank turns (50% clean green, 50% water mix) Clean chainrings, sprockets and jockey wheels with old toothbrush dipped in parafin as needed (parafin stays in sealed jar for next wash) works fairly well. In the past I used to take the chain off (using a powerlink), and leave it in a engine degreaser for several minutes (with a few shakes and stirs). What I found was the engine cleaner was just too efficient and really cleaned out every last bit of lube deep within the chain. Relubing after just didnt get back in deep enough into the chain. The chain then got dry quickly and wore out much quicker. I find now that if the chain isnt cleaned completely perfectly, it operates better and for longer. One thing though, I clean it almost after each ride, and wash the bike down completely. keeps all parts in ship-shape, ready to race, and keeps me aware of possible problems (frame chips/craks if any) If you leave yourr chain for a month or few without cleaning it, you are asking for a bigger job on your hands. On my road bike, I wash and clean the bike less frequently, maybe once every 2nd week, the chain gets black with road grime, but this is obviously not as hectic as mud/sand/grit on your average 2-3 hour mtb ride, where the 'grinding paste' that forms on the chain wears it out.
