Thanks roadbuzz! I just finished charting the gear inches before I got your reply...makes good sense! When I purchased the upgrade (Shimano Ultegra) I got alot of different advice about what I needed from LBS's upto new BB and cranks. Seemed a bit excessive to me, but the new front derailleur made the difference. Guess I wan't used to a wheel dished that far making such a difference when shifting in the front. Now I will just have to ride and practice shifting until the pattern becomes automatic. Winter weather today...4-8 inches of snow so it's trainer time. Thanks again for the info...

Keith