Originally Posted by franktompson

I have fallen in love with my Trek 7300 - I'm a simple soul. I have made a few modifications, including 'upgrading' the 11-32 rear cassette to an 11-34 cassette. Where I live the mountain goats use crampons. I would like to change my Shimano Nexave 8 speed 48-38-28 chainset to a 48-38-26. However, I can't locate one. The nearest match I can find is the Shimano Deore, which is a 9 speed. May seem a stupid question, but grateful if anyone could confirm (or otherwise) that I cannot, indeed, use the 9 speed Deore for my purpose. Does anyone know of a 48-38-26 8 speed, or do I need to upgrade both ends of the operation (cassette and chainset) and buy a new chain?

VMT