The Shimano CS-4700 [paid link] cassette, part of the Tiagra 4700 groupset, delivers reliable 10-speed performance designed for both recreational and endurance road riders. Despite its mid-tier classification, it demands precise installation and adjustment to function smoothly. A poorly configured CS-4700 [paid link] cassette can result in sluggish shifting, chain skipping, or abnormal drivetrain noise. This guide identifies the root causes of improper setup and provides practical, technically detailed solutions to ensure optimal performance.
Common Signs Your CS-4700 Cassette Isn’t Set Up Correctly
One of the most overlooked indicators of a misconfigured CS-4700 [paid link] cassette is inconsistent shifting across the gears. If the cassette isn’t installed correctly or isn’t aligned with the derailleur indexing, shifting will feel delayed or imprecise. Riders often mistake this issue for derailleur misalignment or cable tension problems.
You may also notice excessive drivetrain noise, especially under load. In many cases, this stems from improper torque application during cassette installation or the omission of crucial components like spacers. These small details, if ignored, can cause poor chain engagement and increase wear on both cassette and chain.
Installation Inaccuracies That Lead to Setup Failures
The CS-4700 cassette, like all Shimano road cassettes, mounts onto a standard Shimano 10-speed compatible freehub body. However, a critical detail is the inclusion—or exclusion—of a 1.85mm spacer when installing the cassette on an 11-speed freehub. Neglecting this step will prevent proper cassette seating, which compromises shifting quality.
Additionally, improper torque on the cassette lockring can allow the cassette to shift slightly under load, throwing off the gear alignment. Shimano specifies a torque value of 40Nm for secure engagement; anything less invites micro-movement that leads to inconsistent performance.
Indexing Misalignment and Derailleur Compatibility Issues
Even if the cassette is installed correctly, poor derailleur indexing can mimic a bad cassette setup. The Tiagra 4700 groupset uses a unique cable pull ratio that is not backward-compatible with earlier 10-speed road shifters. Mixing shifters from 4600 or 105 5700 series with a CS-4700 cassette and Tiagra 4700 derailleur will cause index mismatches, making precise shifting impossible.
To ensure accurate indexing:
- Use only Tiagra 4700 shifters and derailleurs with the CS-4700 cassette.
- Verify the derailleur hanger is straight using a derailleur alignment gauge.
- Set the cable tension properly to align each click with a single gear shift.
Chain and Cassette Compatibility Errors
While it might seem minor, using a chain that is not matched to the 10-speed drivetrain specification can severely affect performance. A chain that is too wide will not settle correctly into the cog profiles of the CS-4700 cassette, resulting in noisy operation and increased wear.
Shimano recommends using a 10-speed specific chain such as the CN-4601 [paid link] or equivalent. Chains that are stretched or worn beyond 0.75% elongation should also be replaced before cassette damage occurs. Failing to match these specifications compromises not only shifting but also overall drivetrain longevity.
Spacer Placement on Different Freehub Bodies
The CS-4700 is compatible with standard 10-speed Shimano freehubs without additional spacers. However, on 11-speed road freehubs, you must insert a 1.85mm spacer before mounting the cassette. Skipping this step leads to lateral play in the cassette stack, resulting in vague or jumpy shifting.
This installation detail is especially critical for riders upgrading wheels or moving the cassette between wheelsets. Always confirm hub specifications and include the correct spacers to maintain optimal performance.
Final Setup Tips for Smooth Performance
Once physical installation is verified, fine-tuning is essential:
- Use a barrel adjuster to dial in indexing accuracy.
- Ensure B-tension screw is set to maintain proper chain gap from the largest cog.
- Confirm high and low limit screws prevent over-shifting.
These small adjustments, when executed precisely, ensure the CS-4700 performs at its best, with snappy, responsive gear changes across all cogs.
FAQs
1. Why does my CS-4700 cassette feel loose after installation?
This usually indicates that the lockring was not torqued to the required 40Nm or a spacer was omitted when mounting on an 11-speed freehub body.
2. Can I use a different 10-speed chain with the CS-4700 cassette?
Yes, but it must be a 10-speed specific chain. Using 9-speed or 11-speed chains will negatively impact shifting precision.
3. Why does shifting feel inconsistent between certain gears?
This could be due to indexing mismatch, incorrect cable tension, or a bent derailleur hanger. Ensure all components match the Tiagra 4700 spec for best results.
4. What happens if I skip the spacer on an 11-speed hub?
Without the 1.85mm spacer, the cassette will not sit flush, causing side-to-side movement and unreliable shifting.
5. How can I tell if the cassette is worn and not just misaligned?
Worn cogs often have shark-fin shaped teeth and cause skipping under load even when everything is correctly aligned. Compare cog profiles to a new cassette if unsure.
6. Is the CS-4700 compatible with older Tiagra derailleurs?
No. The Tiagra 4700 series uses a different actuation ratio, so shifters and derailleurs must all be from the 4700 series for compatibility.
Conclusion
The CS-4700 cassette is engineered for dependable performance but requires meticulous setup to deliver smooth, efficient shifting. Missteps like skipping the freehub spacer, mismatching components, or incorrect torque settings can lead to frustrating ride experiences. By following precise installation steps and ensuring component compatibility, you can enjoy the full potential of your Tiagra 4700 drivetrain.