I'm thinking of getting rid of my granny ring on my XC bike as it gets used very infrequently (only when I am completely knackered)..
Ideally though I'd like to fit a 1 or 2 tooth smaller middle ring so in combination with a 34 tooth cassette I can still crawl up the steep parts.
Anyone know if this is possible or is the PCD of the middle ring the limiting factor?
Can't see the point. You still use the granny (admittedly infrequently) so why get shot of it? It's not like it'll save much weight.
Better chainline too?
One less spacer on the drive side...
Seen a few pro set-ups the same but I expect they're obviously fit / powerful enough to push up the hills on existing middle ring.
I'm nor saying you shouldn't do it, but I think you'd be hard pushed to find a smaller middle ring. Try TA or Blackspires, they might do one.
You'll kick yourself the first time you walk up a hill...