90% ran 44/16 bitd, did run 42/17 on some slightly uphill tracks, but generally always 44/16, so don't worry no-ones trying to set you up.
Mind you I have been meaning to ask the same question as lots of people seem to be running really low front cogs, which i thought was possibly trails riders.. then i remembered coupled with a larger gearing on freewheel would make it easier to pedal