assuming same power, cadence and gear ratio... are there any physiological effects of going from a 53 to 54 tooth chain ring? Does it *feel* different? IS it different?

Also, after riding w/ a bigger chain ring for a while, are there any physiological adaptations over time?

my assumption is that as long as the power, cadence and gear ratio are the same it doesn't matter what you have up front.

By definition, the same gear ratio is...the same gear ratio.

Damn I wish you could explain this simple scientific fact to half the French triathletes I know. I've spent hours arguing with them because I put a 53' font on my wife's bike and they think it's too much for her. But she just changes cogs until the ratio/cadence suits her and then is no different to anyone else. As long as the gear ratio suits the cadence it doesn't matter how you got there. But trying explaining to a Frenchman that 39x14 is the same as 53x19 and you're in for a long, and ultimately pointless discussion. Short of putting them on a cycle trainer blindfolded there is no way to convince them. Logic, reason and scientific theory have not worked so far.

no car guy on earth will admit that engine torque doesn't matter all that much. not a one. someone will chime in here to tell me Im an idiot, count on it.

You're an idiot :-)

so a 54-15 *feels* exactly the same as, say, a 108-30 w/ 700cc wheels and 172.5 cranks?

I think the term I'm looking for is "inertia" or "torque" but I'm not sure.

I remember back to my BMX days where you had a slew of options in freewheels but in the end 44-16 was the popular selection. You didn't see any 11t freewheels or 20t freewheels.