I've got a Raleigh Rush Hour that I ride as a fixie throughout Chicagoland (flat). I was thinking about regearing to get my accelleration to be a bit better, right now it's a 48 in front and 15 in back. Would it be better to go to a 17 in back, or a smaller sprocket? I like using more torque and don't have an overly fast cadence at 20mph, but better startup times would be nice.

Also, is it easier to brake with a lower gearing? I think one major problem I'm having (and thus rely on hand brakes more than I'd like to) is that I'm not getting enough stopping power due to my gears.

Thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

-vxla