The Shimano BR-5700 [paid link] brakes, part of the 105 series, offer reliable stopping power and excellent modulation for road cyclists. These dual-pivot caliper brakes are known for their smooth performance and affordability, making them a popular choice for both amateur and experienced riders.
To ensure peak braking efficiency, proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up, fine-tuning, and maintaining your Shimano BR-5700 [paid link] brakes.
Tools Required
Before you start, gather the necessary tools:
- 5mm hex key [paid link]
- Torque wrench [paid link] (for precise adjustments)
- Cable cutters
- Phillips screwdriver
- Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning brake pads and rims)
- Fine sandpaper (for resurfacing worn pads)
- Grease (for pivot points)
Step-by-Step Installation of Shimano BR-5700 Brakes
1. Mounting the Brake Calipers
The Shimano BR-5700 [paid link] brakes attach to the frame or fork via a single center bolt.
- Position the Brake Caliper – Align the caliper with the mounting hole on the frame (rear) or fork (front).
- Insert and Tighten the Mounting Bolt – Use a 5mm hex key [paid link] to tighten the mounting bolt. Do not fully tighten yet, as some movement may be required for final adjustments.
- Align the Brake Arms – Ensure the caliper arms are centered over the rim.
2. Attaching and Tensioning the Brake Cable
- Thread the Brake Cable – Insert the cable through the barrel adjuster and clamp bolt.
- Pull the Cable Tight – Manually pull the brake cable while squeezing the caliper arms against the rim.
- Secure the Cable – Use a 5mm hex key [paid link] to tighten the clamp bolt.
- Fine-Tune with Barrel Adjuster – Use the barrel adjuster to achieve the desired brake lever feel.
Adjusting Shimano BR-5700 Brakes for Optimal Performance
1. Centering the Brake Caliper
If one brake pad is closer to the rim than the other, the caliper needs to be centered.
- Use a 5mm hex key to loosen the mounting bolt slightly.
- Manually align the brake arms so they are equidistant from the rim.
- Retighten the mounting bolt securely.
2. Setting Brake Pad Position and Toe-In
Correct brake pad alignment prevents brake squealing and uneven pad wear.
- Align the Brake Pads – The pads should contact the braking surface evenly, without touching the tire.
- Adjust for Toe-In – The front of the brake pad should make contact with the rim slightly before the rear to reduce noise.
- Secure the Pad Bolts – Once positioned correctly, tighten the brake pad bolts with a 5mm hex key.
3. Lever Reach and Modulation Adjustment
For a comfortable braking experience, you may need to adjust the brake lever reach:
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to fine-tune the reach adjustment screw on the brake levers.
- Ensure that the levers can be comfortably reached while maintaining firm control.
Maintaining Shimano BR-5700 Brakes for Long-Term Performance
Regular maintenance ensures that your brakes function efficiently and last longer.
1. Cleaning the Brake Pads and Rims
- Wipe the brake pads with a clean rag and rubbing alcohol to remove debris.
- Use fine sandpaper to resurface worn pads if braking power decreases.
- Clean the rims with rubbing alcohol to remove any oil or grime buildup.
2. Lubricating Brake Pivot Points
- Apply a small amount of grease to the pivot points of the brake caliper to maintain smooth movement.
- Avoid using excess lubricant, as this can attract dirt and reduce braking efficiency.
3. Inspecting Brake Cables and Housing
- Check for fraying or corrosion in the brake cables.
- If shifting feels sluggish, replace the brake cables and housing to restore responsiveness.
Troubleshooting Common Shimano BR-5700 Brake Issues
1. Weak Braking Power
- Ensure the brake pads are not excessively worn and replace them if necessary.
- Check for contamination on the brake pads and clean them if needed.
- Adjust the cable tension using the barrel adjuster.
2. Brake Squealing
- Verify that the brake pads have the correct toe-in alignment.
- Clean both the brake pads and rim braking surface to remove contaminants.
3. Sticking Brake Calipers
- Apply a small amount of grease to the pivot points to enhance movement.
- Ensure the mounting bolt is not overtightened, which can restrict caliper motion.
Customization and Performance Optimization for Shimano BR-5700 Brakes
To enhance braking performance, consider the following modifications:
- Upgrading to High-Performance Brake Pads – Swapping the stock pads for premium models like SwissStop or Kool-Stop improves modulation and stopping power.
- Using Compressionless Brake Housing – Higher-quality brake housing reduces cable friction and improves braking response.
- Switching to Lighter Brake Calipers – If weight savings are a priority, upgrading to Shimano Ultegra or Dura-Ace calipers can provide marginal performance gains.
Shimano BR-5700 Brakes vs. Other Models
The BR-5700 brakes are often compared to Shimano Ultegra BR-6700 [paid link] and Dura-Ace BR-7900 [paid link] models.
| Feature | Shimano BR-5700 | Shimano BR-6700 [paid link] | Shimano BR-7900 [paid link] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 350g (pair) | 317g (pair) | 293g (pair) |
| Modulation | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Stopping Power | Moderate | Strong | Very Strong |
| Price | Affordable | Mid-range | Expensive |
For most riders, the BR-5700 brakes offer excellent performance at a budget-friendly price, while Ultegra and Dura-Ace provide incremental gains in modulation and stopping power.
Final Thoughts
The Shimano BR-5700 brakes are a reliable choice for road cyclists seeking dependable braking performance without a premium price tag. By properly installing, adjusting, and maintaining your brakes, you can ensure optimal stopping power and safety on every ride.