The entire reason my 44x17 bike was geared that way was for wind.
My 48x17 is doable... but for my knees sakes I'm gonna gear it down a little (not to a 44 though).

Mine hurt, but that's cause I did a short set of intervals last night.... then only 2.5-3hrs of sleep (not counting the 1hr catnap after work). And I have to stand at work. I'm ready to leave now.