[narcosis]

My chain won't shift into small chainring when applying pressure (i.e. when shifting from middle to small on a hill) whe using the ront derailler. It works fine on flat (when less pressure applied to cranks). Is this a cable tension issue or an adjustment issue or a new FD issue?

Any help appreciated

 

[sanjuro]

Probably a low limit screw adjustment.

Take a look at Park Tool's site for instructions on how to adjust your front derailleur.

 

[BikeGeek]

My chain won't shift into small chainring when applying pressure (i.e. when shifting from middle to small on a hill)

I have yet to ride a geared bike that doesn't do this. The trick is to time the shift just right so you're shifting before it gets too hard to pedal, but not so early that you're spinning out. If you miss the timing, the only thing you can really do is to relax just long enough to ease up the pressure and shift, but you'll lose some momentum. Or pretend you're on a singlespeed, get off that saddle and MASH!