The Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur is part of the 105 5700 groupset, designed to deliver reliable and precise shifting for road cyclists. However, if your derailleur feels sluggish, noisy, or inconsistent, the issue usually lies in its setup or wear rather than a design flaw. This guide explains why the Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur may feel off and how to correct it for smooth, accurate shifting.
Understanding the Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] Front Derailleur
The FD-5700 is a braze-on or clamp-style double front derailleur optimized for 10-speed drivetrains. It uses a wide-link design to improve stiffness and shifting response. Despite this, small errors in alignment, cable tension, or component compatibility can lead to poor performance. Recognizing the root causes of misalignment and poor shifting is essential before making adjustments.
Common Reasons the FD-5700 Feels Off
Several factors can cause the Shimano FD-5700 to perform below expectations. These include incorrect installation, poor cable routing, and general wear. Identifying these issues early ensures optimal drivetrain function.
- Cage Alignment Issues: If the derailleur cage is not parallel to the chainrings, shifting will feel rough, especially from the small to the large chainring.
- Cable Tension Problems: Low tension results in hesitant shifts, while excessive tension can push the chain too far, creating noise or overshifting.
- Limit Screw Misadjustment: Incorrectly set limit screws can restrict movement, prevent full shifts, or allow the chain to overshoot.
- Chainring Wear: Worn or mismatched chainrings can cause chain rub or hesitation, making the derailleur feel unresponsive.
- Dirty or Dry Mechanism: Lack of lubrication or accumulated grime within the pivots can cause stiffness in derailleur movement.
How to Instantly Improve Performance
Improving the performance of the Shimano FD-5700 requires precise adjustments and targeted maintenance. The following steps will restore smooth operation and eliminate most shifting issues.
Check and Correct Derailleur Positioning
The derailleur cage must sit at the correct height and angle. For the FD-5700, the outer cage plate should be 1–3 mm above the tallest chainring teeth. The cage must run perfectly parallel to the chainrings. Even a slight rotation can cause rubbing and poor shift quality. If the cage is misaligned, loosen the mounting bolt, reposition the derailleur, and retighten securely.
Set Cable Tension Properly
Cable tension is critical for crisp front shifting. Begin with the barrel adjuster fully turned in, then back it out slightly. Pull the cable taut while fastening it at the anchor bolt. Fine-tune tension using the adjuster: too loose will delay shifting to the large ring, while too tight may force the chain to overshift and rub on the outer cage plate.
Adjust the Limit Screws Accurately
The FD-5700 uses two limit screws marked “L” for the low gear (inner chainring) and “H” for the high gear (outer chainring). Proper adjustment prevents the chain from dropping off either side.
- Set the low limit screw so the cage sits close to the chain when on the small ring and largest rear cog.
- Adjust the high limit screw so the cage clears the chain on the large ring and smallest rear cog without overshooting.
Precise adjustment ensures smooth shifts and protects the drivetrain.
Inspect and Maintain the Mechanism
The FD-5700 operates through several pivot points that must move freely. Apply a light lubricant to these pivots while wiping away dirt and old grease. A sluggish derailleur is often the result of dried lubrication. Regular cleaning ensures smoother action and longer component life.
Check Chain and Chainring Compatibility
The Shimano FD-5700 is designed for 10-speed systems and works best with Shimano 105 5700 chainrings. Using incompatible chainrings or mixing components from different generations may cause shifting inconsistencies. If your chain is stretched or worn, replacement is necessary for smooth engagement.
When to Replace the FD-5700
If adjustments and lubrication fail to improve performance, the derailleur itself may be worn. Excessive play in the pivots or a bent cage can render the component unreliable. In such cases, replacement with another FD-5700 or a compatible Shimano 10-speed derailleur is the best option to restore performance.
Conclusion
The Shimano FD-5700 front derailleur is a capable and precise shifting component when set up correctly. If it feels off, the problem typically comes down to alignment, cable tension, or wear. By ensuring the derailleur is correctly positioned, adjusting cable tension, fine-tuning the limit screws, and maintaining clean pivots, riders can instantly improve shifting performance. For long-term reliability, keep the drivetrain clean, replace worn components, and ensure compatibility across the groupset.