Originally Posted by
Gonzo Bob
Then go with a Deore or XT 48/36/26, take off the granny and get a new 32 middle ring.
But Bob, there is no 32t 110 BCD ring. 33t is actually the smallest 110 BCD ring, and TA is the only one who makes them.
If he's limited to Shimano . . . he's gonna have to play the Shimano game. Time for a new crank and who knows what else, depending on his shifting system.
He could however, take off the 48, run it in the middle, and get a 32t 74mm BCD ring. He'd need a longer BB to get a better chainline, and the Q would be larger, but it could be done.