I followed the link to the bike, and it looks nice in white.

I like white at night.

Personally, I'd leave the gear ratio as Motobecane designed it.

As for the chainring, I note this bike has a 1/8 chain, which should work with either a 3/32 chainring or a 1/8 chainring.

I can't tell from the parts list whether this bike has a 3/32 or 1/8 sprocket.