Originally Posted by George McClusky
Someone told me I wouldn't gain that much changing from a 28 to the 26. Can I get a 12-34 in an 8 speed and would I have to add links.I just put a new Sram chain on. I think it was a 48C.
The change from a 28T to a 26T chainring gains 7.7% or slightly more than changing from a 30 to a 32 and a 24T chainring gains you a 16.7% better low gear or slightly more than changing the cassette to a 34T cog.
Why do you need to change the crank to change the chainrings? I assume your granny ring has the common 74 mm bolt circle diameter and 24 or 26T rings are readily available in this form from lots of sources. It a cheap and quick improvement and you won't have to alter your chain length.