Bicycle Mechanics - Replacement Rims for my Cannondale

I am trying to figure out which type and which brand rims to put on my Cannondale R1000. What is a Clincher and what is a tubular? Also What is a sew up tire? If someone could help me out with this I would really appreciate it. I dont want something that is real expensive right now,but I dont want any old piece of crap that the lbs happens to of had laying around the shop. Also while I am here the bike has 105 Ultegra drivetrain. When I try to shift it nothing happens, no shifting ,no clicking,nothin. Any ideas as to what it could be? Thanx everyone in advance

King Ajo

A clincher rim accepts a standard beaded tire. A tubular takes a swe up tire. This style of tire requires that you glue the tire to the rim.
As far as your other problem, this could be that your cable has too much slack in it. This can be adjusted by the barrel adjuster at the rear derailleur. Turn in until the cable has adequate tension then test the shifting.

R1000 nice bike. sounds like your cable is lose.
clincher rims is what most bike come stock with they use a bead of
metal or someother matial to keep the tire on the rim
tubular use clue to hold the tire on the rim
sew ups is what you have to do with tubular tires (really needle and tread) not good when you are stuck on the side of the road with a flat on a rainy day.. this may be a way to simple way to explain them but i hope it give you and idea.
as for what type is best for you? think about the type of riding you do and how much you are willing to spend...
getting new rim for my bike is like getting new shoes ...

Go with clinchers. Mavic Open Pro, or something similar, is a good choice for a road bike rim.

He's right, Mavic is an excellent way to go

Ride just Ride
PAT

Clincher rims are the most common, and are probably the only rim you are likely to find on the shelf of most bike shops.
A tubular tyre is mounted to a rim that has no 'clinchers' on the side, and it is bonded with mastic to the rim. Tubular rims weigh less than clincher rims, and they ride better, too. However, they are more difficult to repair when punctured, and usually cost more. The term 'sew-up' also refers to tubular tyres.
As far as the shifting problem goes, it sounds like you may have an overly tight cable. Did somebody try adjusting it that didn't know what they were doing?

Thanx everyone for all of the info and advise. I now have a good idea of what to look for. As for the shifting problem nobody has put a wrench on it since I bought it last Saturday. But I am taking it to the shop soon. Till then I will just have to ride my old faithful Nishiki. Thanx again.

King Ajo:D

I have to agree, I own two sets of mavic rimes (1 on my mtb and 1 on my road) I really like both of the them. as an inexpensive solution you can go with Mavic MA3s (clincher) on your bike and you will be very satisified. :)

Originally posted by kingajo
Thanx everyone for all of the info and advise. I now have a good idea of what to look for. As for the shifting problem nobody has put a wrench on it since I bought it last Saturday. But I am taking it to the shop soon. Till then I will just have to ride my old faithful Nishiki. Thanx again.

King Ajo:D

You said you bought it last saturday. Then if it was working when you bought it, can i assume then that the cables stretch like they normally do on a new bike. If you put enough miles on the bike and you use the shifters alot, then the cable most likely stretched. If it hasnt worked since day one then something may be wrong.