Originally Posted by bigfred

53X12 is a shorter gear than 50X11. So, if the 53X12 provides adequate top end there is no reason a 50X11 won't do the same.

However. If installing an 11-28 cassette you will have a couple larger gaps in your gearing than you are currently accustomed to. This may or may not be an issue to you.

And, when I made the move from 39/53 to 34/50 I found the 16 tooth chainring difference to be unsatisfactory. It was too large and would necessitate me shifting almost all the way up or down the cassette before changing the front and then needing to make 3-4 shifts at the back to get to the next gear that I was after. I much preferred the 14 tooth gap of the 39/53. Which generally equates to a two cog change in the back for me. My ultimate solution has been a 36/50 combo in combination with either 11-26 or 11-28 cassettes. I prefer the 11-26 for any reasonably quick rides and all but the steepest climbs. But, if out toodling around at a more moderate pace with my wife or friends and encountering any really steep climbs the 11-28 is nice to have.