Originally Posted by
squirtdad
agree that Big Big needs to always work
I found that when pushing capacity (i.e by 2 teeth) this give max possible chain length, but I also have checked specs and know how close I am to capacity and double check that big/big works
The max possible chain length is when it is dangling with no tension in the small/small. That's how my 8 speed triple MTB with short cage derailleur is set up. It can handle any gear combination, but there is not tension in granny/7or8. And that's okay for me because shifting to granny is always a methodical process, unlike rapidly using up the cassette on a hill. I wouldn't like a dangler on a double set up like the OP's, though.