So over the past few years I've just learned to power up hills while remaining in the big ring up front and just shifting the back. I've improved greatly over the last year and have been able to go on rides with the heavy hitters in the area.

Well now I've gotten a number of comments saying that if I improve my shifting and utilize the smaller front chain ring I'd be one of the best climbers in the area.

Here's my problem; I'm used to a certain cadence with the large chain ring and used to "feeling" the power transfer to the wheel. Shifting into the smaller chain ring spins me out and I seem to lose that power feel. Even if shift the rear back down to say 7 or 8 I just don't get the same "feel" of power transfer.

Of course I know I should be to prevent cross chaining as well. I'm wondering if I should replace my smaller 36 ring with a 39 for a better "feel"?