I'm using studded tyres when it's icy at the moment. You could make a home made studded tyre/chain hybrid by taking an old knobbly tyre, chopping it into short sections (say, 5-10cm), putting some studs (e.g. screws) in and then attaching to the wheel in the same way as the home made chains. It would probably be crap on the road, but fine for short trips in the snow and ice.
Those studded tyres - what are they like on the road? I'd like something that would allow me to do road riding when it's icy so that I am less afeared of going over on the odd patch of ice that I meet. Studded tyres sound good but i'd be worried that the studs would either wear out really fast on the none icey bits, or make handling a pig.
I'm quite confident those chains will be totally useless on ice or packed/frozen snow! You'll get better grip and lower resistance if you fit some 2.5" or upwards.
Used different studded tires since -91 and can recommend 26" Nokian Hakkapeliitta W240!
There's still nothin' that can beat the versatility of these even if there are some with more studs and wider thread for XC/DH.
Might give myself some
Schwalbe Marathon Winter 700c for Christmas though.
Reason is they have slightly lower resistance but chare the four rows, double that of the cheaper tires, with studs that is needed for reliable grip when cornering in freezing temp.
With 3,5 bar they have decent roll and the studs clear the ground. In more severe conditions just lower the air pressure and the studs on the sides settle in to the ice! But beware of cornering on bare steel or stone slabs or you'll never now what hit 'ya
As mentioned you can make
diy tires but it's a hassle and they only last a few rides so you can't really trust 'em, yes I've tried.
Used four month per year on a daily basis the studded tires of Nokian last about three seasons witch I think is cheap. Just make sure you ride them at slow speed for a while on bare ground for the studs to settle in, or you'll lose some.