Updating this thread incase anyone stumbles accros it from Google. A 34 tooth chainring with an 18 tooth rear cog is WAY too easy to pedal. I'm not sure why people are recommending this ratio, maybe I just ride differently? The terrain where I live is flat and then some uphill but there's barely any resistance whilst pedaling. If you're like me and like to really work yourself with not sitting down and constantly powering through uphil gradients, then definitely go for a higher toothed chainring. I'm ordering a 40 tooth and will update further with the results.