Any reason (other than aesthetical) to cut a chain shorter than the length required to clear the pulleys on small + small rings? All I can think of is increasing tension and potentially reducing chain slap.
On some derailleurs the chain tensioner is designed to move the upper pulley closer to the cassette when the chain is slack, to put it closer to the small cogs for better shifting. If you have too long a chain it might not work as intended.
Any reason (other than aesthetical) to cut a chain shorter than the length required to clear the pulleys on small + small rings? All I can think of is increasing tension and potentially reducing chain slap.