I know 15-46 & 14-43 are pretty close to being the same ratio arent they? But which one is actually taller gearing? which will give higher top speed at the same rpm?

i was told that the taller the gearing you can go, the less stress you put on the chain...... I dont know if its true but its a thought....

I have never heard that before but I wouldnt doubt it. But which gearing ratio is taller? 15-46 or 14-43?

15/46 is taller.
And yes the bigger counter sprocket puts the chain in less of a bind.

46 divided by 15 = 3.0666666
43 divided by 14 = 3.0714285

Ok thank you for that, learn something new everyday. Those to gearings are very close but I wanted to know the difference, thanks again.

Dang Kieth breaks it down

A disadvantage of 15/46 over 14/43 is the extra weight of the sprockets (and perhaps extra link of chain). An advantage is that it's much easier on the chain, and the bigger back sprocket (in theory) creates more torque to turn the axle. The ratio is negligible. I run bigger sprockets when possible, jmo. Any other opinions?

I agree that with bigger sprockets the easier it is for the chain to roll.

If you were going from a 43 aluminum to a 46 steel then it might be a tiny bit of difference (I mean tiny). But always run the largest sprockets you can.

As far as rear sprocket and torque, gear ratio is gear ratio. It doesnt matter if you run a 13-39 or a 16-48, they are exactly the same ratio. The only difference is the chain has to kink over and straighten a lot more on both ends with the 13-39.