my lbs just sold me a 17t freewheel for the other side of my hub (fuji track) which I believe comes stock with a 1/8" chain...I also believe the sprocket is for a 3/32" chain, but I'm not positive right now as it is at home...is it compatable, or should I return it for the right one? Thanks...Also, does anyone run 48/16 in moderately hilly terrain out there? How are your knees holding up?

3/32" gear with 1/8" chain, no prob.

50x16 in hilly san francisco and my knees are holding up gorgeously.

for now ... do you walk your bike up the hills? Holy crap, you must have monster legs.

nice...the thought of gearing down and spinning even more madly going down hills isn't
pleasant, so far climbing w/ 48/16 hasn't been bad at all - I was concerned with long term knee issues.

i havent had any knee pain in a few years, really. i mean, if you are pedalling fluidly and making adjustments to your speed on the descent instead of shocking your knees into a locked skid, and when you climb if you arent really mashing and grinding, then your knees should be okay. the only times i'd have hurty knees was back when i'd ride in a more start/stop type of speed. or just from climbing poorly and inefficiently.