So, I'm sitting here cursing the bike gods because I don't have the right spanner to pull off my isis splined BB. As I look at my baby, it seems as though I could theoretically flip the crank to the other side, turn my wheel around the other way, and have a left side drive bike. The only weak point I can imagine is the lockring, but it takes massive amounts of rearward torque as it is, and is also VERY firmly seated.

Whadya think?

How does this solve the problem of needing to take out the bb?

It doesn't. However, it DOES temporarily solve my boredom problem.

Lockring should be fine, as long as it's on there good and tight. No different from resistance-braking really. You're only actual problem will be the pedals. They're threaded opposite, just like the BB, for the same reason. Flip 'em over and they might start working loose on you. Drop of blue Loctite should solve it, or some tandem cranks if you're up for it.

The other potential issue might be chainring clearance. Many bikes have the right side chainstay manipulated in some way to facilitate chainring clearance and the left side doesn't have this provision. May or may not apply to you.
They make LHD bmx cranks that are properly threaded for the pedals to work I think.

What's the benefit?

Of LHD? In BMX it lets you grind on the other side of the bike without that pesky chainring getting in the way if you happen to be other hand dominant. On a fixie? Um...... none probalby, just weird. I've often though of doing a double chainring/cog combo on a fixed/fixed hub. Agian, no real reason at all, I just thought it would look kinda cool to have it all doubled up like that.

Another issue is the pedals. If you have clipless then make sure they are symmetrical front and back, like egg beaters. If you have SPD's then getting in and out may be an issue after you flipped the sides. The threading of then pedal spindle are done in a direction such that the pedal does not continue to get tight inside the crant arm as you pedal. Something to consider. There is a pic of Dexter Benjamin and his bike on oldskooltrack. I believe he has already done this mod.

I run Crank Bros. candy, so getting in and out shouldn't be a problem. The stays aren't manipulated either. The only issue is the chainguard sticker thingy. It'd look odd being on the wrong side. I still haven't decided if this is a good idea or not, but thanks for all the input.

how's the rest of the Bianchi?... any problems arise so far?
you are not looking to replace the bottom bracket because you HAVE to, right?
I recently acquired the same bike ('04 Pista?) is why I ask.
Love it.

Yeah, I have to... there's a horrendous creak coming from it, and I can feel it grinding on each rotation. Even after massive amounts of lube (and yes, I have checked every other possibility, pedals etc.). For 5XX$, you're not gonna get the best components. I still love her, though.

I am hearing that creak too. I thought (was hoping) that it might go away with some preventative maintenance... oh well, good to know.
You are exactly right, though... I really didn't think the parts would last a lifetime on a $5xx bike. I bought the bike expecting I was going to replace things... cranks, rims, pedals... how is that headset so far?
if I am asking too many questions, I apologize, I just enjoy riding my bike so very much.

The headset on my bike is the most amazing one I've ever ridden. It's a Chris King . The stock one crapped out within a month, so I decided to do it right.

only a month? sheesh. Was that due to the lifecycle ride or is it really crappy?

Oh no, I switched it long before the lifecycle ride. It's just a crappy headset.

it's a very crappy headset.

sorry to bother you again, but what about the hubs? Should I be saving up now to get new ones? That's where I first thought the crank creaking originated.
what else have you HAD to replace?

thanks.

The hubs seem to be holding up pretty well, and I seriously abuse the **** out of 'em. We do many hundreds of miles per week, much of it hopping curbs and crashing through potholes, and they're rolling fine. Eventually I'm gonna upgrade, but not until I destroy these hubs, which will probably take a while.

There's always this:

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

Funny I have had the same problem with my 2003 pista, it is enough to where i don't even ride it anymore... Which is fine by me, I like lugged steel better anyway..

Phil

I'm obsessed with the purity, simplicity, and beauty of my bike. This does NOT include zip-ties.

ok, raving puritan bike queen.

It seems that way sometimes... Without the queen part, I mean...