I switched to a 50-34 a few years ago and don't really miss the 53 ring. I don't think I'm any slower overall but I got to the point that I almost never used the 53-11 or 12 so I guess that's a concession to age. For people like me who didn't start cycling until late 40's it's hard to say - I have no idea what it would have been like in my 30's or younger.