Originally Posted by
sreten
If you never go big / big it isn't. If it is a possibility then
of course it then doesn't apply.
Originally Posted by
FBinNY
. The potential consequences of accidentally shifting into a combination the chain cannot loop are too severe to be acceptable.
Although your first sentence is technically correct, the fact is that shifting to that combination is
always a possibilty. One could be fatigued and forget, a mechanic test riding the bike or a friend borrowing it could make a mistake.
FB's comment is not a technical fact but a judgement, but one built on the practical experience of seeing those consequences - as I have. There is no good reason to fail to allow the chain to reach that combo.