The Shimano CS-4700 [paid link] cassette is a 10-speed road bike component from the Tiagra groupset, designed for reliable performance at an accessible price point. While it delivers solid functionality under most conditions, riders occasionally experience issues that affect shifting quality and drivetrain performance. This guide details the most common CS-4700 [paid link] cassette problems and offers practical, step-by-step solutions to help both amateur and experienced cyclists keep their drivetrain running smoothly.
Understanding the CS-4700 Cassette: Key Features
Before diagnosing issues, it’s helpful to understand what makes the CS-4700 [paid link] unique. This cassette features HG (Hyperglide) sprocket design for improved shifting performance and is available in a range of gear ratios (11-25T to 12-34T), making it versatile for road, touring, and light gravel use. Despite its durable construction, prolonged use, improper installation, or mismatched components can result in performance issues.
Misaligned Shifting Under Load
One of the most reported problems with the CS-4700 cassette is inconsistent or sluggish shifting, especially under pedaling force.
Causes:
- Derailleur misalignment
- Cable friction or incorrect cable tension
- Chain wear or poor chain compatibility
Solutions:
Begin by checking rear derailleur hanger alignment with a derailleur alignment gauge. Misalignment often leads to the derailleur pulling the chain off-center during shifts. Next, inspect and adjust cable tension—too loose and the chain lags, too tight and it overshoots. Finally, inspect the chain for stretch; using a chain checker tool will reveal whether replacement is necessary.
Skipping Gears on Specific Sprockets
Riders sometimes report the chain skipping or failing to engage properly on certain gears, particularly when shifting to higher resistance cogs.
Causes:
- Worn individual sprockets
- Chain and cassette wear mismatch
- Incomplete cassette engagement on the freehub body
Solutions:
Evaluate sprocket wear visually—shark-tooth profiles or polished surfaces indicate degradation. If the chain is relatively new but skips on an older cassette, replace the cassette. Always install the CS-4700 with proper torque and ensure full engagement of the lockring and cassette stack onto the freehub. Partial seating can lead to poor alignment and gear engagement.
Loud Drivetrain Noise or Rattling
Unusual noises while pedaling, especially when under power or in low gears, often originate from cassette setup or wear.
Causes:
- Loose lockring
- Dirty or dry cassette splines
- Chain incompatibility or wear
Solutions:
Use a cassette lockring tool [paid link] to check that the lockring is torqued to Shimano’s specification (typically 40Nm). If still noisy, remove the cassette and clean both cassette splines and the freehub body thoroughly. Lightly grease the splines before reinstallation. Pairing the CS-4700 with incompatible or excessively worn chains also increases noise—replace the chain if it has surpassed 0.75% wear.
Inconsistent Indexing Across the Gear Range
If shifting seems precise in some gears but inconsistent in others, the issue may stem from incorrect spacing or improper cable routing.
Causes:
- Incompatible derailleur or shifter
- Misrouted or contaminated cable housing
- Incomplete indexing adjustment
Solutions:
Confirm that your derailleur and shifters are both 10-speed Tiagra-level [paid link] components. Mismatched speed systems (e.g., 9-speed shifters) won’t align properly with the CS-4700 spacing. Inspect cables for smooth routing with minimal bends, and replace housing if it’s kinked or contaminated. Re-index the derailleur by adjusting the barrel adjuster, ensuring each shift lands squarely on the intended cog.
Premature Cassette Wear
A CS-4700 cassette that shows signs of wear within a few thousand kilometers may be suffering from environmental or maintenance-related factors.
Causes:
- Lack of regular cleaning
- Infrequent chain replacement
- Harsh riding conditions (mud, rain, grit)
Solutions:
Regularly clean the cassette using degreaser and a stiff brush, especially after riding in wet or dirty conditions. Replace the chain every 2,000–3,000 kilometers depending on use. Neglecting chain maintenance allows it to elongate, placing undue stress on the cassette and accelerating sprocket wear.
Cassette Installation Misalignment
Improper installation is another overlooked cause of performance issues.
Causes:
- Incorrect sprocket stacking order
- Lockring installed without torque calibration
- Failure to seat cassette fully on freehub
Solutions:
Always follow Shimano’s assembly instructions, ensuring sprockets are placed in the correct order and orientation. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the lockring to spec, and confirm that all spacers (if required) are installed for non-standard freehub bodies. A loose or misaligned cassette can lead to wobbling, imprecise shifting, and drivetrain noise.
Conclusion
The Shimano CS-4700 cassette offers dependable performance for a range of cycling disciplines, but like all drivetrain components, it requires proper setup and regular maintenance. From misaligned shifting and gear skipping to premature wear and noisy operation, most problems stem from either installation errors or neglect.
By addressing each issue systematically and maintaining your cassette with attention to detail, you can extend its lifespan and enjoy smooth, efficient gear changes on every ride.
FAQs About the CS-4700 Cassette
1. What is the ideal chain for the Shimano CS-4700 cassette?
Use a Shimano 10-speed chain, preferably from the Tiagra or higher series, to ensure precise shifting and compatibility.
2. Can I use a CS-4700 cassette with an 11-speed derailleur?
No, Shimano 11-speed derailleurs have different pull ratios and spacing, making them incompatible with the CS-4700’s 10-speed design.
3. How often should I replace my CS-4700 cassette?
With proper maintenance and regular chain replacements, the CS-4700 can last 10,000+ kilometers. Replace it if you notice consistent skipping or worn sprockets.
4. Why is my new CS-4700 cassette skipping with a used chain?
Cassettes and chains wear together. A new cassette with a worn chain will not mesh correctly, causing skipping. Always replace both if one is significantly worn.
5. Is it normal for the cassette to make noise while freewheeling?
Yes, light clicking is normal due to the hub’s ratchet mechanism. However, grinding or scraping sounds indicate dirt or misalignment and should be addressed.
6. Can I upgrade from a different 10-speed cassette to CS-4700 without other changes?
Generally, yes, as long as your derailleur and shifters are 10-speed compatible. Always check for gear range compatibility with your derailleur’s capacity.