Shimano FC-4700 Crankset Compatibility Secrets: What Works, What Fails, and What to Avoid

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The Shimano FC-4700 [paid link] Crankset is a popular choice among road cyclists, offering reliable performance and durability. When selecting components for your bike, it is crucial to understand the compatibility between the Shimano FC-4700 [paid link] and other drivetrain components. Compatibility can affect everything from shifting performance to overall drivetrain efficiency. In this guide, we will explore the Shimano FC-4700 [paid link] Crankset’s compatibility with various other parts, highlighting what works seamlessly, what may cause issues, and what to avoid for optimal performance.

Understanding the Shimano FC-4700 Crankset

The Shimano FC-4700 is designed for Shimano’s 10-speed Tiagra road groupset. It features a 4-arm design and utilizes Shimano’s HollowTech II technology, offering a lightweight yet stiff structure. The crankset is compatible with a 10-speed Shimano drivetrain and uses a 110mm BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter). It supports both double and triple chainring setups, making it versatile for a wide range of cycling needs.

Shimano FC-4700 Crankset and Bottom Brackets Compatibility

One of the most critical factors in ensuring the proper functionality of your Shimano FC-4700 Crankset is compatibility with the bottom bracket. The FC-4700 uses Shimano’s HollowTech II system, which features an external bottom bracket system. It is essential to select a bottom bracket that is designed to work with this system.

  • Compatible Bottom Brackets:
    The Shimano SM-BB4600 and SM-BB4700 bottom brackets are ideal for the FC-4700 crankset, as they are designed to work with HollowTech II cranksets. These bottom brackets fit seamlessly into both Shimano frames and many other compatible bike frames.
  • Avoid:
    It is important to avoid using bottom brackets designed for non-HollowTech II cranks, as they won’t provide the necessary fit and performance. Be sure to check your bike frame’s specifications to ensure compatibility with the Shimano external bottom bracket.

Chainring Compatibility for the Shimano FC-4700

The Shimano FC-4700 crankset comes with the option for double or triple chainrings. Compatibility with your chainrings depends on your choice of drivetrain and chainring configuration.

  • Double Chainring Setup:
    The FC-4700 typically comes with 34/50T chainrings. These chainrings are compatible with Shimano’s 10-speed road drivetrains, particularly the Tiagra series. They provide an excellent range for road cycling without overextending your gearing choices.
  • Triple Chainring Setup:
    If you opt for a triple chainring setup, you can replace the default 34/50T combination with a 30/39/50T chainring set. However, when using a triple configuration, ensure the front derailleur is also compatible with the triple setup. A Tiagra front derailleur will work well with this configuration.
  • Avoid:
    Avoid using chainrings designed for 11-speed drivetrains or for other Shimano groupsets like Ultegra or 105. These may not align properly with the FC-4700’s specific bolt circle diameter (BCD), potentially causing shifting problems or misalignment. Always confirm the BCD and speed compatibility before replacing chainrings.

Shifter and Derailleur Compatibility

When choosing shifters and derailleurs, it is vital to ensure they are compatible with your FC-4700 Crankset to guarantee smooth shifting and optimal performance. The FC-4700 works best with Shimano’s 10-speed Tiagra shifters and derailleurs, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.

  • Compatible Shifters and Derailleurs:
    The Shimano Tiagra 4700 10-speed shifters, combined with the Tiagra 4700 front and rear derailleurs, are fully compatible with the FC-4700 crankset. These components are designed to work together for seamless shifting, allowing you to experience the full performance potential of your drivetrain.
  • Avoid:
    Using 11-speed shifters or derailleurs with the FC-4700 crankset is not recommended. The increased number of gears may cause improper indexing, preventing smooth shifting. Additionally, using components from different series (e.g., 105 or Ultegra) may lead to compatibility issues that negatively affect shifting quality.

Chain Compatibility with the Shimano FC-4700 Crankset

To ensure your Shimano FC-4700 crankset operates at peak performance, pairing it with the right chain is critical. The 10-speed Shimano Tiagra chain works seamlessly with the FC-4700 crankset, providing smooth and consistent power transfer.

  • Compatible Chains:
    Shimano’s 10-speed Tiagra chain (CN-4700) is specifically designed to work with the FC-4700 crankset. It provides optimal compatibility and efficient power transfer between the crankset and cassette.
  • Avoid:
    Avoid using 9-speed or 11-speed chains with the FC-4700, as they will not mesh properly with the 10-speed chainrings. These chains will cause poor shifting performance, chain drop, or even premature wear on the drivetrain components.

Front Derailleur Compatibility

The FC-4700 is optimized for use with a front derailleur designed for 10-speed Tiagra systems. The front derailleur ensures smooth and precise shifting between chainrings, making it an essential component for a well-functioning drivetrain.

  • Compatible Front Derailleurs:
    Shimano’s Tiagra FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur is the best choice for use with the FC-4700 crankset. It is engineered to work perfectly with the 34/50T chainring setup and provides optimal shifting performance.
  • Avoid:
    Avoid using front derailleurs designed for 11-speed setups or those designed for other Shimano groupsets, such as 105 or Ultegra. These may not properly align with the FC-4700’s chainrings and could result in poor shifting or even damage to the drivetrain.

Brake Compatibility

While brake compatibility does not directly affect the Shimano FC-4700 crankset, it is essential to ensure that your braking system is compatible with your bike frame and the drivetrain as a whole. Most road bikes using the FC-4700 crankset are equipped with either rim brakes or disc brakes, both of which can function independently of the drivetrain.

  • Rim Brakes:
    Rim brakes are compatible with most road bike frames and won’t interfere with the operation of the Shimano FC-4700 crankset.
  • Disc Brakes:
    If your bike is equipped with disc brakes, ensure that the rotor size and hub compatibility are suitable for your bike frame. Disc brakes do not directly impact the crankset but can affect overall bike handling and component choices.

Conclusion

The Shimano FC-4700 Crankset is a high-quality, durable option for cyclists looking for reliable performance in a 10-speed road setup. To ensure compatibility, it is essential to pair the crankset with the correct bottom bracket, chainrings, shifters, derailleurs, and chain. By selecting the appropriate components and avoiding mismatches with other groupsets or incompatible parts, cyclists can enjoy smooth shifting and efficient power transfer throughout their ride. Always verify compatibility before making any upgrades or replacements to keep your Shimano FC-4700 crankset functioning at its best.