I can't stand a 44. Even with 11 at the back it feels slllooooowwwww. A 48 is ok, but I always wear out the bottom three sprockets fast. Its a good mid range and I hardly ever shift from it, also I found the high wasn't high enough and low was too low. I tried a 53-39, hated it. Not enough to climb steep hills with. 50-34 is ok, but I never found a good 'sweet' spot. Always changing and hunting. I'm happiest with my 53-39-30. The high goes faster than I ever want to, the mid range is very useful, and the low is plenty low.
In terms of cassettes I like the Shimano 11-32/34 mega range in 9 speed. 8 speed has too many gaps, 10-11 is out of my budget. 9 gives a nice range with decent gaps at a nice price. Also 9 speed chains are easy to come by, and aren't expensive. Honestly I don't see the need to go over 9 speed.
Last edited by krobinson103; 10-07-14 at 06:48 AM.