Originally Posted by
AMoney
Since I have friction shifting in the front, would custom combinations, such as 42-36-26 work? Also, if I decide to switch to a double, would having a 2 x derailleur help with front shifting? Or would it be unnecessary?
Would a 3X system with a 42 big ring work? It likely would but might work best with a different front derailleur, you can only find out if you buy the chainring.
If you went with the 2X, your front derailleur would likely be moved down the seattube to get the derailleur cage closer to the chainrings. In that case, your front derailleur may or may not work well. I have never set up a bike with a front derailleur up far away from the chainrings, it probably would work just as well as it does now if you did not move it down the seattube after removing the big ring, but it might look odd.