Its a new bike. 06 rockhopper with an LX RD. Housing and cable is still in good condition...i thought it was just a tension issue, but now im not so sure. My concern is primarily with the swing arm that holds the pullys (unsure of the correct name) being bent. I'd like to straighten it, but dont want to just tug on it if there is a better way.

I dont know that this is whats causing my hesitation to the smallest sprocket, but at this point im in the process of elimination.