Are you sure you have your Front Derailleur adjusted properly.? Serious pain sounds to me like the limit screw is set wrong. The limit screws determine how far the dearilleur moves when you push it. If its not moving far enough, it can be hard to push. When was the last time you changed your cables, or had your LBS do it, that could also be a problem. New bikes are FUN, but maybe a tune up is in order. No matter how fancy shmancy your bike is, if its not tuned it won't perform well. I think of a bike more like a violin than a car, all those strings need constant attention for it to sing.