Originally Posted by
bikerjp
Has an 11-28 cassette and I probably use the 19, 21 and maybe 23 the most with the 46 in front. Commute is short and flat and I usually don't ride it fast. Pretty sure it won't matter much which crank I use but was thinking the compact might help make the bike more versatile - more road ride friendly. The cross crank though might be better for slower around town riding. Just kind of wanted to find a use for the nice crank.
I had the same on my Vaya, but rarely used the 50 up front. On my Velo Orange I went with a 46/30. I don't believe in going very big up front, unless you are very fast. I ride in the 46 the majority of the flat Florida riding, but have the 30 for steeper rides. In fact, I am not sure that I used the 53 on my Trek more than once or twice.
My point is that I think smaller chainrings prove more useful for commuting.