baribari

My 5700 (new) 105 left shifter works well but it takes a lot of force on the lever to upshift the front derailleur. Like, two or three times the force of the right derailleur.

So I can shift in the drops OK but when on the hoods it's kind of hard.

Downshifting works fine.

Any ideas? How many pounds of force is normal for 105, Ultegra, and Dura Ace left shifters?

WhyFi

Did you just install them? Make sure it's not a problem with the cable routing.

More effort on the FD (vs the RD) is normal, but it shouldn't be a struggle. I'll say this, though - 5600 shifters and 5600 FD was a noticeably more effort than 5700 shifters and a 6700 (Ultegra) FD. I don't know if that difference should be attributed to the generational improvements or to the higher-series FD... in any event, the combo is only slightly more effort than rear shifting (but with more travel, of course).

Grambo

Check the cable guide on the bottom of your bottom bracket to make sure it is not dirty or damaged. $2 part makes a huge difference.

baribari

They're not new, it's always been like this but I wanted to see if it was normal or not.

It's not a struggle, but I can't just flick the lever like the rear shifter... I have to use several pounds of force.

The 5700 has under-the-tape routing, which means it has slightly more friction in the cables than 5600.

WhyFi

Yes, I'm aware, but even so, the FD shifting is considerably improved on the newer generation, IME.

If you're still on the original cables, you may want to see if they're getting gummy and/or upgrade them to something like Yokozuna Reactions.

baribari

Not enough miles on the bike to be gummy already. So far maybe 120 or so...

I guess the levers really aren't that heavy as long as they're adjusted right.

dbh

Did you use the stock cables and housing that came with them? Prelubed cables make a world of difference on under the tape routed shifters.

fatslowbiker

the FD needs a lot of "help" when shifting because it's such a large jump. make sure that you are putting very little pressure on the pedals and shift very easily. I had some trouble with 105s until I kept this in mind.

baribari

I didn't build it.

donreb

I have the new 5700, and I like it very much. Mine takes more effort and a longer push to move from the smaller chain ring to the larger. I think it is normal.

Spookeay Bird

Same here 105's and a Ultegra triple. It takes some force to move it. Not brake it off force, but I would say 3 times the force of the rear shift pressure.

darb85

ok stupid question, but you are using the levers with 5700 deraileurs right?

baribari

Yes. 2010 CAAD9-5 that came with 5700.

Makel

It will loosen up in a few weeks. Your hand will get used to using the right amount of force, and you will also get used to feeling or hearing the click before you release the pressure on the lever.