When I first started riding seriously in the early 70s my knees were killing me from pushing gears that were too high. My friend Jack, who taught me most everything I know about bikes suggested changing the outer to 50 or 49, like he rode. I've been much happier ever since, I use my outer ring much more this way, and never used those big gears anyway!

I have a couple Campagnolo 54s if anyone needs em, in 151 and 144.