I've said this so often it's like a Mantra.
There are 3 chain lengths.
1- the Minimum - found by the big/big +1" method (note: this is an absolute minimum method with no fudge room.
2- the Maximum - found by the small/small & take up slack method. This has some fudge room if wide range gearing exceeds RD take up capacity.
3- Correct length - anything between the minimum and maximum, according to RD cage orientation, or your preference.
I run chains near the maximum because it leaves me room to change to a larger cassette or remove damaged links if I ever need to. While some people run minimum length and carry spare links, my spares are already in the chain.
IMPORTANT -- the minimum is an absolute non-fudgeable length, so unless you're sure your gear combination is within RD capacity, measure the minimum and confirm that your length is longer. Or if confident, shift into big/big (slowly) after cutting to confirm.
BTW- if setting up a race bike always use the maximum method. The few grams of added weight are well worth it because it allows you to use a donated or neutral support wheel in a race without worry about the cassette size.
I once watched a rider with a corn cob cassette grab a donated wheel after flatting, and destroy his drivetrain at the first hill when he shifted to a sprocket too large and ran out of chain.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 04-07-14 at 11:39 AM.