The Shimano CS-5700 [paid link] cassette, part of the trusted 105 series, is well-known for delivering reliable performance and value to road cyclists. However, as components wear or as riders seek smoother shifting or a wider gear range, many consider upgrading their cassette. Upgrading the CS-5700 [paid link] involves more than simply swapping cogs—it demands a thorough understanding of compatibility, drivetrain integrity, and intended performance gains.
This guide offers an expert breakdown of how and when to upgrade your CS-5700 [paid link] cassette, what components are compatible, and what to consider to ensure seamless function with your current drivetrain.
Understanding the CS-5700 Cassette
The CS-5700 is a 10-speed cassette compatible with Shimano’s road drivetrains. It uses Hyperglide (HG) technology for smoother gear transitions and is commonly paired with mid-tier groupsets like the Shimano 105 5700 series. The cassette was available in various gearing options, such as 11-25T, 11-28T, and 12-27T, offering a balance between climbing gears and high-speed capabilities.
It mounts on a standard Shimano 10-speed freehub body and integrates best with Shimano 10-speed chains and derailleurs.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your CS-5700 Cassette?
You might consider upgrading if:
- Your cassette shows signs of wear, such as chain skipping or poor shifting.
- You want a wider gear range for climbing or sprinting.
- You’re upgrading other drivetrain components and want to match gearing.
- You need lighter components for performance enhancement.
However, upgrading must account for more than gearing preference; derailleur capacity, shifter compatibility, and freehub design all influence your choices.
Compatible Upgrade Options for the CS-5700
Upgrading Within Shimano’s 10-Speed Ecosystem
The safest upgrade path is staying within the 10-speed system. Options include:
- Shimano Ultegra CS-6700 [paid link]: Offers better materials and slightly reduced weight. It’s a direct fit replacement.
- Shimano Dura-Ace CS-7900 [paid link]: High-performance, lightweight, and fully compatible. It is more expensive but offers marginal gains in shifting quality.
These cassettes fit seamlessly with your existing 105 5700 derailleur, chain, and shifters.
Moving to an 11-Speed Cassette
Upgrading to an 11-speed cassette like the CS-5800 [paid link] (Shimano 105 5800) requires significant changes:
- Freehub Body: 11-speed cassettes need an 11-speed compatible freehub. Some 10-speed wheels support this upgrade with a spacer; others do not.
- Shifters and Derailleurs: You must switch to 11-speed shifters and derailleurs to maintain accurate indexing.
- Chain: A narrower 11-speed chain is also required.
This is a drivetrain overhaul rather than a simple upgrade, but it provides more gear choices and future compatibility with newer components.
Best Practices for a Successful Cassette Upgrade
Check Derailleur Capacity
Before selecting a cassette with a wider range (e.g., 11-32T), verify that your rear derailleur can handle the increased capacity. The 105 5700 short cage (SS) rear derailleur officially supports up to a 28T cog, while the medium cage (GS) supports up to 30T or sometimes 32T with a B-screw adjustment.
Match Chain Compatibility
When upgrading, always pair your cassette with a chain rated for that speed system. Using a worn or mismatched chain leads to poor performance and accelerated wear.
Inspect the Freehub Body
Not all wheels designed for 10-speed cassettes will accept an 11-speed model. Carefully inspect the specifications for your hub. If your freehub is 11-speed compatible, adding a 1.85mm spacer allows use of 10-speed cassettes on it as well.
Risks of Incompatible Upgrades
Trying to install an incompatible cassette can result in:
- Chain misalignment leading to skipping under load.
- Overstretched derailleurs unable to handle larger sprockets.
- Imprecise shifting from mismatched shifters and cassette indexing.
- Potential drivetrain damage due to misfit components.
Always verify total system compatibility before making any changes.
Optimizing Performance Post-Upgrade
Once you upgrade:
- Tune your rear derailleur to fine-tune shifting performance.
- Recheck chain length to ensure optimal tension across the full gear range.
- Monitor wear patterns closely in the initial rides to detect any misalignment or unexpected stress.
These adjustments maximize the value of your upgrade and preserve drivetrain longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use an 11-speed cassette on my Shimano 105 5700 setup?
Not directly. It requires changing the freehub, shifters, derailleurs, and chain to 11-speed-compatible versions.
2. What’s the largest cog size my CS-5700 derailleur can handle?
The short cage (SS) typically supports up to 28T; the medium cage (GS) can handle 30T to 32T, depending on setup.
3. Is upgrading to a lighter cassette worth it?
If weight savings matter for performance or racing, lighter cassettes like the Dura-Ace CS-7900 [paid link] can offer marginal gains.
4. Will upgrading my cassette improve shifting?
Upgrading within the same speed system may slightly improve shifting, especially if the current cassette is worn. Major improvements usually come from replacing worn components or upgrading the shifters and derailleur.
5. Do I need to change the chain when I upgrade the cassette?
Yes. A new chain ensures proper engagement with the new cassette teeth and prevents premature wear.
6. Can I mix a SRAM or Campagnolo cassette with Shimano 105 5700?
Mixing brands is not recommended. Shimano’s cassette spacing is unique, and cross-brand setups can lead to poor shifting.
Conclusion
Upgrading your CS-5700 cassette can breathe new life into your drivetrain and tailor your gear range to match your riding style. Whether you’re moving to a more performance-oriented model within the 10-speed range or considering a complete overhaul to 11-speed, understanding compatibility is crucial. Done right, a cassette upgrade not only improves your bike’s responsiveness but also extends drivetrain life and rider satisfaction.