The teflon cables can be used on any bike... remember that most road bikes have their shift cables run down under the bottom bracket where they catch all kinds of grit. I have several customers that are using teflon cables, adn I have them on all three of my road bikes... one set of the cables has been in for three years! With that said, I have NOT noticed the teflon wearing off as someone mentioned.... perhaps you're thinking of the old gore tex cables?? AS I mentioned previously, they are definitely worth the investment!

As for all of yuor new cables, it sounds to me that the cable tension might be set a tad too tight. When you adjust a bike on the workstand it may be fine, but while riding and putting pressure on it, it can act totally different! Make sure that yourshop rides the bike and not simply adjusts it while on the stand.

good Luck!