Sounds like OP you are shifting down the cassette to the large end before shifting in front. That is intuitive but wrong. The two front rings are for different situations. Seeing a hill coming, you want to get onto your hill ring, the small one as soon as possible. Basicly what [MENTION=195034]chasm54[/MENTION] said. Up in back while it won't hurt you because you aren't climbing much yet, then rapidly after that down in front.