I use 50/34 with 12-25 (9 speed) and I don't seem to run out of gears on the high end though there are no real hills around here. Since I'm always riding solo and usually commuting, the lower gearing seems to be more appropriate for me.

From the rare times I have gone on rides maintaining a 22-24 mph pace, I could see where the 53/39 would be better however for 99% of my riding the 50/34 is fine. Sometimes when it's windy and cold/rainy with my backpack on, images of Apex dance in my head