Originally Posted by ArgoMan

Crazy good responses. Thank you. I'm an oddball in that I run a 10-speed cassette on a modern frame (Cannondale Slice), with a DA friction shifter. The cassette is a 12-23. On the flats, which is essentially all I ride, I'm in the middle cogs of the cassette most of the time. Although I do find myself switching to the smaller cogs once I get going. My crankshaft came with a 50t-36t, but I switched out the large ring with a 52t. I think I'm going to keep it that way, for some of the reasons that are mentioned here. Also, my own research tells me that jumping to a 54-55t probably won't make a heck of a lot of difference. I'd be better off with a different cassette, as Jen mentions, assuming that's even a concern for me. I ride no hills, hence the 12-23 cassette. Plus - and this is a big PLUS - have you seen the price of the Shimano 53-54t rings? Crickey! Over at Jenson, they advertise an Ultegra 11-speed ring "from $19", but when you select a 53t ring, it's $165! The Dura Ace rings are upwards of $300!! I can get a new crankset for that price. Rotor seems to have some nice offerings at a decent price.