Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
So the big/big combo determines the minimal chain length. Assuming the current big ring is a 50T and given your stated 53T goal it would seem that 1.5 links (of 1/2" each) will take up the added 1.5 ring teeth the chain will need to wrap around. Of course chains for derailleur systems can only be changed by 2 links (of 1/2" each).
Since the chain only wraps around half the chain ring (approximately). I concur.