Originally Posted by chrisvu05
53-11 is higher gear than 50-11. Since I am running a 13-26 cassette, a compact crank does not provide high enough gearing. My 53-13 is stronger than a 50-13.
I think what he was trying to say was you can compensate for the smaller chainring by using a smaller top position cog.
50/12 is slightly taller than a 53/13. This is all semantics anyway. You can get your gearing anyway you like.
I have a 53/39 and 50/34 double (sometimes 50/36).
To be honest, I think the compact is way more versatile, but the perfectionist in me likes how the 53/39 fits the front derailleur radius perfectly.