The Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur is part of the 105 5700 groupset, designed for precise and reliable shifting performance on 10-speed drivetrains. Riders who own this component often wonder if an upgrade is possible, what options are available, and how to maintain compatibility with the rest of their drivetrain. Understanding the technical aspects of upgrading this front derailleur is essential to avoid poor shifting, premature wear, or costly mistakes.
Understanding the Shimano FD-5700 Front Derailleur
The FD-5700 [paid link] was released as part of Shimano’s 105 5700 series, offering trickle-down technology from Ultegra and Dura-Ace groupsets. It features a wide-link design for improved rigidity and more accurate shifting, as well as compatibility with 10-speed road drivetrains. This model is available in both braze-on and clamp-band versions, making it adaptable to a wide range of frame designs.
When considering an upgrade, it is critical to recognize that the FD-5700 [paid link] is optimized for 10-speed chainrings and specific cable pull ratios. Any replacement must match these technical specifications to deliver smooth shifting.
Compatibility Factors to Consider Before Upgrading
Upgrading a front derailleur is not as simple as swapping parts. Shimano front derailleurs are designed to work within specific drivetrain ecosystems. To determine if an upgrade is feasible, several compatibility factors must be checked:
Drivetrain Speed Matching
The FD-5700 is engineered for 10-speed systems. If the rest of your groupset is also 10-speed, you must replace it with another 10-speed front derailleur. Attempting to pair it with an 11-speed or 12-speed derailleur will cause issues due to different chain widths, cage shaping, and cable pull requirements.
Chainring Size and Capacity
The FD-5700 supports a maximum capacity of 16 teeth and is designed for compact (50/34T) and standard (53/39T) chainring combinations. Any upgrade must support the same range. Using an incompatible derailleur may cause chain rub or incomplete shifts between rings.
Cable Pull and Actuation Ratio
Shimano’s cable pull changes between generations. The FD-5700 uses the actuation ratio designed for 10-speed road shifters of its era. Upgrading to an 11-speed or newer derailleur will mismatch the pull ratio, leading to sluggish or overshifted gear changes.
Mounting Style
The FD-5700 comes in braze-on and clamp versions. An upgrade must match your bike’s frame design, or an adapter may be required. Choosing the wrong mount will prevent correct installation.
Upgrade Options for the FD-5700
If your current derailleur is worn or damaged, the most straightforward upgrade is a like-for-like replacement with another Shimano 105 FD-5700 front derailleur. This ensures full compatibility with your existing drivetrain. However, if you want to improve performance while keeping your 10-speed setup, you may consider the following alternatives:
- Shimano Ultegra FD-6700 [paid link]: This is the 10-speed Ultegra front derailleur, offering stiffer construction and slightly better shift performance. It is fully compatible with 10-speed Shimano road drivetrains and serves as a performance-oriented upgrade.
- Shimano Dura-Ace FD-7900 [paid link]: This high-end 10-speed derailleur offers the lightest weight and most precise shifting available for its generation. It is compatible with the FD-5700 drivetrain but comes at a higher cost.
- Shimano Tiagra FD-4600 [paid link]: This is a budget-friendly 10-speed alternative that will work with Shimano 105 shifters. While not as refined, it can serve as a reliable replacement.
Upgrading to 11-speed or newer derailleurs (such as FD-5800 [paid link], FD-7000, or FD-R8000 [paid link]) is not recommended unless you plan to overhaul the entire drivetrain to 11-speed, including shifters, chain, and crankset.
Best Practices When Upgrading the FD-5700
To ensure the best outcome when replacing or upgrading your Shimano FD-5700, several best practices should be followed:
- Always match derailleur speed to the drivetrain speed. Mixing 10-speed and 11-speed parts will compromise shifting performance.
- Verify the maximum chainring size and total capacity before installing an alternative derailleur.
- Use correct cable routing and tension settings as specified by Shimano. Even compatible derailleurs will shift poorly if adjusted incorrectly.
- Replace worn chains and chainrings when upgrading the derailleur. Old components can cause skipping or ghost shifts, even with a new derailleur.
- Stick with Shimano models for maximum compatibility. Mixing brands can lead to inconsistent cable pull ratios and shifting problems.
When a Full Drivetrain Upgrade Makes Sense
If you are considering a major performance upgrade beyond the FD-5700, moving to an 11-speed system such as Shimano 105 5800 or newer may be worthwhile. This requires new shifters, chain, cassette, crankset, and both derailleurs. Although more costly, this provides access to modern ergonomics, improved cable routing, and significantly smoother shifting.
For riders who prefer to maintain their 10-speed setup, however, replacing the FD-5700 with a compatible 10-speed model remains the best solution for reliable and cost-effective performance.
Conclusion
Upgrading the Shimano FD-5700 front derailleur is possible, but it requires careful attention to drivetrain compatibility. The best upgrade paths remain within Shimano’s 10-speed ecosystem, with Ultegra FD-6700 [paid link] and Dura-Ace FD-7900 [paid link] offering performance gains. Riders should avoid mixing 10-speed and 11-speed derailleurs unless they plan to upgrade the entire drivetrain. By following compatibility rules and installation best practices, you can keep your Shimano 105 5700 front derailleur system running smoothly for years to come.