u/rebuildfailure

At my local races I feel like I'm having troubles with getting a good quick start, after that I've got enough speed to keep up or pass if I can find an opening. Currently running 47/17 because that's what I bought the bike with used, rollout pretty close to 44/16.

Am I just trading one problem for another if I drop to 46/17 or 43/16?

Maybe even sillier: current rear tire is Tioga Powerblock 20x1.75, I have an unused 1.6 and gear calculator says that'd be about the same rollout as going down 1 tooth in the front. Is it silly to try that first as a no-cost way to try it out?