I've been dealing with a particular lbs for almost 15 years and have always found them to be accommodating and honest. I just purchased a full Ultegra carbon frame beauty from them. When I tested it before taking it home, I found the shifting to be very stiff and it was shifting very roughly. The owner agreed and spent a good deal of time adjusting the rear deraulliers and replacing the cables (internal). Finally the cables were replaced with Gore Ride On Cables and the bike rides well. I've had it for two days and ridden around 75 miles with no problems.

I trust the shop and the owner promised to take care of any problems should they arise but I have a few nagging questions in the back of my head..."Why didn't the brand new components work the first time and could I be looking at problems down the road?"

I know these things can be finicky but I'm talking about established (although a new 2011 Ultegra model) components.

Is this a more common problem than I think? What are your thoughts?

That is what warranties are for.
Ride it.

On the contrary, it sounds like you have some pretty good reason to like and trust that LBS.

Bikes, unlike cars for example, are constructed out of parts made by a variety of makers. Even if there are industry standards so that parts can play together, it often takes a little bit of adjusting to get it all dialed in. If I bought a brand-new Ford and it seemed buggy, then I might be concerned even after the fix. But with a bike, it is not unusual at all. So, ride with confidence. And, even if the bike was perfect out of the gate, you might still expect cables to stretch a bit and spokes to settle in a bit. So, even if you have to tweak it again before long, don't be surprised.

jim

The shop upgraded the cables for free. STFU and ride.

Well, that's a little harsh but I agree with the sentiment. The shop did exactly what you needed and the bike is working well. Be happy.

Your experience is why I always recommend riders who are not experienced bike mechanics buy from an good LBS. Problems can occur with any product and if you can't fix them yourself, you need a dealer who will. Mailorder and internet purchases are for the experienced DIY'er.

+1 to the fact that it sounds like you have a good shop. It may be that with that frame, with that cable routing, with those components, it may just be an inherently finicky setup. It happens. Instead of making excuses, the shop looked for solutions (and found one). Enjoy your bike.

I pretty much agree with the previous responses. The shifting problems were almost certainly due to a crimped cable or bad cut at the end of a housing so replacing them properly and completely rectified the problem...until through normal wear the cables/housing will need to be replaced.