DIY Snow Chains?

KDub · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 04 Sep 2010 Karma :

Supposedly you can use blue rope (or any other colour I should imagine) to make rudimentary snow chains for motorcycles. Has anyone actually tried this, or is it plain BS?

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I haven't, but reckon it should work ok.

yen_powell · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :

I once spent an hour on the Yorkshire Moors in freezing conditions trying to unravel blue stringy rope from my sprocket and back wheel without the aid of a cutting instrument. It brought me to a stop quite rapidly I seem to remember.

Wouldn't fancy deliberately putting it around a tyre.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

I wish I'd had snow tyres when I tried to get over the yorkshire wolds yesterday. Not sure why I thought riding from Pocklington to Fridaythorpe would be easy. Snow started falling about halfway up Grimthorpe Hill, then the road disappeared beneath drifts. Thanks random volvo guy who stopped and offered to help dig the bike out. Luckily I got some traction and spun it out just after, but it was a bit hairy for a minute there. Needless to say I headed straight back down.
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Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

You could use blue, yellow, orange (or that red coloured stuff at a push) I wouldn't use it on my rims as it would tear feck out of the laquer/paint. If it's a clunker you're riding then why not? Just make sure you tie proper Snow-Chain Knots. Smile

I don't ride in snow now as it is stupidly stupid and risks dropping an expensive bike on the deck.
If it was a Winter Hack then for sure it would have spare Snow Tires.
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truslack · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Karma :

I use the same technique with blue polyprop when it snows bad, it wont help you going round corners, but will give you better traction.
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Yes. It works.

Best if you can let some air out, wrap the rope then pump them up again so it's tight.

You just need maybe five turns round.

I have also heard of people using half a dozen big cable ties.
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