Bicycle Mechanics - Help me with my gears, argh !!!!

I own a Specialized Allez, had since last year (when I got into riding). I love it and am hooked on riding everywhere I go. Thing is I switch gears and at times it is as though the chain doesn't catch the sprockets. I just pedal and it slips. Ive oiled it but thats as far as my mechanics go, please help?

By your own admission, get her tuned at a bike shop.

I'd give it a go. It is doubtful you can make it much worse. There are some links here to get you started
http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion.asp?catid=53&imageField2.x=18&imageField2.y=6
If you want some advice from the people here, including more detail on your problem may be helpful.

It's rather typical for a new chain to cause this. Parts wear such as the chain and gears. And while the worn parts may seem to work together OK replacing one worn part only often causes noticable mismatch and the results you are experiencing. If you have let the wear proceed too long it causes wear on parts more expensive parts such as the chainring and cassette. Now likely one or both of them need to be replaced to restore smooth operation. My crystal ball shows a new cassette and chainring set in your future.

My crystal ball shows a new cassette and chainring set in your future.I think you want to add a new chain to that list. ;)

I suspect the OP actually has problems due to shifting while under load at low-RPMs. Practice letting up the pressure on the pedals when you shift. And also practice riding in lower gears and spinning your legs faster. This helps move more teeth/second past the chain and increases the chances that one of them will catch when you shift.

I own a Specialized Allez, had since last year (when I got into riding). I love it and am hooked on riding everywhere I go. Thing is I switch gears and at times it is as though the chain doesn't catch the sprockets. I just pedal and it slips. Ive oiled it but thats as far as my mechanics go, please help?

Is it skipping forward under load or just not indexing properly? If it's the former, new chain/cassette time if it's the latter, could be as simple as turning a barrel adjuster.

so i assume that you know better than to try to shift under heavy load on the pedels, cuz nothing shifts easily under load. then id go look into a new chain since we have ruled out any opertor error.

now is this the front gears or rear? your derailleurs adjusted with enough travel, but not too much? derailleurs clean an din good working condition? chain clean, lubed and free of stiff links? shifter cables good shape and not in need of replacement? start there, and just remember the first thing i mentioned, as to me that sounds like it.