Originally Posted by
1saxman
.....What's the worst that can happen? It won't make the big/big combo, and that is defintely not a problem. .
I can't speak to all your questions but the chain is too short and it
definitely is a problem.
the worst that can happen is you lose track of where you are and accidentally shift to the big/big pair and any or all of the following happen; bent axle, bent chainring, destroyed RD, derailleur hanger tab breaks off, rear dropout/chainstay damage, (need I go on?)
Get a new chain and measure it so it loops the big/big pair with some slack still left for the RD (usually one inch or so minimum).