I've been riding my new Trek 1500 WSD for over 2 weeks, and love the bike, except for the shifting. It has Shimano 105 shifters, derailleur, etc. I can't tell where the chain is while riding, since I don't have numbers to look at like my old MTB, and I can't see the rear rings without looking backward between my legs without running off the road. When I reach the smallest or largest ring, the chain starts to rattle. My LBS showed me the "half click" method with the front shifter to move the chain just enough stop the rattle, which I did OK on the trainer in the shop, but on the road I either can't get it to half click at all, or it goes all the way and I end up either dropping the front chain to the smallest ring (causing my feet to start flailing around), or messing up the chain altogether. The LBS owner disappointed me when he told me it was something I'd have to "get used to." I can't find any instructions anywhere (even in the Trek manual) on how to work the shift.

We ride where there are alot of inclines, and there can be alot of shifting going on. I don't think "getting used to it" is acceptable, especially when you could end up messing up with traffic around, you are trying to keep up with others, and you just paid $1000 for the bike, and could ruin the chain if you just let it rattle (which I end up doing after arguing with the bike and losing).

I'm still learning terminology, so I hope this message made sense. I'd appreciate any comments/suggestions/tips from those of you with experience!