had my 2001 defender 110 a few years now it's always been a bit slow changing from 1st to 2nd gear just had the gear box rebuilt and it is still a bit sticky going from 1st to 2nd is worse when it's cold is this normal for the defender

Can be a bit like that with a newly recon box, mine was. They are not slick shift anyway. May be worth checking the 1st 2nd change rod for free movement as problem was there before. I recommend you change the oil after a couple of thousand miles with your rebuilt box.