Originally Posted by
Duragrouch
OP: For short-cage RD, you may need to remove two chain links for an 11T on the small chainring, if the chain is rubbing against itself at the RD or not taking up slack. Just make sure first that when on the big/big combo, the RD is not wound forward beyond its ability. If that doesn't work, go for a medium (GS) length RD (and a longer chain). My cheap Shimano one is 43 capacity and 34T max cog size, works like a champ on 50/34 x 11-30, so 35 wrap, easy.
when considering removing slack from a chain in small/small, i always shift to big/big, then see if i can fold a link back over a link, without binding... it's an easy way to check for too-tight chain in big/big.
and i always set up chains with the Small/Small method... single ring setups then allow some tightening/link removal, but a loose chain is a lower drag, smoother running chain.