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@bazschmaz
So, this boils down to ratios. This is the relationship between the number of turns of the big cog and the corresponding turns of the small cog which in then turns the back wheel.
At present one turn gives 2.5 turns of the back wheel. Changing to 16 teeth will give 2.875 turns of the rear wheel.
More turns of the back wheel = harder to pedal up hills.
I ride 54/14 in hilly Edinburgh. Harder to get up a hill but less spinning like a madman when I go back down them.
Changing a cog is a doddle.
You will need a lock ring tool and a chain whip. ( I use the one bought from here from here http://www.lfgss.com/thread101643.html). Its fecking great
Take off the back wheel, use the lock ring tool to remove it with a twist, it should then unscrew.
Use the chain whip to loop the chain part around the cog and use leverage. Try not to skin your knuckles.
Carefully replace with the new shiny cog you've procured. Grease the threads with something appropriate and carefully screw it on. Tighten with the tool.
Carefully replace the lock ring and tighten.
Replace back wheel with correct chain tension and you're good to go.
This will have been covered elsewhere but its sunny outside and life is good so this might be nicer than stating UTFS.
:)