Originally Posted by
Giga
I say assume it's right because I've adjusted it multiple times (following park tools guide) thinking that might have been the cause but as far as I know, everything is properly tuned.
I did not think to check the cable for dirt or grime so I'll do that now.
As for the trim, it is a Microshift 9 speed shifter, I have no clue which way the trim is. It takes two clicks to go from the small chainring to the middle, so is that the trim?
Yes, what is being talked about is cable friction - smooth operation through the housing - not the "tension" adjustment that holds the derailleur in a certain position. The derailleur's inward shift is accomplished by the pressure of the spring pulling the cable through the housing. If the friction is too high the derailleur will not move to the proper position without "coaxing." Sometimes you can check for that problem by "plucking the exposed cable at the down tube to see if the derailleur moves further.
Trim - yes, one click would be the trim position for the small cogs with the small chainwheel, and is also available when going back down for the larger cogs and the middle chainwheel.