Originally Posted by
FPSDavid
Wowza, I don't know much about chain length and stuff like that, but shouldn't that chain be longer?
No, probably not. That is a forbidden front-rear combination, i.e. one that is not appropriate to use because of the steep angle of the chain which causes noise and wear. Even that slope of the derailleur is workable, but it doesn't matter, since you really shouldn't use it. The allowed gear combinations will look much better. One doesn't size a chain by looking at the extreme gears, but rather at the middle ones. What is it, small front, large rear should leave the RD pointing straight down? Or is it large front, small rear? I can never remember. Always have to look it up.