Chains, cables, etc...

[UG_Passat]

It's about the time of year again....

What chains/cables have you folks used and do you like them?

Disclaimer: Yes, I live in NJ. Typically snow isn't that bad, except for getting to my house with the ski-slope worthy hills I need to climb with my FWD car with snow tires. I also go to New England to ski also and their roads can be quite steep & bad.

Spikes Spider: The hub attracts attention and their "fit guide" is inaccurate: you can follow it, but it ends up with the hub too close to the tire, which makes removing & installing the chain a PITA. THeir customer service ain't great either, as I asked about getting replacement hardware & never got back.

This year... Thule CB-12
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E2safFI17c

 

[George7941]

I was thinking of getting the Spikes Spider myself but now your experience makes me think twice about getting them. Their main feature was the ease of installation but if they are tough to install then it is hard to justify a 500$ expenditure.

Can you reinstall the hub to get it further away from the tire?

I enquired about them last year and the people who responded did not have difficulty inatalling the chains.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1310332&Searchpage=1&Main=98411&Words=%22spikes+spider%22&Search=true#Post1310332

 

[Ken2]

In order of grip...
--Reinforced chains
--chains
--cables

In order of clearance under the fender...
--cables
--chains
--reinforced chains

In order of easy of installation...
--whatever has the installation gizmo that works best for you

I have not been let down with cables. I also have used the diamond pattern chains with good results, as well as old fashioned chains. I'd get cables. Especially on front wheels, be sure the chains or cables fit just right and are as tight as possible. You do not want a wayward end of a chain slapping a brake line or anything else essential or expensive.

 

[UG_Passat]

Originally Posted By: George7941
I was thinking of getting the Spikes Spider myself but now your experience makes me think twice about getting them. Their main feature was the ease of installation but if they are tough to install then it is hard to justify a 500$ expenditure.

Can you reinstall the hub to get it further away from the tire?

I enquired about them last year and the people who responded did not have difficulty inatalling the chains.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1310332&Searchpage=1&Main=98411&Words=%22spikes+spider%22&Search=true#Post1310332



Yes, you'll be spacing out the hub more with the included hardware. The bolt threads stripped out on me, hence trying to get replacement hardware.... since Spikes Spider USA never got back...