Originally Posted by RubeRad

I agree -- FD are surprisingly tough to fine-tune, even though they look simple compared to RD.

You say it is hard to push the shifter -- is it hard even when the cable is slack? Maybe there's gunk in the shifter mechanism that needs to be cleaned out, or at least lubed. You could try squirting a bunch of wd-40 in there to clean it out, possibly followed by chain lube. Can't see, did you mention what kind of shifters? "Hybrid" makes me think twist, but when you say "push" I think triggers.

Also, does the FD swing easily? When it is in the slack (small ring) position, you should be able to pull the bare cable away from the downtube with your hand and watch it easily move (much easier than trying to work against the spring just by grabbing the FD cage -- not much leverage that way). The FD pivot points may also need some chain lube (lube with the long skinny applicator straw is helpful here, to drop it in just the right spot)