Shimano FC-5700 Crankset Compatibility Secrets: What Works, What Fails, and What to Avoid

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The Shimano FC-5700 [paid link] Crankset is a solid and reliable option for road cyclists looking to enhance their bike’s drivetrain. However, achieving optimal performance depends on ensuring that the FC-5700 [paid link] is compatible with your other components, such as the bottom bracket, chainrings, and shifters. In this guide, we will explore the compatibility aspects of the Shimano FC-5700 [paid link] Crankset, highlighting what works, what might cause issues, and what to avoid during installation and use.

Understanding the Shimano FC-5700 Crankset

Before delving into compatibility, it’s essential to know the key specifications of the Shimano FC-5700 Crankset. This model is part of Shimano’s 105 series and features a 10-speed drivetrain, designed to offer a balance of performance and durability for road cyclists. It is made for riders who want a reliable, mid-range crankset without breaking the bank. The FC-5700 is available in multiple chainring configurations, with 50/34T and 52/36T being the most common.

Key Features:

  • Crankset Material: Aluminum
  • Chainring Options: 50/34T, 52/36T
  • Drivetrain Compatibility: 10-speed systems
  • Bottom Bracket Compatibility: Shimano Hollowtech II

Understanding these details is crucial for selecting compatible components that will work seamlessly with the FC-5700 Crankset.

Bottom Bracket Compatibility: Shimano Hollowtech II

The Shimano FC-5700 Crankset uses the Shimano Hollowtech II system, a popular choice due to its strong and efficient power transfer. This crankset requires a compatible bottom bracket that also supports the Hollowtech II design.

What Works:

  • Shimano Hollowtech II Bottom Bracket: The best and most reliable option, providing a secure, smooth fit with the FC-5700.
  • Other Hollowtech II-Compatible Bottom Brackets: Any bottom bracket designed to fit the Hollowtech II system will work perfectly. These typically include Shimano’s own range, such as the SM-BB5700 [paid link] or SM-BB9000 [paid link].

What to Avoid:

  • Non-Hollowtech II Bottom Brackets: Avoid using bottom brackets from other systems (e.g., those designed for square taper or ISIS drive). These will not fit properly with the FC-5700 and could result in issues like increased wear or poor power transfer.

Using a bottom bracket that is not designed for the Hollowtech II system could also lead to instability or damage to the crankset, leading to a costly replacement.

Chain Compatibility: Shimano 10-Speed

As a 10-speed crankset, the Shimano FC-5700 is optimized for use with 10-speed chains. Using the wrong type of chain will affect performance and shifting efficiency.

What Works:

  • Shimano 10-Speed Chains: Chains from the Shimano 10-speed range, such as the HG-74, HG-93, or HG-53, work flawlessly with the FC-5700 Crankset. These chains are designed to fit Shimano’s 10-speed cassettes and provide smooth, precise shifting.
  • Other 10-Speed Chains: Any high-quality 10-speed chain from brands like KMC or SRAM should also work well with the Shimano FC-5700. Make sure the chain is designed specifically for 10-speed systems to avoid skipping and poor performance.

What to Avoid:

  • 11-Speed Chains: While 11-speed chains are narrower and designed for more gears, they will not work well with the FC-5700. They may cause shifting issues or even fail to engage properly with the chainrings and cassette.
  • Older 9-Speed Chains: Although they may physically fit, 9-speed chains are not designed for the tighter tolerances of a 10-speed system. This mismatch can result in poor shifting and even chain wear.

Shifter Compatibility: Shimano 10-Speed

The FC-5700 Crankset is designed to work with Shimano’s 10-speed road shifters, and using other components that don’t align with this standard can create problems.

What Works:

  • Shimano 105 10-Speed Shifters (ST-5700 [paid link]): The FC-5700 Crankset pairs perfectly with Shimano’s 10-speed 105 shifters. The ergonomics and shifting precision of the ST-5700 [paid link] work in tandem with the crankset for smooth gear transitions.
  • Other Shimano 10-Speed Shifters: Other Shimano 10-speed road shifters, such as the Ultegra 6700, also offer excellent compatibility with the FC-5700, ensuring a precise and reliable shift.

What to Avoid:

  • Shimano 11-Speed Shifters: Using an 11-speed shifter with a 10-speed crankset can cause mismatched shifts, resulting in poor performance and potentially damaging your drivetrain.
  • Non-Shimano Shifters: Shifters from brands other than Shimano, such as SRAM, might not offer full compatibility. Even though some SRAM shifters are cross-compatible with Shimano, they may not shift as smoothly with the FC-5700 Crankset.

Chainring Customization: What to Consider

While the Shimano FC-5700 comes with standard chainring options of 50/34T or 52/36T, riders looking for more customization can explore swapping chainrings for different gear ratios. However, it’s essential to ensure the new chainring is compatible with the crankset design.

What Works:

  • Shimano FC-5700-Compatible Chainrings: Shimano offers replacement chainrings designed for the FC-5700 Crankset, such as the 50T and 34T options. These chainrings fit seamlessly and maintain optimal performance.
  • Other 10-Speed Chainrings: Chainrings designed for Shimano’s 10-speed road cranksets, including those from K-Edge or Wolf Tooth, are often compatible with the FC-5700, allowing for some level [paid link] of customization.

What to Avoid:

  • Non-10-Speed Chainrings: Using chainrings that are designed for 9-speed or 11-speed systems can result in poor shifting performance and cause excessive wear on the drivetrain.
  • Incorrect Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD): The FC-5700 uses a 110mm BCD, so it’s critical to choose chainrings with the same BCD to ensure a proper fit. Chainrings with different BCDs will not fit the crankset.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

When considering compatibility with the Shimano FC-5700 Crankset, it’s important to ensure that the rest of your drivetrain components, such as the cassette, derailleur, and chain, are also compatible.

What Works:

  • Shimano 10-Speed Cassettes: Cassettes designed for Shimano’s 10-speed systems, such as the CS-5700 [paid link], CS-5800 [paid link], or CS-6700 [paid link], work perfectly with the FC-5700. These cassettes offer smooth and precise shifting, maintaining the efficiency of your drivetrain.
  • Shimano 10-Speed Rear Derailleurs: Rear derailleurs, like the Shimano 105 RD-5700 [paid link], are designed to work in harmony with the FC-5700 Crankset and 10-speed cassettes. These derailleurs ensure smooth gear changes without skipping.

What to Avoid:

  • Non-10-Speed Cassettes or Derailleurs: Using components from a 9-speed or 11-speed system can lead to shifting issues, poor chain engagement, and damage to your drivetrain. It’s best to stick to Shimano 10-speed components when working with the FC-5700.
  • Mixing Different Brands: While Shimano 10-speed components are highly compatible with one another, mixing components from different brands, such as using a SRAM derailleur with a Shimano crankset, can result in misalignment and poor performance.

Conclusion

The Shimano FC-5700 Crankset offers a solid performance for road cyclists, but ensuring proper compatibility with your other drivetrain components is key to getting the most out of your bike. Stick to Shimano’s 10-speed bottom brackets, chains, and shifters for the best results. Customizing the chainring configuration is possible, but care must be taken to maintain correct BCD measurements. By following these compatibility guidelines, you can avoid common mistakes that may hinder your riding experience and ensure long-lasting, efficient performance from your Shimano FC-5700 Crankset.