Shimano 10 and 11 speed interchangeability

[Tcc]

Hi
Can anyone advise me whether a shimano 11 speed chainset would work ok with all other shimano 10 speed drive chain components ( chain, cassette and rear mech )?

I am having problems with a bike and just find out that my chainset is probably 11 speed.
Thanks
Tim

[Brucey]

I think it ought to work OK but if there were to be a problem of any kind I'd expect that when running cross-chained (i.e. small-small, which you should never do anyway) then the (slightly wider) chain might snag on the big chainring.

If you post exact details of your setup and what symptoms you have I'm sure someone will be able to help.

cheers

[Gattonero]

What problem are you having? Chain "skating" in between the rings when shifting? Chain thrown off inside/outside the rings?
The chainset is easy to spot if is a Shimano: the 11sp are 5800 (105 class), 6800 (Ultegra class) or 9000 (Dura Ace class), or if is Mtb is an XT M980? The code is usually at the pedal end of the crank arms.

[Tcc]

Thanks
The chainset is a Shimano FC-RS500
The other parts are Tiagra 10 speed
The problem I've had is with indexing the gears across all 10 sprockets - get it working well on the smaller cogs and then it won't move up to the 2 largest
I have checked the chain win a measure and it doesn't need changing yet

Any suggestions gratefully received. I did wonder about just trying a new chain

Tim

[The utility cyclist]

Personally I've interchanged between 11 speed chain/cassette/derailleurs/shifters and a 10 speed chainset and indeed vice versa. I've also had 11 speed set up using a 70s Stronglight chainset (as well as 10 speed and 8 speed previously)

The need to clear the big ring when in small small and for some this occurs in certain situations the solution was not the rings themselves for some manufacturers as SRAM say that their rings are a tiny bit further apart on their cranks.

FSA state that due to the light action of the 11spd FD they don't recommend 10 speed rings wih 11 speed group, that however is a forward compatibility issue that you aren't having (IMO) but you might want to set up your front derailleur again anyhow in case the spacing on the Shimano 11 spd c/set is slightly different.

[cycleruk]

Thanks
The chainset is a Shimano FC-RS500
The other parts are Tiagra 10 speed
The problem I've had is with indexing the gears across all 10 sprockets - get it working well on the smaller cogs and then it won't move up to the 2 largest
I have checked the chain win a measure and it doesn't need changing yet
Any suggestions gratefully received. I did wonder about just trying a new chain
Tim

Is everything 10 speed Tiagra?
That is STI and rear mech' .
I wouldn't expect the chainset style to effect the cassette performance.
Can you get the other sprockets if you move the mech' and/or pull on the cable by hand?
Are the stops set correctly?
Check the derailleur alignment and inner cable condition.

[Tcc]

Yep all tiagra 10 speed apart from chainset.
Yes I can get the 2 lower gears by pulling the cable.

[Gattonero]

Thanks
The chainset is a Shimano FC-RS500
The other parts are Tiagra 10 speed
The problem I've had is with indexing the gears across all 10 sprockets - get it working well on the smaller cogs and then it won't move up to the 2 largest
I have checked the chain win a measure and it doesn't need changing yet

Any suggestions gratefully received. I did wonder about just trying a new chain

Tim

I don't think your main problem is related to the chainset.
Try to push the RD by hand, and see if does engage the two sprockets you can't get. With the RD in that position, you may be able to see just with your eye how the RD cage is, you want it to be proper aligned vertical in respect to the wheel. Of course, you will need the right too to check the Rd alignment, but start with this simple steps. It may be a simple matter of limit screws adjustment.

[cycleruk]

Yep all tiagra 10 speed apart from chainset.
Yes I can get the 2 lower gears by pulling the cable.

The reason I asked is because 10 speed Tiagra is different to other 10 speed groupsets.
So if you had, say a 105 10 speed rear mech', then it wouldn't match.

Initially then, has the cable slipped through the mech' clamp?
Move the STI to it's No'1 position (smallest sprocket) and pull the inner cable to make sure.
If there is too much slack then it may well need re-clamping and adjusting.

Can you get all 10 positions (9 clicks) on the STI ?

P.S. Check the cable routing and that the outer cable is seating in its ferrules & guides.

[Brucey]

...If you post exact details of your setup....

....Yep all tiagra 10 speed apart from chainset....

that would be 'inexact details'....?

....The reason I asked is because 10 speed Tiagra is different to other 10 speed groupsets. So if you had, say a 105 10 speed rear mech', then it wouldn't match......

yup, I suspect that there is an issue of this sort too.

Specifically I think it is very likely that you have Tiagra 4600 shifters and a Tiagra 4700 rear mech. Both are 'ten speed tiagra' but these groupsets are entirely incompatible with one another; this combination would definitely give a system that wouldn't allow you to access more than about eight of the gears (and those with dreadful indexing); the shifter doesn't pull enough cable for that mech.

Please report exact details of your setup, i.e. model numbers of all parts.

BTW you are not the only one to have made this mistake (if that is what has happened); there are several internet vendors (who are normally good at this sort of thing)who presently advertise RD-4700 as 'compatible with shimano ten speed systems' which is a half-truth at best.

cheers