How can I put the derailleur on left side?

[Nigeyy]

I'd be concerned about the availability of left handed screw drivers to adjust the derailleur. I mean, if you get frustrated you could resort to a left handed hammer, but I'm not sure of the availability of either of those specialist tools on Amazon. That could be a real showstopper.

 

[greenmark]

This thread is taking a sinister turn

 

[Ajax Bay]

To offer depth to the recent revival of this thread, have a look at the OP's post here:
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/help-with-trike-ideas.176836/post-3840177
OP is no longer OTP.
@mickle if your "Why?" was addressed to me, I think his 'completion of project' presentation would be entertaining because the rider would be pedalling normally and (with my figure of eight chain solution) moving in 'reverse' (which would be a lot safer with stabilisers).

 

[ReverseBike]

Thanks guys for the support and creative ideas! Could I stack a cassette backwards and still use a standard derailleur? Most likely I will end up mirroring and fabricating one.

For those of you mocking this, the USA Olympic team took a left drive bike to Rio in 2016 and did quite well with it: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lef...-usas-secret-olympic-weapon-for-rio-unveiled/

 

[ReverseBike]

By using a longer chain you could set the chain up in a figure of 8 - with the tensioned section of the chain running from the top of the chain ring to the bottom of the cassette (rear flipped round obv) - and with a bit of fabrication mount a 'normal derailleur' upside down to allow rear sprocket changing and sufficient chain tension (cage axis might need a stronger spring). The freewheel/freehub pawls would work 'as normal'. Probability of some chain rub here and there but not project threatening.

To solve the issue of a figure 8 chain I could add a secondary gear to the front so as you pedal, the front sprocket spins backward rather than forward. Then still mount the derailleur upside down...

 

[chriscross1966]

I think a starting point would be a Campagnolo Triomphe. You'd need to have spring coils made that worked the other way, file off the current mounting stops and use small steel screws to replace them, the parallelogram would be OK as is, you'd need to make a cage to suit, but that is a hand-tools job, you might want to use lefthand threads for the jockey screws. You haven't a hope with a slant without a machine shop, but a straight unit should be doable. You might want to get a later Triomphe with the script logo, polish it off and get it pantographed with the shield... Sounds like a fun project.

 

[chriscross1966]

As you might have guessed I have a spare Triomphe mech if you want to buy it....

 

[youngoldbloke]

Thanks guys for the support and creative ideas! Could I stack a cassette backwards and still use a standard derailleur? Most likely I will end up mirroring and fabricating one.

For those of you mocking this, the USA Olympic team took a left drive bike to Rio in 2016 and did quite well with it: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lef...-usas-secret-olympic-weapon-for-rio-unveiled/

Yes, but, fixed wheel only on track bikes - that's easy.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Could I stack a cassette backwards and still use a standard derailleur?

I think you could do this on a right hand side drive cassette (Campagnolo easiest) just the Ergos would operate the 'opposite' way. You'd need to have a small 'outside' sprocket, next to the largest for the lockring to work (effectively). Might well have trouble with cage clashing with spokes if the smallest sprocket is closest to them. Solution could be to put one or more spacers in next to the spokes. All this doesn't get you to the reverse bike goal though.

 

[Smokin Joe]

To sum up, no it can't be done.

Unless you can manufacture the components yourself, of course.

 

[classic33]

I'd be concerned about the availability of left handed screw drivers to adjust the derailleur. I mean, if you get frustrated you could resort to a left handed hammer, but I'm not sure of the availability of either of those specialist tools on Amazon. That could be a real showstopper.

Screwdriver
KaleCoAuto Left Handed Screwdriver
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=51

Hammer
Stortz Right Handed Model 83B Slate Hammer, or Left Handed Model 83C
https://www.slateroofwarehouse.com/Slate_Hammer_Stortz_83B.html

 

[classic33]

http://forums.mtbr.com/singlespeed/left-handed-freewheels-63495.html
Link in there
http://www.harobikes.com/2005/bmx/mirra-pro.php

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I bet Park Tools have a left-handed screwdriver, and it probably has model number LHS-1.

 

[Illaveago]

An interesting concept but wouldn't the rear sprockets loosen as the thread is r/h ? Or have I got lost ?

 

[Ajax Bay]

wouldn't the rear sprockets loosen as the thread is r/h ?

Not if the wheel is being 'driven' in reverse - ie the bike goes backwards. Or have I got 'lost'?