I don't know if I am a typical recreational cyclist, and I don't know if there is such a thing because we live in different terrains. I own bikes with the following gearing combos: 53-39 with 12-15 10-speed, 50-34 with 12-28 cassette 10-speed, 50-34 with 12-25 10-speed, 46-36 with 11-32 9-speed, and 50-39-30 with 12-25 9-speed. I rarely use the 53T, as well as the 30. The 50, 46, and 39 get used the most.

So for me and my geographical terrain 50-36 is probably the most useful. Unfortunate for me that unless I upgrade to 11-speed I can't get that combo with my cranks.