Can SPDs be converted for left hand drive?

[rogerzilla]

I've found that a Shimano freewheel can be rebuilt so it works for LHD.  Can SPD mechanisms also be flipped around?  Otherwise having a RH pedal on the left is going to mean turning my feet round.

I know about the pedal thread precession-induced loosening but it seems to be a non-issue in BMX.

[Kim]

Quick-release pedals would seem like the easy solution:  Pedals stay in the right place, you just fit the sockets the other way round.


(Would upside-down cleats work?  Entry would be weird, but the release would probably be similar enough that you'd avoid embarrassment.)

[Torslanda]

Could you not swap the axles?

[Ian H]

Cranks from the front of a cross-over drive tandem would perhaps be an easier solution, if you have a standard bottom-bracket.

[Brucey]

if you are talking SPDs like PD-M520 then the answer is 'yes' but you need to rebuild each axle assy using the sleeve that matches the pedal body, not the spindle; the sleeves have handed threads too. It is a fiddly job....

Note that some SPD models now have handed threads for the cone and locknut too; PD-M520 doesn't, but on those models that do, the RH cone and locknut are LH threaded.

It is reported that Loctite will hold the pedals in place OK against the forces of precession.

Mad thought; it would presumably be more difficult to clip in and out, but you could just fit the cleats the other way round on the shoes....?

cheers

[rogerzilla]

Hadn't thought of swapping the spindles.  Yes, I've overhauled SPDs lots of times.  I even have the right weird-sized spanners for the cone and locknut.

I might convert the singlespeed to LHD, just because.

[zigzag]

how would you prevent the freewheel from unscrewing? super-strong loctite?

[rogerzilla]

That, and/or a very long breaker bar to tighten it.

[DuncanM]

Make it fixed and bolt a sprocket to a disc hub? Or just use a fixed/fixed wheel and make sure you put the locknut on hard.

[rogerzilla]

Fixed is too easy! I must check how the BMXers do it - I suspect they have bolt-on freewheels, or maybe LH hubs and freewheels.  LHD is very common in BMX because some riders like to grind using the pegs on the RHS of the bike.

[LittleWheelsandBig]

They generally use LH freehubs, often with 9t cogs. I don't think the oversize axles fit into standard dropouts very well.