I'm voting for the 52/34. I had a 52/39 with a 13/26 7spd for the DD and only missed having a lower ratio on that hill in Gov. Dodge park.(of course I only did 100k, I don't know what other hell/hill was out there) I passed a lot of folks downhill with the 52/13. I've got a 50/39 and 12/26 8spd now. I also know you're strong enough to just do the 53/39!