macduck_32

Hey guys, was wondering if anyone could help me out here. Im a newbie to road cycling. I was given an awesome cannondale carbon fiber road bike (2008 synapse sl liquigas team roadbike), along with some carbon fiber tubular wheels (reynolds). My friend who gave me the bike shipped it to me from KS. He told me all I needed to do was to get the bike fitted and have it assembled as well as the front tubular tire needed some sealant but that was it. I took the bike to a bike shop in palo alto, ca. which is where I'm from and was told by the service rep that he recommended against using sealant, and said it didnt work 9 times out of 10, I kept pushing for it and he handed me the sealant and didnt seem to want to do it himself. He also recommended against using the tubulars w/ reynolds wheels altogether, said if I got a flat I would damage the $2k wheels and that basically I wouldnt be able to handle them on the hills around here. He recommended I buy some cheap tires and tubes. He then said I needed to have the bike tuned up, pointed to some things quickly on the bike and said they were loose and that I didnt want stuff falling off like my breaks. He also said that my chain was stuck between the chainrings and frame and that he would need to pull the crank arm off as to not damage the carbon fiber frame which would cost some money as well. I asked him to quote me and he pulled out his calculator, typed in a few numbers, and said $350 give or take a little. The good thing was they couldnt do it then so I wasnt forced to say yes or no right then. I trust my friend and feel this guy was trying to take me for a ride but wanted to get the opinion of you more experienced riders out there. Really I would just rather get the bike fitted, put the sealant in the front tire, and use the tubulars and just start riding but I dont want to kill myself either. I would appreciate your feedback.

Mike

bikepro

You don't have a good "beginner's bike" but since it was a gift it'll be ok but first you need to learn how to deal with the tubular tires -- or get a cheap set of clinchers. If you stay with the current wheels, you need to learn how to install and repair them. If you GOOGLE "mount tubular tires" or some such, I'm sure you'll find several articles. I assume the front tire is flat. If the puncture is not too large, a sealer may work. It's worth a try -- something like Vittoria Pitt Stop. If this doesn't work, you'll have to replace the tire. If you're going to ride tubulars, you need to learn how to mount them. Even if you have someone mount it for you, you'll be in trouble if you have a flat on a ride and don't know how to change it. Regarding the other items, if you don't know how to work on a bike, you need to find someone to do it. Who knows if $350. is too much or not. The important thing is to find someone you trust.

99Klein 

Check with another shop and get some clinchers.

Cfiber

+1 ^ This

Go to another shop that's not affiliated with the "expensive" shop and make sure that the next shop is located in a nearby suburb. You might also have it checked out at one of Mike's Bikes.

Kai Winters

Sounds like a screwing to me. Way to expensive for what should be a simple reassemble/adjust.
I don't understand what is meant buy buying inexpensive tires and tubes. You can't put clincher tires on a tubular wheel.
I'd never use sealant in a tube...just don't like the stuff. Were it me I'd replace the sewups on the bike with an inexpensive pair of sewups. I'm no longer a fan of sewups, after riding/racing on them for at least a decade...very costly to replace the tire when they flat, I always repaired punctured sewups but it is a very hard and time consuming job.

Riding a sewup that goes flat, until you stop, is actually safer for you and the wheel than a clincher tire. The sewup generally stays on the wheel and forms a cushion for the rim while you are safely stopping.

I'd sell the tubular rims and use the money to buy a nice set of clincher wheels and tires. Shop around at the local bike shops for reassemble/adjustment prices. The cost should be under 100 bucks or in that area. The shop should check all nuts and bolts for proper tightness, check condition of all cables, adjust all cable tension, check/adjust headset and bottom bracket and pedals, inspect frame for cracks, etc. clean, lube and inspect chain for excess stretch, adjust derailleurs and brake calipers/pads if needed, give you a verbal and/or written list of what is worn and needing replacement at the end of the job. They should also contact you if they find something broken, etc. prior to replacing to keep you in the loop knowledge and money wise.
This is an hour job for a good mechanic.

Once done have the bike adjusted to fit you...hoping the frame fits you...or within acceptable limits. Ride and enjoy you got a swell deal.
Keep us informed.

macduck_32

All, thanks for the feedback. I've checked out some videos already on how to repair tubulars and use Pitt Stop. Im also checking around at some other local bike shops as well and with some friends/family to see if they know anyone local that can help. I think Im going to try and get these tubular wheels going since I already have them, and buy some clinchers as well. I've spent next to nothing on this bike so investing in some clinchers sounds like a good idea but I want to keep the Reynolds carbon fiber wheels as well.

pdedes

It's fortunate that you were given the gift of a good bike. Check out parktools.com for online video tutorials on bike maintenance and repair. The race day wheels you have are nice, but you really need an everyday set of clincher wheels and corresponding tires. Other essentials : pump, tools, flat repair

Nuggetross

i don't always understand when people come onto bike forums and basically complain about forward answers they get from bike shops. why are you questioning them? $350 for a complete overhaul/new clinchers/tires doesn't seem that bad to me.

but just like anyone else on here, i really don't know exactly what's wrong with your bike. i have to try to figure out this out through the lens of the op, who is clearly not an expert in all things bike.

still feel like that bike shop sucks? take it to anyone bike shop. cheaper isn't necessarily better, especially when it comes to labor prices. and plus, you live in palo alto. everyone has a fancy bike there/pretty loaded.

and if i were you, i'd sell the tubular wheelset you have and buy a solid clincher wheelset/tires. then you could still be cheap and not spend any money, but you'd always get way more enjoyment out of your bike. if you don't know anything about bikes, any sane person would recommend against riding tubulars. even with all of the internet article reading you can do, i'll guarantee you'll screw it up. plus, you're going to look like kind of an idiot anyway riding a fancy bike/wheelset and not knowing how to use it. but that's a whole 'nother story entirely...

macduck_32

nuggetross, Im a newbie, I explained my situation exactly how it happened and wanted to get some feedback from others out there, that's all. I wasn't complaining. Appreciate your suggestion on the clinchers...and I could care less what others think