Is it the derailleur or is it me?

[LynneK]

I had a similar problem when I bought a new bike after riding for 18 years on a Nishiki 12-gear triathlon bike with first-generation index shifting. Having three front rings messed with my head and made me worry that I was doing damage to the chain. Then my LBS guys threw the bike up on the rack and showed me how to trim the gears.

The idea is much like what your husband suggested, but I find that I have to do more than a nudge (my components are Shimano 105), and it took me a little while to get comfortable with doing it out on a ride. One thing I've found is that once I've trimmed once in one direction, I can't trim again in that same direction -- if I try it'll do a full shift. So I've adapted to having to re-shift quickly if I accidentally do a full shift.

I'd suggest asking your LBS to put your bike on rollers, let you ride, and show you how to trim your gears. I think it's the kind of thing that is easiest to learn by experience.

BTW, DebW has a great definition of gear trimming in this post:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showp...1&postcount=10