Hi all ,

I am looking to change the outer chainring on a triple from 48 T to 42 T . The chainset I have is is 7/8 speed compatible (shimano fc - m361 ).

I am findinding it very difficult to source a 42 T chainring that is 8 speed compatible and has the correct BCD etc .

so ..... Two Questions

1 . Can I get away with putting a 9 speed 42 T outer chainring on there ? I'm using friction shifting at the front with bar ends .

2 . Will the shifts from middle chainring to a different sized outer chainring be less smooth after chainging from 48t to 42t ?

Thanks for any insights ,

J