[CR]Advice oh half step gearing sought, or once again compulsion rears it's ugly head!

(Example: Framebuilders:Pino Morroni)

From: Tom Sanders <tsan7759142@comcast.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 15:25:21 -0400
Subject: [CR]Advice oh half step gearing sought, or once again compulsion rears it's ugly head!

Well I'm off again on another project. I just bought a bike with half step gearing and I can't say that I like the idea of it very much. I have a bike with a Specialities T.A., cyclotouriste(sp) crankset,170mm arms, half step/granny rings, 44/40/26. My question is can I just replace the outer chainring with, say, a 52t and be back to normal shifting? I have heard that the front derailleur is different on a bike with half step gearing (They lost me there!)...hopefully I'll be all right there? Any advice will be received with much gratitude and points will be built up in Heaven for those doing such good deeds, I'm sure.
Thanks,
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi