Hey cycling enthusiasts! Today, let's dive deep into the world of the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters. If you're looking to upgrade your road bike or just curious about what makes these shifters tick, you're in the right place. We’ll explore everything from their design and features to performance and maintenance, giving you a comprehensive understanding of why they might be the perfect fit for your ride.

Unboxing the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 Shifters

First impressions matter, right? When you get your hands on the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters, you'll immediately notice their sleek and ergonomic design. These shifters are part of the Tiagra 4700 groupset, which Shimano designed to bring trickle-down technology from their higher-end groupsets like Ultegra and Dura-Ace to a more affordable price point. The ST-4700 shifters are no exception, offering a refined aesthetic that complements any road bike. The build quality is solid, and they feel robust in your hands, promising durability and longevity. Shimano has paid close attention to the lever shape, ensuring a comfortable grip for various hand sizes.

The finish is clean and professional, with a matte black body and polished levers that give them a premium look. Inside the box, you'll find the shifters themselves, along with the necessary cables and housing for installation. If you're a DIY kind of person, you'll appreciate that Shimano includes detailed instructions, making the setup process relatively straightforward. The shifters are designed to work seamlessly with other components in the Tiagra 4700 groupset, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. One of the standout features is the internal cable routing, which not only enhances the bike's appearance but also protects the cables from the elements, reducing maintenance and prolonging their lifespan. The shifters also feature reach adjustment, allowing you to customize the lever position to suit your hand size and riding style. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to the sport, the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters offer a blend of performance, aesthetics, and value that's hard to beat.

Key Features and Technologies

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters stand out. These shifters incorporate several key features and technologies that enhance their performance and user experience. One of the most notable is Shimano's Super SLR (Shimano Linear Response) technology. This design optimizes the brake lever ratio to provide more responsive and powerful braking. What does this mean for you? It means you can brake with less effort, giving you better control and confidence, especially on fast descents or in wet conditions. The ergonomic design of the levers is another significant feature. Shimano has carefully shaped the levers to fit comfortably in your hands, reducing fatigue and improving control during long rides. The lever hoods are made from a soft, textured material that provides a secure grip, even when your hands are sweaty.

Another key technology is the internal cable routing. This not only cleans up the look of your bike but also protects the cables from dirt, debris, and moisture, which can degrade performance over time. By routing the cables internally, Shimano ensures that they stay cleaner and smoother for longer, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. The reach adjustment feature is also worth highlighting. This allows you to adjust the distance between the lever and the handlebar, making it easier to reach the levers, especially if you have smaller hands. This adjustability ensures a comfortable and confident grip for a wide range of riders. The shifting mechanism is smooth and precise, thanks to Shimano's advanced engineering. The shifters provide crisp, reliable shifts, whether you're moving up or down the cassette. The indexing is accurate, and the shifters provide tactile feedback, so you know exactly when you've made a shift. All these features combine to make the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters a top choice for riders who want performance, comfort, and reliability without breaking the bank.

Performance and Ride Quality

Alright, let’s talk about how the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters actually perform on the road. The bottom line is, these shifters offer a fantastic riding experience, blending smooth shifting with reliable braking. When you're climbing a steep hill, the shifters respond quickly and efficiently, allowing you to shift gears without losing momentum. The shifting action is light and precise, making it easy to find the right gear, even under load. Downshifting is equally smooth, allowing you to accelerate quickly when you need to. The Super SLR brake levers provide excellent stopping power, giving you the confidence to tackle any descent. The braking is progressive and easy to modulate, so you can control your speed without locking up the wheels. The ergonomic design of the levers makes them comfortable to use, even on long descents where you're constantly on the brakes.

One of the standout features of the ST-4700 shifters is their reliability. They consistently deliver smooth and accurate shifts, even in challenging conditions. Whether you're riding in the rain, on rough roads, or through mud, these shifters perform flawlessly. The internal cable routing helps to keep the cables clean and protected, which further enhances their reliability. The reach adjustment feature ensures that you can find the perfect lever position, regardless of your hand size. This is particularly important for riders with smaller hands, who may struggle to reach the levers on some other shifters. Overall, the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters offer a high level of performance and ride quality. They provide smooth shifting, reliable braking, and comfortable ergonomics, making them a great choice for a wide range of riders. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to the sport, you'll appreciate the performance and value that these shifters offer.

Installation and Compatibility

So, you've got your new Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters – now what? Installing them is a fairly straightforward process, especially if you're familiar with bike maintenance. If you're not, don't worry; Shimano provides detailed instructions that walk you through each step. You'll need a few basic tools, including a set of Allen wrenches, cable cutters, and a screwdriver. Before you start, make sure to disconnect the old shifters and remove the cables. Next, slide the new shifters onto the handlebars and tighten the clamp bolts to the recommended torque. Then, route the new cables through the housing and connect them to the derailleurs. Finally, adjust the cable tension and fine-tune the shifting to ensure smooth and accurate performance.

The Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters are designed to be compatible with the rest of the Tiagra 4700 groupset. This includes the front and rear derailleurs, cassette, and chain. While they can be used with some components from other Shimano groupsets, it's generally best to stick with the Tiagra 4700 series to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. The shifters are designed to work with Shimano's 10-speed road bike drivetrains. They are not compatible with 11-speed or 9-speed systems. One important thing to keep in mind is the cable routing. The ST-4700 shifters use internal cable routing, which means the cables run inside the frame. This requires a frame that is designed for internal cable routing. If your frame doesn't have this feature, you'll need to use external cable routing, which may require different shifters. Overall, the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters are relatively easy to install, and they offer excellent compatibility with the rest of the Tiagra 4700 groupset. With a little bit of patience and the right tools, you can upgrade your bike and enjoy smoother shifting and more reliable braking.

Maintenance and Care

Keeping your Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters in top condition is crucial for maintaining their performance and extending their lifespan. Regular maintenance is simple and doesn't require a lot of time or specialized tools. The most important thing you can do is keep the shifters clean. Dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate over time, affecting the shifting performance. Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe down the shifters regularly, especially after riding in wet or dirty conditions. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as these can damage the finish and internal components. Lubricating the shifters is also important. Use a light lubricant, such as a Teflon-based spray, to keep the moving parts working smoothly. Apply the lubricant sparingly and wipe off any excess. Be sure to lubricate the pivot points on the levers and the cable entry points. Check the cables regularly for wear and tear. Frayed or damaged cables can affect shifting performance and may even break, leaving you stranded. Replace the cables as needed to ensure smooth and reliable shifting.

The internal cable routing of the ST-4700 shifters helps to protect the cables from the elements, but it's still important to inspect them periodically. Remove the cables from the housing and check for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you notice any problems, replace the cables and housing as a set. The lever hoods are another area that requires attention. Over time, they can become worn or damaged, especially if you ride frequently or in harsh conditions. Replace the lever hoods as needed to maintain a comfortable and secure grip. Finally, it's a good idea to have your shifters professionally serviced at least once a year. A qualified bike mechanic can inspect the internal components, clean and lubricate them, and make any necessary adjustments. This will help to keep your shifters working smoothly and reliably for years to come. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters in top condition and enjoy many miles of trouble-free riding.

Pros and Cons

Before you make a decision, let's break down the pros and cons of the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters. This will give you a balanced view and help you determine if they're the right choice for your needs.

Pros:

• Smooth and Precise Shifting: The ST-4700 shifters offer smooth and reliable shifting, making it easy to find the right gear in any situation.
• Reliable Braking: The Super SLR brake levers provide excellent stopping power, giving you confidence and control on descents.
• Ergonomic Design: The levers are designed to fit comfortably in your hands, reducing fatigue and improving control.
• Internal Cable Routing: This protects the cables from dirt and debris, reducing maintenance and prolonging their lifespan.
• Reach Adjustment: This allows you to customize the lever position to suit your hand size.
• Affordable Price: The Tiagra ST-4700 shifters offer excellent value for money, making them a great choice for budget-conscious riders.

Cons:

• 10-Speed Only: The ST-4700 shifters are only compatible with 10-speed drivetrains, which may be a limitation for some riders.
• Not as Lightweight as Higher-End Models: While the ST-4700 shifters are durable, they are not as lightweight as Shimano's higher-end models.
• Plastic Construction in Some Areas: Some of the components are made from plastic, which may not be as durable as metal in the long run.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters? Overall, these shifters are an excellent choice for riders who want a blend of performance, reliability, and value. They offer smooth shifting, reliable braking, and comfortable ergonomics, making them a great upgrade for any road bike. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of Shimano's higher-end models, they provide a solid riding experience at an affordable price point. If you're looking to upgrade your shifters without breaking the bank, the Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 shifters are definitely worth considering. They're easy to install, simple to maintain, and offer a noticeable improvement in shifting and braking performance. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to the sport, you'll appreciate the quality and value that these shifters offer. So go ahead, give them a try, and experience the difference for yourself!