Shimano 5700 Levers

doyler78
doyler78 Posts: 1,951
edited March 2012 in Road buying advice
My left hand Shimano 5600 lever has given up the ghost and I was looking around for a silver left hand one to replace it with however I couldn't find one. Anyway whilst searching I've discovered that the new Shimano 105 - 5700 levers are adjustable for reach and having small hands and using shims at the min this sounds great so now thinking of just upgrading the levers.

First question will it work with my front and rear derailleurs, and brakes calipers - one is the long reach brakes on the front and normal 105 on the back?

I take it also that the reach adjustment works as it's supposed ie it offers sufficient adjustment for even the smallest hands. Even with shims my hands just about reach the brakes but it's not as comfortable as I'd like.

Comments

  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,321
    There shouldn't be any problem, certainly not with the brakes and the FD. As for the RD, unless they have changed the geometry, again no issues... worst for worst, if they do have changed the geometry and the pull ratio, you'll have to buy a new rear derailleur, which won't break the bank, but I think it'll be fine with the one you've got
    left the forum March 2023
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    The reach adjustment provided with st-5700 levers is via two sets of shims which provide different levels of reach adjustment depending on which set you use.

    Officially the 5700 levers are fully backwards compatible with earlier 10/9 speed shimano rear mechs.
    Shimano advertise b-level compatibility (meaning will work, but not as smooth) with earlier 10spd from mechs (i.e fd-5600, 6600, 7800) however I am currently using 5700 levers with otherwise 6600 drive train without issues whatsoever. Shifting is smooth and without noticeable difference in performance from the st-6600 which it replaced.

    My brakes are br-650 (which are ultegra level long reach) brakes and these work fine.
    If you are using shimano long reach brakes, then I assume that you are on br-r650 or br-r450, and these will work fine.
  • doyler78
    doyler78 Posts: 1,951
    Great stuff guys. They are the Shimano Long Reach brakes so that's good new.

    So they still use shims so may not provide much of a difference in that respect. Oh well neater cable routing too.

Categories