Yeah I used to be a fan of degreasing new chains. But then I read the pamphlet which comes with campagnolo chains. They recommend not to degrease. In thinking about it, it makes sense. The factory machinery applies the lube as the rivets, plates and rollers are being put together, which puts lube in all the places where it is needed. The chain will probably never be lubed this well ever again and the factory lube will usually last quite a long time.
I do make one concession though. The lube is NOT needed on the outside of the chain. All this does is collect dirt (and how!) So after installation, I give the chain a wipe down with a cloth moistened with WD40 or kero or something like that. Regular wiping like this does tend to keep the drive train looking pretty clean without disolving the lube under the rollers.
Only once I first hear squeaking (or more likely once I get tired of the dirt build up) do I then degrease (along with cassette and chainrings and a clean of the jockey wheels) and apply a thorough soaking of fresh wet lube, whence the cycle of regular wiping begins again.
