Shimano’s CS-5800 [paid link] 105 11-speed cassette is renowned for its balance between performance and value, making it a top choice for many road cyclists. However, like any drivetrain component, it’s not immune to wear, misalignment, or installation issues. Understanding the specific problems associated with the CS-5800 [paid link]—and how to solve them—will not only enhance your riding experience but also extend the life of your cassette.
Skipping and Inconsistent Shifting Under Load
One of the most frequently reported issues with the CS-5800 [paid link] cassette is skipping during hard pedaling or shifting under load. This symptom typically results from one of two underlying causes: worn teeth or improper chain compatibility.
Worn cassette cogs will fail to engage the chain effectively, especially when pressure is applied. This wear is often localized on the most-used cogs—commonly the middle range. If your chain is also worn or elongated, it will exacerbate the issue. Always replace the chain before it surpasses 0.75% wear, and inspect the cassette closely for shark-tooth-shaped wear patterns. If wear is evident, the cassette must be replaced.
Chain compatibility is also critical. The CS-5800 is designed for Shimano 11-speed road systems. Mixing it with a non-Shimano chain or mismatched 11-speed components may lead to sub-optimal engagement. For best results, use a Shimano HG-X11 chain or an equivalent model confirmed for compatibility.
Misaligned or Loose Cassette Installation
A poorly mounted CS-5800 cassette can introduce noise, indexing problems, or sudden slippage. Installation issues often originate from failing to tighten the lockring to the manufacturer-specified torque or misplacing spacers when fitting the cassette onto a freehub.
The CS-5800 cassette requires a specific order of cogs and spacers, especially if mounted on a non-standard 11-speed Shimano freehub. If the lockring is not torqued to 40 Nm, micro-movements during riding can result in shifting inaccuracies or cog movement under power.
To solve this, disassemble and reassemble the cassette, carefully observing the correct cog order and verifying the torque with a calibrated torque wrench [paid link]. Ensure no debris or corrosion exists on the freehub body.
Chain Drop Between Cogs or Off the Cassette
Chain drop on the CS-5800 cassette can occur if the derailleur limit screws are not properly set or if the derailleur hanger is misaligned. This results in the chain overshooting the smallest or largest cog and potentially falling into the dropout or between the cassette and frame.
Use a derailleur alignment gauge to confirm hanger alignment before adjusting limit screws. For best performance, set the high and low limit screws so that the derailleur just reaches—but does not exceed—the outer cogs.
Additionally, check cable tension and housing condition. Inadequate tension or friction from dirty cables can cause the derailleur to hesitate, leading to incomplete or excessive shifts.
Rapid Cassette Wear
Accelerated wear of the CS-5800 cassette usually stems from poor drivetrain hygiene or prolonged use with an overly worn chain. While Shimano’s nickel-plated cogs offer decent wear resistance, they are not immune to contamination from dirt, road grime, or aggressive degreasers that strip away protective coatings.
Establish a regular maintenance schedule that includes thorough cleaning of the cassette with a soft brush and drivetrain-specific degreaser, followed by lubrication of the chain with a suitable wet or dry lube [paid link] based on riding conditions. Replace the chain every 2,000–3,000 km under normal use, and more frequently under wet or gritty conditions.
Noise During Pedaling
A ticking or grinding noise coming from the CS-5800 can be frustrating and hard to diagnose. While it may sound like a cassette issue, the noise is often due to poor cassette seating, loose lockrings, or incompatible chain angles from incorrect bottom bracket or crankset setup.
Start by ensuring the cassette lockring is torqued to spec. Inspect the cassette body and hub interface for signs of wear or fretting. Also check that the chainring size and rear cassette range are appropriate for your drivetrain to prevent misalignment that can generate noise under load.
Summary
Shimano’s CS-5800 11-speed cassette delivers reliable performance, but only when properly maintained and set up. Most issues—skipping, poor shifting, excessive wear, or noise—can be traced to common mistakes in installation, chain maintenance, or drivetrain compatibility. Addressing these concerns promptly not only improves ride quality but also prevents premature component failure.
FAQs
1. Why is my CS-5800 cassette skipping in certain gears?
Skipping is usually caused by either a worn cassette cog or a stretched chain. Replace both if wear is excessive.
2. How do I know if my CS-5800 cassette needs replacing?
Inspect the cog teeth. If they look hooked or pointy, it’s time to replace the cassette—especially if new chains skip on it.
3. Can I use the CS-5800 cassette with SRAM or Campagnolo chains?
While technically possible with some SRAM chains, it’s best to use Shimano’s HG-X11 chain to ensure optimal compatibility.
4. What’s the correct torque setting for the CS-5800 lockring?
Shimano specifies 40 Nm for the CS-5800 cassette lockring. Always use a torque wrench [paid link] for accuracy.
5. Why does my cassette make noise even after cleaning?
Noise can result from improper installation, loose lockrings, or misaligned derailleur settings—not just dirt or grime.
6. Can a worn chain damage the CS-5800 cassette?
Yes. Riding with a stretched chain causes uneven load distribution, which accelerates cog wear and leads to shifting problems.