Odd tooth count vs. even tooth count...
 

I am thinking about bumping up my chainring from a 48 to a 49, but i have read/heard that running an odd tooth count wears on your drive train faster due to how the rollers line up with the teeth and so on.... Is this something worth considering or is it not something i will honestly notice?

ps, 16t in the rear.

I would like to know the answer to this. I run 49x16

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chain-life.html

I wouldn't worry. I have thousands of miles on one chain with 48x17 gearing, and last time I checked it was barely half worn.

definitely not a big deal.

99% of chainring / cog wear is due to chain wear ("stretch") and the chain being dirty and / or not properly lubricated. If you maintain your chain properly and replace it at the first sign of wear (I use a gauge), non-shifting sprockets will last for many thousands of miles. If you want to maximize sprocket life, use 1/8" thick chainrings and cogs.

Mramp!

Big deal, be concerned.

and a large tooth count.
more teeth = better distributed load = less wear.

Odd tooth count will probably kill you.

An even tooth count will just wear every other tooth twice as fast. An odd tooth count wears all the teeth evenly at half the rate. None of this makes any difference, unless you put your chain on the chainring and cog THE EXACT SAME WAY every time you reinstall the rear wheel. Just replace your chain when it is worn and get whatever tooth count gives you the gear ratio that you want.

it's not going to make any difference whatsoever. please let us know if something does explode though.

Odd tooth count usually insures more skid patches on a fixed wheel as well.

skid patches equals myth. difference between 15 and 17 = how thick the soles of your shoes are