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.

 

[Ajax Bay]

I disagree that it's "easier to change the cassette". With a triple you can't just bang a cassette with a sprocket larger than 32 on as the RD won't have the wrap.
The OP's Shimano Deore LX 8-speed chainset (46-36-26) has a 5-bolt BCD of 110mm/74mm. The desired 42-32-22 will not fit on.
Smallest middle ring is 33t. Smallest inner is 24t. Fit those two with the 46t and you're almost there (but RD wrap capacity a challenge - ok if cassette is 11-28). Chainrings:
https://mail.spacycles.co.uk/m8b0s0p0/Drivetrain
When I wanted to go temporarily down this route - 'pub club' hill climb with a hip replacement imminent - I just fitted a mountain bike chainset 42-32-22 from my 'box'. These are cheap as chips. I would buy used but here's the Spa 'Altus' option:
https://mail.spacycles.co.uk/m8b0s109p4763/SHIMANO-Altus-FC-M311-42-32-22-Chainset-(7-8spd)
These MTB cranksets will all physically fit your square taper bottom bracket but the chainline may be a bit out. This may or may not matter - if too far out, a replacement BB with the required length spindle eg JP300 is <£20.
Also bear in mind that the FD will need to come down ?6mm with a smaller large chainring.