Shimano triple crankset misses middle ring.

[Howaboutthis]

Changing up from smallest ring to middle, it often fails to quite make it and needs another click to get there. All other changes are fine. I note the cable is very loose when the smallest ring is selected, but I don't want to start randomly adjusting stuff. The bike is a Felt Q200 mtb, maybe 8 years old, new to me. Hey, I'm not complaining, my previous bike had no usable middle ring at all. Any ideas? Stay safe, people.

[jfdi]

Cable should be tight when on the bottom ring.

Put into bottom ring.
Wind barrel adjuster you should have in the cable right in.
Undo cable clamp pull cable tight then tighten clamp.
Then use the barrel adjuster to remove any slack left.

The derailleur needs to start moving as soon as you move the lever.

[Howaboutthis]

Appreciate that, thanks. I assume that won't mess with how well it goes on to the inner or outer rings.