A 34t chainring is about 20$.
if you are mechanically inclined, pulling your crankset and swapping your 36 for a 34t front chainring is pretty easy.
Other than a little chain slap (if riding in a 34x11) This is doable with the FD in a 52/34.
Just another option for you. The only tools you will need are allen wrench set, torque wrench (which you should also use for changing your cogset if you do) and a 5$ Shimano crank tool (TL-FC16)
Last edited by Wilmingtech; 09-28-19 at 08:30 AM.