A small chainring and sprocket combination exacerbates the problem because chain tension is higher and it's all more fussy about slack spots than bigger cogs. I had chains going slack in dry conditions within 100 miles on 39 x 14 (old MTB frame, so 26" wheels) but I rarely need to touch the 52 x 20 on my roadified track bike. If you can cope with a few extra ounces, big-big is the way to go; it's much smoother and more pleasant to ride, unless you really like the more immediate feel of a small-small transmission.