Again -
Right now we are 53/34 up front and 11/36 in the rear. We also have a K-Edge derailleur cage. AKExpress recommends Praxis chainrings. I have looked online & they have great reviews.
Another option might be to change the front out to 52/36 (16 tooth difference) and go to an 11x40 in the rear. This would allow us nearly the same top end but still be below 1:1 at the low end.
Would this be problematic?