i have done granny and half step with 8 and 9 speed cassettes. if you are going to a 11-34 8 speed cassette i would encourage looking at the 12-34 instead. 11 to anything is damn high geared. also if you want to go to 36 just pick up a sunrace 12-34 or 11-34 then a sunrace 11-36 9 speed. you can remove the 34 and replace with the 36. should work fine. currently i am running 12-36 9 speed with 24-38-41 chainrings.