Originally Posted by cicadashell
possible selection criteria:
a) availability of parts
2) number of skid patches
iii) spreading out the wear
i would pick the combination easiest to obtain - z.b. i have a 17-tooth cog already, all i need is the chainring (although of course cogs are less expensive than chainrings).
I picked 41, 43, 47, 49 because with the exception of 49x14 these four chainrings all result in the number of skid patches equal to the number of cog teeth (at least for cogs 12-18)
I already have a 14 cog, but don't think it would be wise to go with a 41 chainring as it may be limiting.
So I guess it boils down between 43 and 47 where I could get use out of the 14 with 43.
I made this handy chart to help me figure out skid patches and equivalent ratios:
Al