I just replaced my chain. After 6,5000 miles.

5,000 miles on my Carbent's 10-speed chain with 1/16" stretch in 12" (limit is 1/8"). I use spray-on, silicon-based, garage door (and chain) lube with an evaporating carrier (About $4 for a large can at Lowes). I spray it on very liberally, then rub it off with a cloth, turning the crankset during the whole process. Frequency is about every 2 or 3 rides. I don't take the chain off and soak it or use one of the Park or Pedro's cleaning machines.

Quote from Bud_Bent on Aug 8^th, 2011, 7:20pm:

 
I've used the product for years on a lot of painted bikes. Never noticed any deleterious effect on any of the paint. The carrier is not a "hot" solvent, like MEK, so it doesn't affect baked-on paint. As a precaution, I use a cloth to protect the frames when I'm spraying the lube on. When the carrier evaporates, the chain is dry, so no lube gets slung onto the frames.
 
The biggest concern I would have using it adjacent to paint on a garage would be the effect the silicon would have on adhesion of new coats of paint.  

According to this page on protecting car paint:
 
"Avoid silicone-based products as they are not beneficial to paint and can cause problems down the road."

Quote from Bud_Bent on Aug 9^th, 2011, 4:53am:

 
No explanation was given by the auto painter author of the above statement as to what "problems" will be experienced down the road if silicone-based products are used on auto finishes. As a former auto painter, I think what he was talking about is the problems silicone-based products cause when a car is repainted. I have used silicon remover in preping the surfaces, before I repainted autos, and still experienced "fisheyes" in the finish. It's hard to remove.
 
Have used silicone-based garage door lubricant on the chains of a total of 12 recumbents I've owned, or now own. Never noticed any visual problems with the finishes. I try to protect them from overspray and immediately wipe off any little bit that happens to get on them. Everybody has their own chain lube preference. I happen to like the performance of the product I use as a combo cleaner/lubricant. Looks like I may get 10,000 miles out of the chain on my Carbent, using the product (If I live long enough  ). The Carbent doesn't have any paint on it, so no worries there.  
 
Something interesting I discovered while researching this subject - the chain lubricant I use contains dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone). McDonalds Chicken Mc Nuggets contain this same chemical. It's used as an anti-foaming agent (In the frying oil?). Dimethylpolysiloxane is also used in Silly Putty. Remember this the next time you're eating McNuggets.  

Ah use terbacky spit....    

SKOAL ! Brother