let me start by saying,I am not a bike nut that knows everything about bikes.
but i believe that to lower the ratio on a SS mountain bike, puting a smaller front chain wheel on it is a excelent way to go.
It is cheaper and it being smaller helps your ground clearance ,thats good on a off road bike. and there easy to change.
I myself am going to a higher ratio,by puting a larger front chain wheel on it.
Not to hyjack your thread here,But i am wondering how much of a change going from 38 to 44 is going to be.
at first i was thinking 40 tooth but that is so close to 38 i figured i should make a bigger jump.
as it is now the 38 launches like a rocket