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Wet Lube vs Dry Lube: What Every Biker Should Know

Wet Lube vs Dry Lube
Written by Cobie Brown
Last Update: August 16, 2023

The rules are simple:

  • Wet lubes for wet weather
  • Dry lubes for dry weather
  • Both for variable conditions but you’ve to deal with gunk on your drivetrain on dry days

Since dry lubes are much thinner, you’ve to reapply quite often. On the other hand, wet lubes are heavier and don’t wash off easily by rain, but they catch a lot of dirt.

Let’s get to know more about wet and dry lubes and how exactly they differ.

Wet lube

Wet lube

Wet lubes are usually made of synthetic esters and anti-corrosive additives that suit wet conditions like humid environments and wet and muddy places.

They have a high viscosity level so they can repel water easily. Their water resistance capacity and stickiness work together to last longer.

Their biggest benefit is you don’t need to reapply frequently but the greatest drawback is they’ll catch a lot of dirt when it’s dry outside.

Dry lube

Dry lube

Dry lubes contain graphite and molybdenum disulfide. These components themselves aren’t dry and take some time to dry out upon application.

These lubes don’t gather dirt but they easily wash off as soon as they make contact with water. This means you’ve to reapply on a regular basis that some bikers aren’t very fond of.

In some cases, you’ve to make it as part of your pre-ride prep.

Wet Lube vs Dry Lube: Head-To-Head Comparison

Comparing factors Wet lube Dry lube
Material Synthetic esters and anti-corrosive additives Graphite and molybdenum disulfide
Thickness More thick Less thick
Viscosity High Low
Using condition Wet, muddy, and humid conditions Dry conditions
Waiting time No waiting time required Needs some time to dry after application
Lasting time Longer lasting Doesn’t last long
Water resistance Resistant Not resistant
Dirt collection Doesn’t collect dirt, sand and grime Collects dirt and grime
Preferred season Winter Summer
Limitation Shouldn’t be used in dry or dusty areas Shouldn’t be used in wet places
Maintenance Less High
Price Less expensive More expensive

Material

Wet lube

They are mainly composed of synthetic esters and anti-corrosive additives that have high water resistance capability, which makes the lube perfect for wet conditions and gives the chain drive long-lasting protection from rust and wear.

Dry lube

Dry lubes contain graphite and molybdenum-disulfide that work at temperatures higher than those in which oil-or liquid-based lubricants operate. Friction-reducing additives such as Teflon (PTFE) are also often used for better results.

Viscosity

Wet lube

Wet lubes have higher viscosity levels than dry lubes that makes them thicker to repel water more effectively.

Dry lube

The major components of dry lubes – molybdenum disulfide and graphite – have low-friction characteristics that can operate at 350 degrees C in an oxidizing atmosphere while the solid molybdenum disulfide can handle as much as 1100 degrees C.

Weather

Wet lube

Wet lubes are designed for wet and muddy conditions. Wet springs, fall, and winter are the perfect time to use them.

However, You can use them in dry conditions too if you’ve to deal with rain and humidity on summer days.

Dry lube

You should not use dry lubes in winter as they excel in dry conditions only because of being thinner and waxy.

When to use

Wet lube

You can consider using a wet lubricant if you’re covering long-distances so an unexpected rain doesn’t hamper your ride.

If you are lazy like me or forget to lube your bike timely then wet lubes are your only solution. You’ll also love them if your chain is noisy.

Dry lube

Since dry lubes don’t stay long on chains, you’ve to be prepared to lubricate your bike more often.

But beginner bikers will find them useful since these lubes are low-maintenance and don’t attract dirt and grime that much.

Waiting time after application

Wet lube

Wet lubes are meant to be wet when you hit the street. So, you don’t need to wait for them to set properly on the chain and can use your bike instantly after application; even in the middle of your ride.

Dry lube

Dry lubes are initially wet when applied but dry out usually in a couple of hours. This means you can’t use your bike instantly once you apply them.

Lasting time

Wet lube

Wet lubes last over 100 miles and some premium brands guarantee a range of up to 200 miles though road and weather conditions play a big role here.

Dry lube

Dry lubes usually last 100 miles at most while wax lubes are known to serve 50 to 100 miles.

Maintenance

Wet lube

Highly sticky in nature, wet lubes act like a dirt-, sand-, and grime-magnet. You’ll find it tough to keep your chain and drivetrain clean for long.

As a result, bikes that use wet lubes need more frequent cleaning.

Dry lube

As said before, dry lubes are beginner-friendly since they keep the bike free of dirt and gunk.

Price

Wet lube

Wet lubes came into the market before dry lubes and they are less costly.

Dry lube

Dry lubes are more expensive than wet lubes.

Advantages and disadvantages of wet lubes

Pros

  • Best for wet, muddy, and humid conditions
  • Lasts longer on chain
  • No waiting time
  • Less costly
  • Reduces friction and noise

Cons

  • High viscosity
  • Collects dirt and grime easily
  • High maintenance

Advantages and disadvantages of dry lube

Pros

  • Works best in dry environments
  • No seasonal restrictions
  • Low viscosity
  • Doesn’t collect dirt
  • Low maintenance

Cons

  • Long waiting time
  • Doesn’t last long
  • More expensive

Some Other Types of Lubes

1. All-weather lubes

These lubes are a mix of dry and wet lubes. So, they have all the benefits and disadvantages of wet and dry lubes and can be used in all seasons without any restrictions.

2. Wax

They are paraffin-based and manufactured by mixing highly refined paraffin with Teflon (PTFE) and a carrier fluid. They gained a lot of popularity in recent years for their efficiency, longevity, and resistance to contaminants.

3. Ceramic lubes

Although their composition is still unknown, it is said that they contain ceramic particles to reduce the friction of synthetic oils that are present in lubes and thus increase the performance of your bike and the longevity of your drivetrain.

Ceramic lubes are generally more expensive than other types of bike chain lubes.

About the author

Cobie Brown

Born and grew up in Colorado, I chose to work in the field of what I liked most, biking. I’ve been working as a full time mechanic in the cycling industry for over 13 years. I started BMXing when I was just a 6-year-old kid and got hooked from the very first day. Then I started riding and not a single day went by since then that I didn’t touch my bike.

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