FWIW-- I run a 46/36/26 ( sometimes switching to a 24) with a 12-34, 8 spd on the bike I ride daily. I built the rear cassette from 3 cassettes to get the gearing I wanted. It is my favorite handling/riding bike. I also run a 48/36/24 with an 11-34 on one of my touring bikes. It is a 9 spd, but I don't know why a similar combination would not work on an 8 speed. That particular crank is also a Sugino DX 600. I use a Tiagra FD, and a Deore LX RD on both bikes. Ths shifters are Tiagra STI's.

I just geared a bike with a 44/32/22 and an 11-34 cassette. I am not the world's best bike handler, but I "tweedled" up a 15%+ grade last weekend at 90 rpm and 3.5 mph and did not fall over once!