Originally Posted by
davidad
May as well go for a 24t front ring. The shifting may take a little more thought, but I know it will work because I put them on the cranks of my friends so that they can climb a little easier.
I've never tried a 24T but I expect it will work fine. I have changed the 30T granny ring on numerous Shimano (and even a Campy) cranks for a 26T and they have all worked very well. The difference in the low gear is significant.
If you don't want to buy the crank extractor, your bike shop may make the change for you at reasonable cost if you buy the new granny ring from them.