Originally Posted by
wrk101
Interesting, as I do just the opposite. Given a choice, I go long cage, as it gives me flexibility in the future if I start changing gearing. Now some of my RDs are short cage, they tend to be vintage parts that I wanted to use, so I accept the limitations.
We don't do the opposite at all, and I even mentioned the benefit of leaving room for future changes. I can go with the shortest practical cage because with 45+ years riding experience, I know what gearing I'll be using on any particular bike, and don't need to allow for future expansion.
It's kind of like buying jeans. A parent might buy slightly long jeans for a child to leave room for growth, but at some point we stop growing and can buy jeans that fit perfectly now.