The Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur, part of the 105 5700 groupset, is a reliable and widely used component. However, incorrect installation, adjustment, or maintenance can lead to poor shifting performance, premature wear, and even damage to the derailleur or chainrings. Riders often underestimate how sensitive the FD-5700 [paid link] is to small errors, and this is where problems begin. This guide covers the most common mistakes to avoid when working with your Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur and how to ensure optimal performance.
Incorrect Clamp Height and Angle
One of the most frequent mistakes is setting the derailleur cage at the wrong height above the large chainring. The FD-5700 requires a clearance of about 1–3 mm from the tallest tooth of the big ring. Too much gap reduces shifting precision, while too little may cause the cage to strike the chainring.
Additionally, the derailleur cage must be aligned perfectly parallel with the chainrings. Even a slight misalignment causes chain rub in multiple gears and sluggish upshifts. Riders often overlook this step, assuming the eye can judge alignment accurately. A careful adjustment using the chainring edge as a reference is essential.
Improper Cable Tension
Cable tension is critical for precise shifting. A common mistake is either under-tensioning or over-tensioning the cable during installation. Insufficient tension results in the derailleur failing to shift onto the large chainring, while excessive tension causes chain rub and premature wear of the cable anchor bolt.
The FD-5700 has a specific tension sweet spot, and adjustments should be made using the barrel adjuster on the downtube shifter or inline adjuster. Riders often tighten the cable too much during the initial clamp, leaving no room for fine-tuning. Always start with a snug but not overtightened cable and then dial in tension gradually.
Neglecting Limit Screw Settings
Incorrect limit screw adjustment is another major source of derailleur issues. The FD-5700 has two limit screws—one for the inner stop and one for the outer stop. If the inner limit screw is set too loose, the chain may drop into the bottom bracket shell. If it is too tight, the derailleur will not shift onto the small ring properly.
Similarly, setting the outer limit incorrectly can cause the chain to overshift and fall off the large chainring, or it can prevent the derailleur from reaching the big ring altogether. Riders often confuse these screws with tension adjustments, leading to endless frustration.
Cross-Chaining Without Awareness
While Shimano designed the FD-5700 to handle modern gear ranges, extreme chainlines still create problems. Shifting into the big chainring while riding on the largest cassette cog, or the small chainring with the smallest cog, leads to chain rub on the derailleur cage. Many riders misinterpret this as a set-up fault, when in fact it is an expected limitation of drivetrain design.
Continued riding in cross-chained gears accelerates wear on the derailleur cage and chain. Proper gear selection and an understanding of drivetrain limitations are essential to avoid unnecessary stress on the FD-5700.
Overlooking Cable Routing and Housing Condition
Another mistake lies in ignoring cable routing and housing quality. The FD-5700 requires smooth, low-friction cable movement to shift accurately. Kinks, dirt, or frayed cables add drag, which prevents the derailleur from returning smoothly to the small chainring.
Many home mechanics reuse old housing or fail to trim housing to the correct length, resulting in excess bends that slow cable movement. Fresh, well-lubricated cables with correctly cut housing ends are crucial for maintaining consistent shifting performance.
Failure to Maintain and Lubricate the Pivot Points
The FD-5700 front derailleur features multiple pivot points that must move freely. Riders often neglect lubrication, allowing dirt and moisture to build up. Over time, this creates stiff pivots that make the derailleur resistant to spring return.
Regular cleaning and applying a drop of light oil to each pivot helps the derailleur maintain crisp movement. Skipping this step can lead to sluggish shifting and eventually force replacement of the derailleur long before its natural service life ends.
Using Incompatible Chainrings or Cranksets
The FD-5700 was designed to work with Shimano 10-speed chainrings, and using incompatible components can cause serious shifting issues. Many riders attempt to pair the derailleur with non-Shimano or mismatched chainring sets, which often have different tooth profiles and spacing.
As a result, the derailleur may never shift correctly, regardless of how carefully it is adjusted. Sticking to the intended chainring size range—typically 50–53T outer rings and 34–39T inner rings—is essential for proper function. Mixing non-compatible drivetrains is one of the costliest mistakes because it often requires buying new parts to correct.
Overtightening the Clamp Bolt
Overtightening the derailleur clamp bolt can deform the frame’s braze-on tab or damage the derailleur body itself. Many riders mistakenly assume that tighter is always better, but this can compromise both the frame and component integrity.
Shimano specifies a torque value of 5–7 Nm for the FD-5700 clamp. Using a torque wrench [paid link] ensures secure installation without the risk of damage. Skipping this detail is a common mistake among home mechanics and often leads to expensive repairs.
Ignoring Chainline Compatibility
The FD-5700 works best with a chainline of 43.5 mm, matching Shimano 10-speed road cranksets. Installing it with an out-of-spec crank or bottom bracket can cause constant rub or prevent full shifts. Riders sometimes attempt to pair it with compact or non-standard drivetrains without considering chainline specifications.
Even if the derailleur is perfectly adjusted, a poor chainline forces it to work outside its intended range. This mistake reduces efficiency and shortens the lifespan of the component.
Conclusion
The Shimano FD-5700 front derailleur is a precise component that demands careful installation and maintenance. Avoiding mistakes such as incorrect clamp positioning, poor cable tension, neglected pivot lubrication, and incompatible drivetrain setups will save riders from frustrating shifting problems and costly replacements. With proper attention to detail, the FD-5700 can deliver years of reliable and accurate performance.