Originally Posted by WorldWind
It does sound like this is your first rodeo.
You should never even use the top three cogs when you are in your big ring. (Unless you have a double and a straight block)
All my Mtn bikes are set up with the chain too short to even get onto the top two cogs when I am on the big ring.
You need to use the gear combinations that give you the best chain lines and access to the best jumps from the middle ring.
that's great for you man
. I use whatever gear combo that feels right at the time . Yes , I know that the crossover gear combo puts a lot of stress on components and wears out chains, chainrings, and cogs rapidly . I don't care . $hit breaks, you buy a new one. No big deal. thanx for your opinion