Originally Posted by jc1
I assume this is the same for even the high end components but shifting in the rear is much smoother and quicker than shifting in the front. I find I stick with the same front gear and use the rear gear for adjustments as needed when riding, shifting the front gear only when I am about to get stuck. But it seems that everytime I shift the front gear I get all messed up and have to regroup my gear selections.
Rear shifts are much closer spaced (in gear inch or gear ratio terms) than front shifts. No matter what the component level, rear shifts are smoother and faster, and will shift better under load.