Changing chain set and running gear

[Morris]

Presently have Dalesman with 26/36/48 chainset and 12-32 rear cassette it's all Shimano stuff. It has done 7-8k of fully loaded touring miles. No problems at all with bike transmission feels good it's been well looked after. This May I intend to go up over Spain/Pyrenees and back home. I am a little bit nervous about my legs/age for the hills and felt I should change the chainset to 22/32/44. I have a number of concerns I need reassurance/advice about and I have to be carefull about costs.
1. Will the FD cope with the smaller chainset.(approx £60)
2. Would just changing the 26 cog to a 22 be ok and could the FD cope without a rubbish gear change(approx £15)
3. If I change the chainset have I got to change the chain and rear cassette.(another approx £30-40)
4 If I have to change the rear cassette will my RD cope with a 12-36

Lots of questions any advice welcome.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Can you provide the model code of the FD? It is generally on the back of the body and you might need a torch and sharp eyes to see it. If this is the bike's spec given the shifters the FD is most likely a road triple model, which will probably work but not too well with typical mtb chainrings (i.e. 44/32/22), because it won't be designed for the profile.

Changing the chainset does not give rise to a necessity to change the cassette or chain, unless they are worn which is really a different issue. You are most unlikely to need to change the RD, especially if it is a recent long cage (SGS) Deore, to cope with a 12-36 cassette.

Even at 90rpm at the pedals 26 front 32 rear is only 5.9 mph, and for 26/36 only 5.3 mph. Are you sure you need to change the front?