OK, 99% of what I work on is either DT shifter or barcon. But I have picked up a few Shimano STI bikes, and must be messing up the install.

On the last five bikes I have had problems, 100% of the time, its always the front shifter. On one bike right now, I can get it to shift up to the big ring, but not back down to the small ring. On another (RSX), I am getting three solid shifts (triple), but on the big ring, either I get a lot of rub, or it just doesn't make it. On the RSX bike, I just had the shifters rebuilt, so they are good. And when I am 0/5, I suspect mechanic (me) error.

I think I have these guys zeroed out. I just replaced a nine speed Ultegra front, with a used DA nine speed, same problems, same symptoms.

I need to figure this out. Next step is downloading the PDF Shimano instructions (I know, I should have started there)...