50-34 with 12-28. Works perfectly fine for commuting. Before that I used 11-32, but I prefer finer gear spacing in the rear.

I don't understand why you are using 34 so much. Why do you "start in the small ring from a stop"? Are you carrying a heavy load or towing a trailer?

All my commuting is done in 50, with occasional rare switches to 34 for more relaxed climbs.