Running a 53-39-30 with a 9 speed 105 FD and SRAM X9 (old tech 9 speed) with 11-34 on the back I have to compromise. I can have 53-34 safe (as in oops I cross chained not ^&*^&* ride over) and 30-15 functional but anything under just sagging. There simply isn't enough chain wrap. Doesn't bother me as who uses 30-13 and 11 anyhow?