Bicycle Mechanics - attaching chain to build up

Hello,
I'm at the point where I attach the chain (a 7/8 speed shimano hyperglide) to a new build up. The drive train is an 8-speed with an alivio triple. I'm not sure how to get the right length. Do I put it on the biggest ring and biggest cog (after threading it thru the derailer)? Or the middle cog and middle ring? Or what exactly?

Any tips much appreciated.

Dave

Wrap the chain around the big ring up front and big ring in back (not through the rear derailleur), add 2 links and there you are.

Here's a link for you to look at:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=26

scroll down for the big/big part I'm referring to.

Most of the time you put chain on smallest or outermost cog to largest or outermost ring with the bike on level ground with the rear derilluer pulley wheels vertical or perpendicular to the ground. Up to an inch too long or too short is acceptable.

There are different ways to do this, one is the way Park mentions and the other is mine which is the way an old repair book I had taught me. I just noticed that Park mentions my way at the bottom of their site.

Wrap the chain around the big ring up front and big ring in back (not through the rear derailleur), add 2 links and there you are.

Here's a link for you to look at:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=26

scroll down for the big/big part I'm referring to.
+1. I used to use something similar to froze's method, but I've started using this method because it's simpler and very accurate!

Mox, Froze and KR,
Many thanks for the help. Guess I shoulda thought of the Park site. Forgive ...

Dave