The small chainring on a triple crankset is only intended to be used with the largest few cogs. Using the small chainring with the <i>smaller</i> cogs is forcing the derailleurs to work at their limits. In addition, the gear ratios from these extreme gear combinations are duplicated by other combinations which use the middle and large chainrings. Bottom line is that the small chainring is only intended to be used for steep climbs, using the 3-4 largest rear cogs. On a shallow climb or flat, use the middle or large chainrings.