
Originally Posted by
aicabsolut
I'm thinking that maybe your chain is probably getting too old for you to be cross chaining in the middle ring, even if it is harder to really cross chain on a triple. Next, instead of shifting up to the big ring, try using a little FD trim when you want to use the small cogs/middle ring combo (like a 1/2 shift with the front shifter). See what happens.
I'm going to measure my chain for stretch too.
I am not sure I can do a half-shift in the front. These are mountain-bike shifters (XTR rapid-fire). I could always half-shift on my road bike with either Shimano or Campy shifters but haven't noticed that I can do that on my mountain bike. 
Thanks!
Emily
2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow