Hi,

I have a Deore LX Front DErailleur.

I am looking to replace the crankset because the chainrings are worn and also I have a stuck pedal. The chainring is 52-42-30 (in the crank is written FC3304 and in the largest chainring "Shimano SG A-52). In the rear, I have 8 speeds.

I am struggling to understand the compatibility between FD and crankset (and rear cassette?) Here are my issues:

1. From Shimano's page the specs for the DEore LX FD, it says 'Applicable front chainwheel = 44/48T' . How can this be, if I have clearly been riding with a 52 chanring? Should I buy a new cranset with max 48 or 52 teeth?

2. I would like to have actually only 2 speeds instead of 3. What are the considerations apart from the 48/52 question above? DO I need to change anythign in the back cassette e.g. from 8 to 9? Do I need a new FD or will the Deore work with 2 speeds?

Thanks a lot!!