IMHO 14/38 is probably the right compromise for freeway riding. With 14/40 I'm turning ~5800 RPMs at 70MPH.
On my 25 mile commute to work I'm only on the freeway for about two miles. And that's when I start considering switching to 14/38. Dropping the RPMs just a little bit would be nice.
But on my way home I'll hit 5 or 10 miles of dirt roads & trails including desert single track and loose, sandy, twisty fire roads. That's where the 14/40 gearing is just low enough.
For me, the dirt is where the fun really happens. Otherwise, I'd run 14/38 sprockets.
On my 25 mile commute to work I'm only on the freeway for about two miles. And that's when I start considering switching to 14/38. Dropping the RPMs just a little bit would be nice.
But on my way home I'll hit 5 or 10 miles of dirt roads & trails including desert single track and loose, sandy, twisty fire roads. That's where the 14/40 gearing is just low enough.
For me, the dirt is where the fun really happens. Otherwise, I'd run 14/38 sprockets.