baribari

The roads here are pretty extreme when it comes to climbs and descents, and I have way more gears than I ever use, so I figure going up and down one on both sides would be great.

Does anyone have experience with this setup?

The manual says that short-cage rear derailleurs need an two chain links added, but where do you get extra chain links?!?!

MegaTom

I find most of my bike parts at bike shops. But you may not need anymore links as that is not a very significant change, it depends on how short your current chain is to begin with.

urbanknight

Keep in mind that your bike might already be pushing the envelope on chainwrap as it is. My bike (2010 Specialized Allez Elite) came with 105 and a 50/34 12-27 combination, which is already 2 over Shimano's published max chainwrap. I did switch to an 11-28, but that actually required REMOVING 2 links in order to get enough tension to keep the pulley from touching the 28 cog. It still doesn't seem to strain the derailleur, but I avoid cross chaining anyway just to be safe.

giantdefy

according to shimano's website, the new 5700 should handle a 11-28 cassette.

Model Number RD-5700 Series 105 Cassette Compatibility 10-speed
Maximum Sprocket 28T
Minimum Sprocket 11T
Maximum Front Difference 16T
Total Capacity 33T
50/34 and 11-28 = 33T total capacity
53/39 and 11-28 = 31T total capacity

For the OP, the manual is referring to wrapping your existing chain on the large cog and large ring and bypassing the Rear Derailleur and adding 2 links to get the correct length chain. Try out your existing setup, it should be close.

urbanknight

My mistake. I wasn't paying attention to the 5700 part. It should in fact be fine, and probably no need to add any links.

baribari

Also, I have a compact crank if that matters.

alanknm

I've got the 5700 compact double with an 11-28. It should be interchangeable with 12-27 without any issue.

urbanknight

I think most of us were assuming that in the fist place, but it makes only a small difference in the total chainwrap. If you were switching from one to the other, that would have been different.

rschleicher

Yeah, Shimano improved the total capacity of the 105 derailleurs with the 5700 series, to make it equivalent to Ultegra. The rating for largest cog changed from 27 to 28, and the total capacity increased to allow 11-28 with a 34/50 compact crank. I think that part of this is that the "short cage" 5700 RD has become sort of a "mid-cage"....

I have heard that the old 5600 RD will support a 28 cog, even if Shimano's web site doesn't say so. But the total capacity issue would mean that one or two of the worst cross-chaining combos shouldn't be used (with 5600). I have a 12-27 cassette, and a 34/50 compact crank (5600), and in theory I need to not use the 50/27 combination. One of these days I'll have to try it anyway, just to see what happens! (Obviously adding a link or perhaps two would solve any issue with the 50/27 combination, but then I might run into problems at the other extreme - 34/12.)

baribari

Can you actually buy individual links for 10-speed changes?

Also, how do compacts with 11-28s perform?

And is the general consensus that I could put it on without having to adjust anything, including the chain?

urbanknight

I wouldn't do that if you think your chain might be too short for the big/big. I accidentally did that on an 8 speed setup that ran a wide range cassette and it tore the RD apart to the point that springs, arms, and pulleys were flying around me and all over the ground.



Not that I know of, but I usually keep the remaining links from a new chain after I put it on. If you can't find them anywhere and decide you really need them, give me your address and I'll toss a few links in an envelope.

They work great as long as the drivetrain is tuned properly. I sometimes miss the close range, but more often I enjoy the granny gear on the way up and the tall gear on the way down.

Yes. Just shift through all the gears on a work stand to make sure you're not straining the derailleur or letting the chain go slack.

baribari

I'm in Japan...lol

I just realized that 105 sprockets only cost $50 bucks here. lol.　　Ultegra cassettes are $78.

urbanknight

OK then you'll pay postage, but the offer still stands.

baribari

Thanks. I'll probably have to get a shop to install it anyway, so I don't think it'll be an issue.

I just found that 105 chains are $27...

urbanknight

Geez. If I ever take a trip to Japan, I'm stocking up!

Menel

That's not too unusual, they are 60 and 75 here in local stores in the states. Probably cheaper via internet.

Compact and 11-28 performs fine here, no issues.