Originally Posted by Bikewer
Any reason I can't install a cartridge BB backwards? Why, you ask?
Hehe- I want a compact crank on my homebuilt recumbent. The present "boom" is from an old ten-speed with an old-style BB. It accomadates an aged full-size triple crank, but that makes my overall gear ratios just a tad too high. I have a nice Alivio compact crank, but it won't work on the present BB and spindle, it won't seat deep enough, and the front DR wont adjust to accomodate it.
So, I have an old Cro-mo Trek frame that was trashed by the frat boys. Seattube and BB still OK, but this would mean reversing the BB to have the "long" end of the spindle (where the crank mounts) on the proper side of the bike. (the downtube is bent.)
(This is one ugly critter, BTW, but functional. It's a test-bed for version 2.0)
Most every modern bottom bracket, including the one that's meant to work with your Alivio compact crank, uses a symmetrical spindle. There ain't no "long end" on these units. The cranks might go on the bottom bracket that's in the Trek, but the offset was designed for a symmetrical spindle. They're cheap. Take the plunge.
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