Yet Another Cycling Forum

Random Musings => DIY => Skip Bike and Bodge It => Topic started by: zzpza on 24 November, 2008, 11:26:46 pm

Title: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: zzpza on 24 November, 2008, 11:26:46 pm
http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2007/02/13/diy-tire-chains/ (http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2007/02/13/diy-tire-chains/)
 
:o :o :thumbsup: 8)
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: andygates on 25 November, 2008, 09:27:08 am
That's quite impressive!
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: nuttycyclist on 25 November, 2008, 12:43:23 pm
Fettlin shed, here I come.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: andygates on 25 November, 2008, 12:46:05 pm
If we ever get snow :(
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: Chris N on 25 November, 2008, 12:48:44 pm
Do you think they could be made to work with rim brakes?  I guess you'd need more, shorter transverse chains to keep tension wire away from the rim.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: Hello, I am Bruce on 25 November, 2008, 01:10:26 pm
Do you think they could be made to work with rim brakes?  I guess you'd need more, shorter transverse chains to keep tension wire away from the rim.

I've seen some designs for rim brakes, but not homemade
http://www.icebike.org/Equipment/tirechains.htm (http://www.icebike.org/Equipment/tirechains.htm)

I like the looks of the claws on the Koolstop Kwikclaw ones over the chains of the homemade one.  But the way of attaching the homemade ones with cable ties round the rims is great (unless you want to take them on and off while out for a ride).

I'm using studded tyres (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce_mcadam/3045934121/) when it's icy at the moment.  You could make a home made studed 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.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: Si on 25 November, 2008, 03:41:35 pm

I'm using studded tyres (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce_mcadam/3045934121/) when it's icy at the moment.  You could make a home made studed 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 icey 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.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 25 November, 2008, 04:18:43 pm
The Peter White Cycles (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp) site is quite informative about studded tyres.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: andygates on 25 November, 2008, 04:53:43 pm
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 icey so that I am less afeared of going over on the odd patch of ice that I meet. 

Heavy, like unto a pig, on tarmac.

Totally magical on ice.

IMO, for riding when roads are iced over, not for riding with "whoops a patch of ice".
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: Hello, I am Bruce on 25 November, 2008, 05:15:50 pm
Those studded tyres - what are they like on the road? 

Like andygates says.  They are heavy pigs on the road (but the tread alone on the tyre I have would make them terrible on the road, and more road oriented studded tyres are available). I'll post a proper review at the weekend, once I've had more of a chance to test them (big freeze on the way).

For DIYing and occasional road use, perhaps a spray on resin (http://www.tyre-grip.com/) would help.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: donpedro on 25 November, 2008, 05:17:04 pm

I'm using studded tyres (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce_mcadam/3045934121/) 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!

(http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/images/products/tires/w240.jpg)

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 (http://www.schwalbetires.com/node/1788) for Christmas though.

(http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/images/products/tires/swlwinter1.jpg)

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 ;D

As mentioned you can make diy tires (http://www.momentumplanet.com/components/diy-winterizing-studded-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.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: FatBloke on 25 November, 2008, 08:57:32 pm
Do stop messing about and get some proper tyres!!!

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2363/2254011547_870294c5b7.jpg?v=0)

 ;D ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: Deano on 25 November, 2008, 11:02:30 pm
You know, someone was telling me about his plan one winter to make his own studded tyres by using hefty MTB tyres, hammering nails etc through the carcass and sealing the gaps with gaffer tape.  It would have been complete overkill for Newcastle winters, so he never did it. 
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: Si on 26 November, 2008, 09:37:27 am
Quote
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


That's the bit I was wondering about - don't mind really heavy or chunky tyres (I've used a Panaracer Spike as my rear on the road before now: you know, the one that comes with a health warning on it), but was wondering if the non-iced bits of road would wear the studs down too quick or if the studs would make the wheel slide about on non-iced sections.  Might give it a go....have a spare box of pop rivets somewhere.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 26 November, 2008, 11:13:55 am
Proper studded tyres should be fine on normal roads, they've been used by car drivers for decades, if there was any risk, the manufacturers would have been sued into oblivion by now.

The studs are typically carbide steel, the rubber tyre will wear out far before the studs do, although apparently there is a risk of the stud being ripped out if you ride too aggressively when not on snow/ice.

The biggest issue is probably the additional rolling resistance of a big chunky tyre, and the additional cost (not to mention availability in the UK).
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: donpedro on 28 November, 2008, 04:07:52 pm
Yup, one gear down is the norm! But if it's the difference between being out on your bike and arriving in one piece or not, then rolling resistance is a non-issue!
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: mattc on 04 December, 2008, 02:17:55 pm
[Warning - noob post]

I know nothing about studded tyres. And I have no faith in my ice-riding. I live in Oxfordshire, where we get a few icy mornings/nights every winter. If I ride in those conditions it will probably be an on-road 'utility' journey, so speed isn't an issue, but arriving in 1 piece is. I won't do many miles. I don't mind if the tyres sit in the garage for 10-11 months every year, cracking before I wear them out. I could use narrow 700s or 26" (ideally upto 1.75 for the hybrid to cope), not too fussed.

Help - what tyres should I get (that are obtainable/affordable in the UK)?

[EDIT: I didn't realise what board this was on when I replied to it. Oh well, we've already had several non-skip posts ... ]
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 04 December, 2008, 02:52:02 pm
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 tyres seem to be available (sometimes) in the UK, and are oft quoted as being an on-road studded tyre for use in somewhat icey conditions.  I haven't ever used them, in London it seems rare to have ice and not have the roads gritted, but I think I'd try a pair of these if I was interested in being a bit more ice proof, and didn't mind spending £70 odd for the privilege.

I did see one review of these tyres, where the guy mentioned that the only problem he had was riding on slushy snow on a wooden pier at 15mph, but that this would have been challenging for any tyre!

I think I'd want a second set of wheels, since that would be a lot easier to change over than buggering about with tyre levers on a cold morning!
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: mattc on 04 December, 2008, 06:56:34 pm
and didn't mind spending £70 odd for the privilege.

I think I'd want a second set of wheels, since that would be a lot easier to change over than buggering about with tyre levers on a cold morning!
That's a lot of taxi rides ...

spare wheels sounds like a good way to go. I've got a few bikes, so one could become the 'ice' bike for Dec-Mar, given that it would be usable on dry days too, within limits. (In which case I really want 26" ... )
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: mattc on 05 December, 2008, 12:55:59 pm
These got recommended on the 'isn't it cold?' thread:

   Schwalbe Snow Stud Tyre Only £19.56
 (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Schwalbe_Snow_Stud_Tyre/5360016534/)

Only £20, and I can send them back if insufficient clearance. Could be a goer ...
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 05 December, 2008, 03:01:04 pm
Yeah, but there's none in stock. :-\

I was looking at 700C ones more than 26", since that's what I'm using these days.  Suitable tyres for road bikes seem to be even harder to find in the UK than MTB ones.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: mattc on 05 December, 2008, 04:50:06 pm
Ah - good point! Still, if Wellard bought some 2 days ago, there may be some around somewhere, soon ...
Google returns 2 other shops including this one:
Schwalbe Snow Stud 26 x 1.9 Tyre (http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/product2.aspx?product=TYS087&dep=0&gclid=)


I'd need very narrow tyres on 700, so I'm not expecting to find anything suitable.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 05 December, 2008, 04:52:53 pm
Given the discussions elsewhere about next year being the big cold one we've been waiting for, maybe I should buy myself a set in June, maybe July.  The should have some stock in then!  I think 700x35 should probably fit my SingleSpeed, although I may need to add an additional link in the chain, since the wheel is a bit close to the down tube at the moment.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: anotherdeadhero on 28 August, 2012, 04:19:40 pm
Pffrt, far too impressive. This is more 'bodge it':

(http://www.woohome.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/diy-winter-biking-tie-1.jpg)

(They look lethal to me - I invested in some proper studded tyres!)
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 August, 2012, 08:58:27 pm
This has to be the least seasonable thread ever.

Don't forget to check out the DIY studded tyres thread.  They work.  I rode down a flight of ice-covered steps with them as a test.  The only time they got a bit out of their depth is on the really thick glassy black ice, the sort you can't even stand up on, but although traction was lacking I didn't actually fall off.  A few more central studs would probably have solved that, too.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 10 December, 2012, 04:16:27 pm
I came across a crowd who have just reinvented snow chains for bicycles again.  They don't obviously appear to be available (easily) in the UK.  They can be fitted, without removing the wheels, which has to be an advantage for occasional use.

Slipnot Bicycle Traction System (http://www.slipnottraction.com/)
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 December, 2012, 01:41:58 pm
That's very ingenious.

But

Quote
Slipnot provides better traction on ice, snow and mud than studded tires


I call bullshit. No way are smooth rounded chains going to get better traction on hard black ice than sharp-edged studs.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: Kim on 13 December, 2012, 02:17:36 pm
Agreed.  I can imagine it working well on loose snow, though.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 13 December, 2012, 02:53:03 pm
I've seen better types of snow chains than that previously as well (see below), but I'd imagine it's certainly an improvement over a non-studded tyre in some circumstances (eg ice), but how effective it is with mud and snow, compared to a good treaded tyre, would be variable.

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/Random/KoolStop_QuikKlawCleats1.jpg)
Kool Stop Quik Klaw Cleats

There's some discussion of Snow Chains on bicycles here (http://www.icebike.org/Equipment/tirechains.htm).
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: rogerzilla on 14 December, 2012, 09:52:35 pm
Those cleats look as if they would work.  You don't need especially sharp spikes to grip ice; winter tyres for cars just have lots of sipes, and as they squirm under the weight of the car the sipes open up, resulting in lots of extra edges.
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: TimO on 14 December, 2012, 11:14:09 pm
The main problem with the Kool Stop Quik Klaw Cleats, is that Kool Stop haven't made them for several years, so finding a set would be a good trick!
Title: Re: DIY Snow Chains
Post by: PhilO on 15 December, 2012, 07:17:18 am
Has anybody ever tried simply wrapping a length of chain or wire rope helically around the tyre and rim? Maybe twice, so you have left- and right-helices. Only possible with disk or other hub-mounted brakes, obviously.