Quote Originally Posted by Bluetree View Post
...I've had issues with Shimano levers, which are a bit big for my hands. Braking has not been a problem, but I feel like I have to really crank on them to pop up my chain to my big ring....
This sounds like an adjustment problem to me. I use the ultegra short reach levers on all my bikes, and only have the problem you describe if the limit screws are not set correctly on my front derailleur.