Hmm... upgrade would help?

[Ana]

This may be an unnecessary question but when you shift from granny to second, what gear are on in on the back? I ride a small bike so the cage length is short and so my shifting greatly depends upon what gear combination I'm in.

[aicabsolut]

Try readjusting the limits. But first, make sure the derailleur was properly installed in terms of height and angle (assuming it's clamp and not braze-on, which has very limited angle adjustment). Look at ParkTools' website for help. Compacts can be finicky, and so very precise installation of the front derailleur is required to get both 1) smooth shifting, and 2) minimal to no front derailleur rub when in extreme gears (helped by the trim in the shifter). If moving the clamp, be sure not to over-torque on the seat post!

Then, adjust the limits. Adjust high limit first (with next to no tension on the cable) then low limit.

Once the limits are set, check the indexing (cable tension).

If you still have problems, you may need to be extra careful about what rear gear you're in when shifting down in front. I find that if I'm nearer the middle of the cassette to about 4 from the top, the shifts are the best with my compact (and 105 or Ultegra FDs). Too high on the cassette, and it gets worse. So be sure to shift rings first, then rear cogs.

If all else fails, get a chain guard. (google them or look at something like tech pages on cyclingnews about what the pros use on their Roubaix bikes). It's a little guard that clamps on under the derailleur that keeps the chain from bouncing inward too far. Instead, it hits the guard and that guides it onto the little ring instead of letting it fall too far to the inside.