Originally rode 48/16, then I dropped to 46/17 and I got really used to it. The I sold my wheelset the day before an alley cat, so I borrowed a friends rear wheel but it had a 15t on it. Needless to say I was in pain the whole race, well, at least until my front tire blew and I had to call it quits for the day >.<
Just today I switched cogs with another friend for a 16t, I found it easier, but I still like my 17. Maybe even moving up to an 18 soon. I don't have a front brake (have to get it fixed still) so when I had the 15t on it was a PAIN to stop much less skid...