Originally Posted by
gruppo
Well so far you've tried a bunch of stuff and have failed so it appears you've reached your limit of know-how, so quit resisting. The lbs will allow you to watch what they do (Rather than living vicariously through a bunch of phantom responders who are shooting in the dark). You need to learn when to give up.
There's lots to check on a bike like yours, including a bent derailleur hanger, clogged cable stops (Carbon fiber blocking stuff), housing kinks, bad endcaps, etc. Let the pros do their job and learn something first hand.
Gruppo, I'm not sure where you got the idea that I'd tried a bunch of stuff. I've asked for suggestions and made educated guesses myself as to what might be wrong, but I have yet to try ANYTHING! I've done everything in my life from replacing engines and transmissions in cars to building and flying my own airplane. I know when to ask for ideas, which might save me time, but I'm not mechanically inept. I fully understand all the things that have to be checked, but often, asking the right question will get you answers that save you a lot of time.