Low gear range for AAA Audax rides

[LateStarter]

Spa sell TA rings in 22/24/26t variations etc once you know your bcD and number of bolt holes.

I have Shimano FC-M591 9 speed cranks on my Audax bike and these come in 48-36-26 & 44-32-22 forms, same 104/64 BCD & 4 bolt holes, I have the taller version with 12-36 cassette but my legs often wonder if the lower geared version would convert me into a super randonneur? Ideally a 22 tacked onto the 48-36 might be nice but there is likely some reason it would not work.

PS These are 2008 era LX RD, Tiagra STIs , Deore cranks but recently needed a new FD and a 10sp x3 105 was all that I could get but works well as long as I give it a 10sp chain.

[Tigerbiten]

I have Shimano FC-M591 9 speed cranks on my Audax bike and these come in 48-36-26 & 44-32-22 forms, same 104/64 BCD & 4 bolt holes, I have the taller version with 12-36 cassette but my legs often wonder if the lower geared version would convert me into a super randonneur? Ideally a 22 tacked onto the 48-36 might be nice but there is likely some reason it would not work.

Put it in small/small and measure the gap between the chain and the bottom of the front derailleur cage.
The chain will move 2mm down for every tooth lost on the small chainring.
So going 26t->22t moves the chain down by 8mm, do you have a big enough gap ??
If you do, then it will work.

Luck ..........