I was noticing during the time trial stage of the TDF that some of the Pro Tour riders seem to use the big - big gear surprisingly often. Today I have been watching Tadej Pogačar climb like an angel in the big - big gear, It makes me wonder if we have oversold the otthodoxy regarding cross chaining or is modern race bike technology more tolerant? If is just a matter of chain wear I guess the pros don't care how quickly they wear out. They certainly care about efficiency, even if it is a tiny bit of difference.

For touring, I'd think we all care about both.