MY Guru frame has arrived at the LBS!

[Owlie]

I didn't realize shifting with a compact double was that different. Did you have a triple on your Kuota?

[Crankin]

The shifting isn't different in terms of how you go up and down, as I have Shimano on both bikes. I axed the thought of getting SRAM really quickly, when I found out the differences in shifting; too many changes for switching between 2 bikes for someone who is mechanically challenged like me. Yes, my Kuota is a triple. It's just that while I actually have more gears (2) with the mountain rd on the double, it's kind of hard to find that "sweet spot." I found that when riding on a flat, I would get to a point where it either felt too easy or too hard. I started using the big ring a lot more by the end of the ride, and once I got that down, I still felt like I couldn't sustain a good pace for awhile on a flat, because I was either spinning or struggling. My average was awful, even figuring in the wind and the big climbs.

[OakLeaf]

Maybe it's a different cassette you need, rather than a change in technique?

[Crankin]

Well, I don't think this is the problem. I have a 50-34 on the front and an 11-34 on the back. I just need to learn the half click thing.
Ok, this has taken me 10 minutes to type on my new I phone. T

[redrhodie]

I bet you'll get used to the shifting in no time. Your first ride report is very encouraging, especially that you feel better descending! That's great! You didn't mention having any trouble braking, so I'm guessing you're reaching the shifter levers comfortably? I also think once you get your preferred saddle on it, it will make a huge difference.

[OakLeaf]

An 11-34 is by definition full of big gaps.

What cassettes do you have on your other bikes?

Just for example, I'm not happy without a 16T cog. Doesn't matter what's in front - 53/42 on my old race bike, 50/39/30 on my C'dale - 15 to 17 in the back is just too big a jump for my legs.

If you figure out where the jump(s) is/are where you can't find a comfortable gear, you might be able to find a cassette with a similar range but smaller gaps where it counts - by going to SRAM which is Shimano compatible, or by giving up the 11 in favor of a 12T high gear, maybe. It's definitely harder nowadays with cassettes, than it used to be when you could buy the cogs individually and slap them on a freewheel.