haha i bet 5mm is also not really discernible when it comes to the length of the cranks i choose. i think i will go with the 48 tooth crank and get a 17 tooth cog which has more skid stops and if i really am wanting more i can always go for the 16.

i will also take a look at 47 tooth cranks since i am interested in the 47/17 combo you mentioned earlier.

i'm still thinking about clips vs. straps, i've never had experience with riding a bike with clips, just straps and i guess with clips i have to think about carrying other shoes maybe