Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
40x14 and 46x16 are identical (75-ish gear inches, depending on tire size), so your legs won't feel a difference. However, 40x14 will wear faster than 46x16 because there are 8 fewer teeth to spread the load. On the other hand, depending on your frame, you might have an issue with a 46t chainring clearing the chainstays.