In order to keep your chain and other parts of the bike in excellent condition, it is a must to maintain and clean them regularly. Included in the maintenance is the proper application of lubricants to these parts. There are two types of lubricants that can be applied to a bike, the wet bike lube and the dry bike lube.
So, what is the difference between wet vs dry bike lube? In general, wet lubes work best in wet conditions. It stays in the bike part longer, even in various conditions. On the other hand, dry lube is perfect for loose and dry conditions, but it does not stay long on the bike. Let us dig deep into the differences between these two lubes below:
| Feature | Wet Lube | Dry Lube |
| Formulation | Additives and Synthetic Oil with High Viscosity | Additives and Synthetic Oil with Low Viscosity |
| Best Usage Condition | All Weather Condition | Dry Weather Condition |
| Application Quality | Last Longer But Messy, Attracts Dirt and Dust More | Will Not Last, Less Messy But Does Not Attract Dirt and Dust |
| Maintenance | Bike Needs Frequent Cleaning | Easier to Maintain, Can Be Applied Without Cleaning |
| Price | Less Price | More Expensive |
Formulation
One way to differentiate wet bike lube, and dry bike lube is the formulation used in making them. In fact, a dry lube uses a unique formulation to provide protection to the bike part from dust and dirt. Many of those dry lubricants are Teflon based and use paraffin wax. These materials are then suspended in liquid to let them flow freely once applied to the bike parts.
Generally, dry lubes are composed of 10 percent lubricant, which is synthetic oils and additives and 90 percent carrier fluid. The way it is formulated makes dry lubes low in viscosity, which is more efficient while providing lower friction and attracting lesser dirt and contaminants.
Meanwhile, wet lubes contain additives and synthetic oils with higher viscosity, making them excellent lube for any weather condition. This formulation also makes this lubricant last longer compared to the dry lube.
Usage Conditions
These two types of bike lubricants can also be differentiated in the type of weather conditions they are best applied to. With the way it is formulated, dry bike lubricants are best used under dry environmental conditions with the thin and waxy features.
So, if you are a biker who frequently rides during the summer, the best lubricant for your bike is the dry lube. These dry lubricants are also commonly used in desert places where the majority of the condition throughout the year is sunny.
Meanwhile, wet lubes are best applied in any weather conditions. So, if a biker likes to ride longer distances, wet lube is an excellent option for bike owners. Wet lubes work in wet conditions, but the issue is their tendency to collect more dirt and dust, which will make you clean the bike frequently.
Application
When comparing wet vs dry chain lube, you should know that they can also be compared in their ability to maintain the bike parts and the type of application it brings to the bike. As for the dry lubes, its low viscosity feature will prevent the lubes from attracting dirt and dust.
This feature also makes the dry lube less messy during the application compared to wet lubes. However, there is also a downside to using dry lubes. One of which is its tendency not to last long as it washes off easily.
On the other hand, wet lube’s high viscosity formulation makes them provide protection longer. Its long-lasting protection makes a single bottle of wet lubes lubricate more bike parts than a dry lube bottle.
However, with its high viscosity formulation, the wet lube has the tendency to attract more dirt and debris into the bike parts, making it necessary to clean the bike after the ride. The wet lube is also messier compared to dry lube when it is applied to a chain or other bike parts.
Maintenance Challenges
Another factor that can also define the difference between wet and dry lubricants is the maintenance challenge they bring once applied to the bike. As mentioned earlier, dry lubes’ low viscosity formulation makes this lubricant not hold dust and dirt. This feature means that they are easier to maintain.
In fact, dry lube is considered beginner-friendly because it can be used by inexperienced bike owners easily. Dry lubes can be easily reapplied without cleaning your bike. But since it washes off easily, you will need to reapply the lube frequently to properly maintain your bike.
On the other hand, wet lube’s high viscosity makes it last longer compared to dry lubes. So it means, it stays longer and does not need a lot of reapplications. However, the issue with wet lubes is it tends to hold or attract more dirt into the bike parts. This situation will result in the bike owner’s need to clean the bike first before reapplying the chain again. Failure to clean and remove the dirt from the bike can bring damage to the bike parts.
Pricing
Another way to differentiate dry bike lubricants to wet bike lubricants is their pricing. Although the pricing differs from brand to brand, dry lubes are more expensive compared to wet lubes. It also means that wet lubes are more affordable or less pricey for bike owners.
Conclusion
When comparing wet vs dry lube, it is essential to note that both lubricants can bring substantial benefits to the bike. It is all about looking at their advantages and disadvantages to know which lubricant is perfect for your bike and your biking needs.