SRAM Shifting Question
 

I finally got a chance to put some miles on my new Specialized Allez Comp M2 Apex this weekend and had a question regarding the shifting of the front chainrings. I have never owned a double crankset (previous bikes were all triples), a bike with a 10 speed rear cassette, or any SRAM components (still getting used to the Double Tap). I have a feeling the FD needs adjusting, but I figured I'd ask before I head down to the LBS later this week.
I was having an issue getting the chain to switch front chainrings. I tried numerous combinations of trying to shift up/down with the chain all the way on the biggest gear on the back to the lowest. It seems that I had trouble getting it back into the big front ring more than getting it to shift down. After I tried enough times it eventually went in. The fact that it worked sometimes has me wondering. Is there a trick to getting the front rings of the SRAM drivetrain to shift, or should I be able to switch between the front rings regardless of what ring I'm in on the rear cassette?

You should be able to shift into the big ring with any rear cog.

The easiest way to do what you describe is to install the front derailleur too low, or set the high limit too shallow. It will make it tough to shift up.

Shifting up front with SRAM is a willful exercise even when properly adjusted. It takes a good amount of lever effort, and you have to hold it for a moment rather than just punching it inward.

Sounds like your cable tension might be a little low.

Try shifting into the little ring up front and then tightening your barell adjuster a half turn. Middle cog in the back, then try shifting from little--> big chainring again. I'd say play around with tension before actually adjusting limits, etc.

Thanks. I figured it needed some adjusting. I'll just take it the LBS before I go twisting screws. Last time I did that it didn't end too well. Now that I have a second bike I'm going to practice my wrenching skills on the old one.

The cable will stretch when new, turning a barrel adjuster to increase cable tension is very low risk. This will need to be done a few times in the beginning, so might as well try it.

Keep in mind that in order to get it on the top ring up front, you have to push and HOLD the brifter handle. Unlike the rear cog where you just click and go. May still need some fine tuning, but try that before you decide it is out of whack.

The FD cable cannot have any play in it, make certain of that before proceeding with anything else.