Upgrading a chainset

[citybabe]

I'm upgrading the chainset on my Specialized Vita Sport which currently runs a 26/36/48 chainset.
A Shimano Deore M590 chainset is offering a set up of 26/36/48 or 22/32/44. If I was to change to the 22/32/44 what difference would that make to my pedaling....would it make for easier spinning or would it be better at climbing hills? I'm afraid I have no idea as yet to how different gearing is set up and how it works but it's something I'm trying to learn about.

Also if I did change to 22/32/44 would I need a longer/shorter chain and what about a different front mech?

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

The 22/32/44 would make it easier for you to spin at a high cadence and climb hills.

The bigger the difference (in number of teeth) between the front and the rear, the harder it is to pedal because your effort is being multiplied to produce a greater result.

So the biggest chain ring and the smallest sprocket will be the hardest to pedal, but one revolution of the crank will move the bike further. Conversely, the smallest chain ring with the largest sprocket will be the easiest to pedal, but move the bike less.

When reference is made to "high" and "low" gears, it is the ratio between the two that is either high or low. So the smallest chain ring combined with the largest sprocket is the lowest ratio or first gear. The largest chain ring and smallest sprocket is the highest gear and will be eighth, ninth or tenth etc. depending on how many gears you have (number of chain rings multiplied by the number of sprockets).

You would need to shorten your chain but, as far as I know, your front mech. wouldn't need to be replaced, but you should lower it for the most effective shifting action.

The Park Tools Blog is very informative on both chain length and front mech. adjustment.