The Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur, part of the 105 10-speed groupset, is a precise component that relies heavily on accurate installation and adjustment. When it isn’t set up correctly, riders often experience chain rub, poor shifting, or misalignment that reduces efficiency. Understanding the common mistakes and knowing how to fix them is essential to achieving smooth and reliable front shifting.
Initial Set-Up Considerations
Correct installation starts with ensuring the derailleur is mounted at the proper height and angle relative to the chainrings. The outer cage plate should clear the tallest chainring by 1–3 millimeters. If the derailleur sits too high, the shift will feel sluggish and imprecise. If it sits too low, the cage can contact the chainring teeth, leading to noise and accelerated wear. Alignment is equally important: the derailleur cage must run parallel to the chainrings to guide the chain cleanly. Even a slight misalignment will create rubbing on either side during gear changes.
Cable Tension Issues
Cable tension is one of the most common causes of poor performance in the FD-5700 [paid link]. Insufficient tension prevents the derailleur from moving the chain up to the large ring, while excessive tension causes overshifting and chain drop. Riders should ensure that the cable housing is cut cleanly and seated correctly in the stops. After clamping the cable, fine adjustments are made using the barrel adjuster. A correctly tensioned cable allows the derailleur to move decisively without hesitation or overshoot.
Limit Screw Adjustment
The FD-5700 [paid link] uses two limit screws to control the inner and outer movement of the derailleur. Incorrect adjustment is a frequent reason the setup feels wrong. If the low-limit screw is too tight, the chain won’t move onto the small chainring easily. If it is too loose, the chain risks dropping inside onto the bottom bracket. Similarly, the high-limit screw must be dialed in so that the derailleur moves far enough to shift cleanly to the big ring, but not so far that the chain overshoots. Properly set limit screws keep the drivetrain running quietly and securely.
Chainline and Bottom Bracket Factors
The FD-5700 is designed for a specific chainline, usually achieved with the correct bottom bracket and crankset combination. Using incompatible parts or incorrect spacers can shift the chainline, causing persistent rub and poor shifting even when the derailleur itself is adjusted correctly. Riders upgrading from older cranks or mixing components should check compatibility to avoid misalignment that cannot be corrected with adjustment alone.
Common Rider Mistakes
Several recurring errors lead to a derailleur that never feels quite right. Mounting the derailleur without aligning the cage properly is one of the most frequent. Over-tightening the mounting bolt can also distort the clamp area, creating a misalignment under load. Another common mistake is skipping cable pre-stretching. Without stretching, cables settle after a few rides, leaving the derailleur under-tensioned and shifting poorly.
Fine-Tuning the FD-5700
After addressing the main set-up points, small refinements can transform shifting quality. Riders should check shifting across the full cassette while using both chainrings. The FD-5700 features a trim function on many Shimano STI levers, which reduces chain rub in cross-chain gears. Learning to use trim effectively is essential, especially when riding in the middle of the cassette. If rub persists despite trim, the front derailleur alignment should be re-checked.
When Set-Up Still Feels Wrong
If adjustments are made carefully and issues remain, wear in other drivetrain parts may be the underlying cause. A stretched chain, worn chainrings, or a bent derailleur hanger can all mimic the symptoms of incorrect derailleur set-up. In these cases, no amount of fine-tuning will fully resolve the problem until the worn or damaged components are replaced.
Conclusion
The Shimano FD-5700 front derailleur delivers crisp shifting when installed and adjusted with precision. Most issues arise from mounting errors, poor cable tension, or limit screw misadjustment. Correcting these fundamentals ensures reliable performance and prevents frustration on the road. Riders who take the time to set up the FD-5700 properly will enjoy consistent shifting across all chainring combinations and extend the lifespan of their drivetrain.