50x11 > 53x12.
I'd recommend a 50/36 with an 11-28 on the back for all terrain. If you race then swap out an 11-23 for mostly flat races. I run this in a 9 speed config except with an 11-21 for racing and it's is much better than the Triple/12-25 it replaced. Cost was new crank + 2 cassettes and I needed one new cassette anyway.

edited to add: 50x11 at 100 rpm = 35.5 mph ... if that helps put things in perspective.