shifting and popping

It sounds to me as if you are applying a lot of power as you shift. When shifting I aways try and ease the power/pressure for a smoother change. Forgive me if I'm wrong I'm no expert.

djlance said:

i have a cannondale 500 with shimano 105 flight deck components (shifters derailers, crankset, everything) i just purchased the bike about a couple of months ago. When i shift from a low gear to a high gear for some reason it pops and gives me a sort of jolt as if it takes a couple of seconds to respond when i shift the other way it jolts and then shifts when i stand to climb or sprint the chain sometimes pops and i almost lose my balance. is there any reason for this problem and if so what should i do about it

Have you checked there´s no " tight link " in the chain ?

That sounds like a more reasonable explanantion.

djlance said:

i have a cannondale 500 with shimano 105 flight deck components (shifters derailers, crankset, everything) i just purchased the bike about a couple of months ago. When i shift from a low gear to a high gear for some reason it pops and gives me a sort of jolt as if it takes a couple of seconds to respond when i shift the other way it jolts and then shifts when i stand to climb or sprint the chain sometimes pops and i almost lose my balance. is there any reason for this problem and if so what should i do about it

check the adjusting barrel on your rear derailleur. try to turn the adjusting barrell counter-clockwise a few turns and see if that helps. You may also need to adjust your "H" and "L" screws as well. Good luck.

djlance said:

i have a cannondale 500 with shimano 105 flight deck components (shifters derailers, crankset, everything) i just purchased the bike about a couple of months ago. When i shift from a low gear to a high gear for some reason it pops and gives me a sort of jolt as if it takes a couple of seconds to respond when i shift the other way it jolts and then shifts when i stand to climb or sprint the chain sometimes pops and i almost lose my balance. is there any reason for this problem and if so what should i do about it

I wouldn't go near the H and L screws for this problem. Use them if the chain is getting thrown off the cassette or you're not able to shift into your highest or lowest sprockets.
Checking the chain for a tight link and tweaking the barrel adjuster, as already suggested, sounds like the way to go. Don't 'turn it a few times' and see what happens. Make small adjustments, like a quarter turn, check the problem, make another small adjustment, check again....
If the bike is only a couple of months old and you've put at least a couple of hundred miles on it, chances are it needs a service, and chances are the best place for that is your LBS. Most shops offer a free first service when you buy from them as all bikes have a breaking in period when the cables get stretched and they require a proper tune up afterwards.