Originally Posted by Retro Grouch

Your chain needs to be long enough to safely cover the big/big combination even though you may never shift into the big/big.

Some nice day, when everything is going good, you'll come to a little hill and decide to sprint the hill in the big ring. As you slow near the top of the hill you downshift shift one more time. SURPRISE! Your too short chain has just caused your rear derailleur to bend into the spokes. You've just ruined your rear derailleur, your rear wheel and maybe caused serious damage to your frame too. As you start the long walk back to your car you think to yourself that it's not such a nice day anymore.

In most cases, removing a couple of chain links from your bike isn't smart.