After getting my Salsa Fargo I realized the gear ratios are really different from my Madone and it's taken some getting used too. It almost seems like the small and middle gear just pedal in circles regardless of shift changes like I don't need them. I've spent most of my riding in the top ring even going up hills. Is that normal?

According to Salsa's website, I have a Shimano HG-50 9 speed 11-34T and the chainrings are 26-36-48.

I'm not sure what my Madone's gears are. Trek only shows the 2012 model.