Changing Shimano LX chainring set - advice needed

[SuperGalactian]

I have acquired a 1995 Dawes Super Galaxy with its original Shimano Deore LX 8-speed chainset, with 46-36-26 chainrings. As I'm getting on in years, I'd like to switch down to 44-32-22, but can't find any LX rings of that era for sale. What are my options, please?

I'm guessing that later Shimano systems were designed for more rear sprockets and narrower chains? So do I have to change the entire groupset, with new shifters, rebuild the back wheel, etc? Surely there must be a cheaper way?

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

What cassette range is on the bike currently?

You can get 11-34 at least for 8-speed, that's what came on my Voodoo Wazoo fatbike ten years ago.

 

[cyberknight]

104 bcd ?
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/104-bcd-4-arm/

 

[cyberknight]

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/chainse...8-speed-triple-chainset-silver-423424t-170mm/

 

[All uphill]

I'd suggest working out the BCD then giving Spa a call for the chainrings you want.

 

[Big John]

The gearing you have there, depending on the cassette you have on the back, should get you up a vertical brick wall if you could get it to stick. Are you absolutely sure you need lower gearing? It can be done easy enough but you'd have to change all three chainrings which will cost more than a new entire chainset probably. Me,being a tight wad, would leave it well alone and save a few bob. How about just changing the small ring if you're desperate for a lower gear?

 

[boydj]

Much cheaper and easier to change the cassette, surely, to give you a wider range at the back.