Are Oval Chainrings Beneficial? Pros and Cons - Hardtail Party
Вставка
- Опубліковано 20 кві 2020
- This episode was a request form my patrons. What is an oval chaingring? Why do they exist? What are the pros and cons? Today we take a deep dive into oval chainrings. Did you learn something valuable? If so, show your appreciation and support this channel by becoming a patron today: / hardtailparty
Here's a link to the oval chainring I use: bit.ly/3IecUXO
Show your love for hardtails by sporting some Hardtail Party Swag (hats, shirts, hoodies, etc.): shop.spreadshirt.com/hardtail...
My glasses: bit.ly/3aXBeKp
My tire sealant: bit.ly/2ULJirZ
My pedals: amzn.to/2V9DzuK
My dropper: bit.ly/3dXWq4D
My stem: bit.ly/2xUreD2
My wheels: bit.ly/33G0Wjm
What's in my water bottles: bit.ly/2Xbxy3q
Hardtail Party Shirts, Swag, etc: shop.spreadshirt.com/hardtail...
Support the channel and save some money by shopping using these links. Feel free to share these with your friends, but please do not post these discounts anywhere else, or we will all lose these discount codes.
bit.ly/2WbHycF - 20% off at Club Ride using my code "hardtailparty"
bit.ly/2UwrmQq - Ryan Leech Connection: $19 off - coupon code "hardtailparty"
bit.ly/2U8OyFE - Velocirax racks - 5% off using coupon code: "hardtailparty"
bit.ly/3adSvyv - CushCore - 15% off using code: "HTCushparty"
Amazon: amazon.com/shop/hardtailparty
Note: some of my links are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission on purchases made using these links. You don't pay anything extra, but it helps support the channel. If you've learned something from my videos, consider using the affiliate links above. - Спорт
Finally someone explain ovals perfectly. Thank you!
Agreed, this is very well explained
Right?
Articles and videos on the Internet regarding oval chainrings
are a dime a dozen, yet somehow nobody has ever explained the biomechanics of how it works like you. Thank you.
Absolute black have extensive tested oval rings and have material on their web site.
That was the simplest, most straight forward way I have heard oval chain rings explained. I always thought they were a bit of a gimmick but the mechanics actually make sense now.
Thanks. Easy explanations are the hardest type to make.
My oval chain ring helps me a lot for technical climbing, because it smooths out the power and prevents the tire from loosening traction.
Got an oval a couple weeks ago. I really enjoy the feeling. Your analogies of how it feels were spot on.
Another great vid! I just switched to oval on my hardtail and full-sup and I notice a difference for sure. Keep up the good work.
I must say, that was an excellent oval chain ring tutorial ! Great job, definitely informative
great vid! you covered every question I had on the oval ring..your basic approach and demonstration really covered it completely.
Thanks for the video, after watching plenty of videos this is the one that sold me on the Oval chainring.
This is the best most concise explanation out of any website I've read or video I've watched
Started using oval back in 2010, never looked back.
Thank you, just the kind of demonstration i was looking for.
Running a 34 oval on my hard tail. Probably one of the best upgrades I’ve done other than Rev Grips. With my 11-36 cassette I get around the hills of SoCal just fine.
MrJamesLuz love my revgrips!
Just got a 15$ oval chainring 34 tooth from JG bike on amazon this week only been riding a few days, love it so far. Put it on my 26er lol its now a 1x8 with a 9speed chain.
Same here,been using in my old school freeride bike to go everywhere😁
Best video I’ve seen on this topic. Thanks!
You are killing it with these in depth details about Geo and components like this 👍🏼 super helpful cus I'm looking at getting a new bike in the future.
Best explained workings of oval I have found! Nice job! I use one and really like how on tech climbs I get endless traction from being able to spin smoothly.
Great video Steve 🤟. I'm so used to running AB ovals that when I get on a bike with a round ring, it feels weird and I feel the "push, push" stroke instead of the smoother more consistent oval stroke. Definitely notice the difference. 34t oval on the Enduro bike and 30t oval on the fatty, both with 12-speed, 50t cassettes
Excellent Oval description and review Steve, you took the bike nerd out of it and got down to the practical application! (i have run ovals on all my bikes now for two yrs and i just like that 30-34 ratio on climbing, not sure i notice much diff anywhere else)
Dave - Good concise explanation of how an oval chainring works. About 5 years ago I went from a 2x10 setup to a 1x10 setup with a 30t Absolute Black oval chainring . Noticeable improvement on climbs as the oval chainring applies the torque more evenly to the rear end it improved traction on loose rocky climbs & made long grinds up easier for me too. That same oval chainring is on it's third hardtail now (with 11 speed cassette) while riding 3 - 4 times a week year round in all climates. The Absolute Black oval chainring is a quality must have product for me.
This is a bit of a repetition from the other comments, but, seriously, this made so much sense. Might get one of my own soon! Thanks!
Got one on my and my gf's MTBs. Mindblowing stuff! ❤️
Been running an AB oval for 3 years now. It's traveled from bike to bike with me. I can tell the difference and I think I'll always use one now. It makes a great pair with my Catalyst Pedals.
I rode with an oval a couple of years back and i did notice a difference tho i wasn't as educated then (as i am now) to have kept riding with one. Should've followed my instincts instead of bad advice coz i helped reduce my knee pain a whole lot. Great job 🍻 💯🔥
Yep. I had an absolute black oval on a ghetto 1x10 I used to own. I found it made enough of a difference that I felt good about the upgrade. When I bought my new bike I waited until I wore out the round Eagle ring and ordered the Absolute Oval. It's worth the difference in cost and I agree that you should wait and wear out your round ring first.
The finest elucidation on the signed I've come across to date.
Thank u for the greatest yet simplest definition of an oval chain ring!.
Really good explanation. Great video, keep up the good work.
Great explanation! I really appreciate you sharing your expertise. I've run a Wolf Tooth oval on my bikes and really like it.
Really good explication dude, greetings from Chile!
Im running a 32 tooth on my Commencal...Just tried it out and its pretty cool from what i observed. This is the best explanation i've seen though............ appreciate it!!!
Midwest MTB is your round chain ring a 30t ?
I'm a spinner, and I was weirded out for one ride by my oval chain ring. Five minutes into my second ride, I had stopped noticing any inconsistencies in the pedal stroke. I do love it in the tech. It took me a while to get used to it and trust it, but I'm much less likely to stall-out on a steep, sharp climb at the weak point of the pedal stroke, and that's always appreciated when you are 5.9 feet up a 6-foot rock slab.
Amazing explanation and examples! Great thanx!
Good explanation i am a big heavy guy that likes to push hevier gears and i found that oval chainring really helpful with maintaining traction on climes. It is like a variable transmission where in my power stroke increases resistance and i dont spin out and then it makes it easier to spin through the flat part of the stroke.
I would definitely recommend giving it a try. They are pricey but you can ask to borrow one from a friend or see if your local bike shop would have a sample to try out before committing.
Well done sir! Thanks for this vid! Super helpful.
Dang, that might be the best explanation of Oval chain rings I have ever seen. There are fancier videos on UA-cam that try to tackle this topic, but this guy nailed it with simplicity.
Information > fancy looking videos.
Best argument for the oval chainrings I've encountered on youtube. I've switched, on my hardtail Scott Scale, from a 32 SRAM GX to a 34 Garbaruk. Completely different bike... a better one. Uphil it's a bit smoother and I don't feel like my ratios have decreased (although, arithmetically they did). While for nice flats, I can have better speed!
Installed a 30T Absolute Black oval chainring on my Roscoe8. The next day we did a heap of steep climbs. What a difference! Been riding around with it for a few weeks now. Really happy with this upgrade. Cheers!
Glad it made a difference!
Excellent explanation
Great explaination of the benefits.of oval. Like when spun chainring showing variation in tooth size and power bands. Nice work. Never used oval, but might now.
great explanation !!
One of the best upgrades I've made going oval, I've been running it for two years now and would not go back to standard!
Thanks for the educational vid. I've got a 34 round and there's a 30 oval in my mail box . Cassette is 11-46 if I would have seen this video before purchasing, I would have gone with a 32. That bike was perfect for Florida trails, but on longer steep climbs in mountainous regions, it needed a smaller front, or a 50 tooth rear
this is just perfect!
I put an oval Rotor ring on my single speed hardtail back in 2015 and haven’t gone back to a round chainring since then. Felt a little weird first half hour into my ride, but, soon forgot about it. Helps when climbing for sure.
I went down 2 teeth and oval! Loving it - now using the full range of the block and have a super easy gear for the steep ups
This is my biggest issue l am having. On our hardest climbs I pretty much now only go down to 1st gear (1by12 (30,10/50) for the worst part of the hardest climb. I want to try and run the shifter in say 4th,5th,6th rather than 1st,2nd,3rd so was going to go to 28t oval. Most saying say same or go bigger (32t). What advice would the majority give? Si.
I have bikes with and without oval chainrings and while I agree they aren't 'necessary', I have found that it definitely makes my pedal stroke feel smoother. I prefer ovals because they feel better to me. Great video!
Thats a very very clear explanation. 👍
Years ago I had a Bridgestone Rb-1 road bike that had oval chain rings . It was a nice used race bike that the lbs in Evanston,Il raced with there team . It was a nice bike that I kept for years . Upgraded the wheels and drivetrain.
excellent lesson Steve, after the pandemic is over I have a lot of parties in the mountains to attend, lol
I run an oval chain ring and I feel a significant difference. I don't have any knee pain anymore which I had with the normal round chainring. I believe that is because I can fulfill a smoother pedal stroke and cadence with the oval ring. I mostly notice it on steep climbs. There I can put the power down more constantly which results in more traction because of the more constant torque my wheel puts to the ground. My recommendation is to try one if you can because I think it's one of the upgrades that can better your riding experience and also your riding performance.
Very well explained thank you.
I love my Absolute Black oval ring. I honestly feel so much better spinning and climbing now.
Great explanation, thank you.
Great explanation
I felt the difference the moment I started pedaling with an oval. When I got a new bike I immediately ordered an oval for it.
Awesome Video
Informative, thank you! I just saw the Ad on Facebook so I had to check it out. I will give it a miss for now. :)
Currently on 30t round, just got a 32t oval just to try.
Got it for just $3 because of discounts!
Dude, great breakdown as to what is actaully happening when you pedal oval chainrings. I had maybe an idea of what was going on. I actually did have what I think shimano called their "Biopace" oval chainring on one of my very first POS mtbs. I can't even remember back that far what they were like hahaha
I have been using an oval chainring for a year now, I find it much easier to pedal compared to round ones...I can feel the big difference between them. I highly recommend oval than round.
Yup, I tried to run a 32t AB oval on my Trek Fuel (uses 32t round) and it rubbed. Swapped to a 30t oval and it’s still really close but fits. I hope 30t oval isn’t too small. I try it when it stops raining😁
I am always looking to improve pedal efficiency . My bike is an extra large frame at 20.5 . I am in between on height between large and extra large on my bike which is a budget hardatil so I feel a bit stretched out riding so I moved my saddle forward on my budget dropper . My pedal efficiency climbing was a noticeable improvement and hard to believe just getting my legs into a better position for pedaling . It also affected the seat angle pushing the nose of the saddle down which is helpful for climbing . Of course that kind of pushes you forward to the bars pedaling on the flats and no affect going downhill because I am out of the saddle . I do like the concept of the oval ring and if I do want to upgrade I want to try out an oval ring and a higher engagement hub . I will stay with flat pedals . Very informative Steve . I think the key is not easier but more efficient for me and what I am looking for . you would think they are one in the same but for me they are different
very good explanation bro
This was a great video. I’m in the market to switch to one. I just got a new wheelset including cassette. Going to wait a little while but getting an absolute black 30-32T and sram copper chain to go with it. Switching from 30T round.
superb explanation. thx
Great video man! I was really wondering if they would be worth it in the future. If I do get one I will most likely wait until the price goes down for sure.
Oval chain rings are 20-30 dollars more expensive than normal chain rings, price won't go lower than that.
I commuted on a biopace ringset for a while. I don't know how much it could have helped me but I liked it.
Perfect video. I just broke my chainring and am looking at a new oval one.
That the bad thing about 1 X's. No back-up gear.
Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty.
If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel via Patreon. For as little as $5/month you can ensure I continue making unbiased content. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews.
A few more additions to the discussion:
1) most aftermarket oval chainrings won't work with Shimano 12 speed drivetrains, unless you swap the chain. I've heard that running a sram masterlink on a shimano chain will work, but I can't confirm. Absolute black has a separate oval chainring for shimano 12 speed chains. (HG+)
2) Sram derailleurs seem to be fine with the micro movements, but judging from the comments below, be careful with shimano. It seems a few people have toasted their shimano derailleurs from running an oval chainring. Absolute black shares my thoughts that rear suspension does more to the clutch than an oval chainring.
3) At super high cadence (high RPMs), circular rings feel better to me. Sitting and spinning feels smoother on a circular ring. On lower cadence, when you're really working and cranking up a tough section, the oval rings are my preference.
Agree with this. I have an oval ring on my XC bike and I’m more of a ‘grinder’ than a ‘spinner’ so it really works for me.’ Another well done video.
@@boneheadmck Ditto! (and i have one on my trail bike too!)
Defo, slow winches I'm so glad for my snaggletooth.
I never really paid attention to ovals. But with what you are saying, they would match my riding style. I am not a spinner and love to stand and use hipdrive to power up climbs.
does it affect wheelying ability?
Yep, switched over to the oval 30T on my trail bike. Absolutely blown away but at the same time it doesn’t feel much different. I guess the stroke feels a lot smoother but not radically different enough to make me dislike the feel.
The other week I threw on a 28 tooth oval chain ring replacing my 28 tooth round chain ring to see if the hype was real. Believe the hype. It definitely makes the crank rotation feels smoother (no more smash and pause). I found myself getting over obstacles that I’ve never been able to clear.
Just ridden first oval chainring for three days straight and so far good. No noticeable change in the feeling during pedalling on the fire road, which I think is a good thing. But once I hit rocky climbs I can hammer those pedals, while having smooth feeling in the legs and far less slipping on the rear tyre. I think I'm going to keep it for a while, probably forever :) Not a game changer but definitely HUGELY nice thing to have.
Excellent! Thx
I got a cheap 32T oval off of amazon and I dig it. As far as the basic feel is concerned, I didn't notice a massive difference while pedalling. I'm a beginner biker though. One other thing that I think it's worth mentioning is the angle of the chain to the highest/lowest gears.
Cool video, always wondered what the buzz on oval rings was about. I’ve never tried one, want to check it out.
Nice explication ! Thx bud :)
well said
content wise
2thumbs up
I’m upgrading my hardtail from a 2x10 SLX/Deore mix to full 11-speed XT with a Sunrace 11-46T cassette and 32T oval chainring. I’ll do a dropper later.
Just because I want to be different not like everyone else. I running 2x10 xtr on my hardtail. and xt full suspension. To me I fine it better range.
I tried one on a collegues bike once and just sprinting down a road once i thought it was obvious how much they shortened the turnover phase and allowed me to push more. It's clear that they won't make any difference to the speed you can push on regular road for long periods of time but especially when you need as much power as you can physically get for a short uphill segment, i am sure they work very well indeed. The only problem is that my frame probably won't accept an oval ring in the same size as i run right now.
immediate difference felt when i switched from round to AB oval. our chunky rocky rooty northeast trails are much easier to keep pedaling through. i get a much better last pedal stroke for going over logs and step up type things. only time i feel it being slightly weird is in the parking lot or on roads between trails.
I ordered a 30t AbsoluteBlack to replace my 30t SRAM chainring on my hardtail, now waiting for it. Sometimes when there are many climbs, I tend to get sore knees after a ride, so my hopes are high in smoother pedalling!
Next time I need to change a chainring I'll give an oval a try, sounds like an advantage for hill climbing.
Love my MRP oval. Also "narrow wide" chainrings should be mentioned.
I haven’t ridden in like 20 years till a ride last year on my 20 year old stump jumper XC and it was brutal. Been wanting to get back into it though so will only get a new bike if I can get back into it to justify the costs.
Found your channel when researching hard tails and love your stuff man. Wish me luck on getting back into it. I live in San Diego so kind of hilly and rocky but not too bad, will probably look at a trail bike when that time comes. Would also be great to try the oval ring.
Good luck. Despite the bike shortage, it's an amazing time to get back into mtb
They remind me of the old Bio-pace chainrings of the early 90's. My first Mtn bike, a Schwinn High Sierra, had them.
You can go to Absolute Black website and see videos about Biopace and the new generation oval rings. It's quite interesting.
Absolute convert here, smooths out torque and lessens tire breakaway on steep climbs also reduces that saddle bounce you can get when pedaling hardtails! Maybe slightly harder on the legs (better workout?) because there's no let up!..
Thanks (again) for your video, very useful, as usual.
I'm running a cheap chinese oval 32 narrow-wide chainring (around 10$ on aliexpress) on my "test bike". It's basically a versatile bike (Zealous Division MkI) on which I put new stuff to test. Either chinese dirt cheap stuff to 2nd hand top notch fork (it's the same bike I put first the 501&520 shimano 4 pots brakes we talked the other day)
Anyway, even if it's a cheap one, I really like the feeling of riding with it, I seriously consider to buy a proper 34 one, even at 70$. Actually, I feel that I've got a lot more traction with it, because of the more "linear" power I can put to the rear wheel. Very useful to climb technical stuff. I also feel less tired on long ride (>3h)
My 1980 diamondback arrival had a sprocket called biopace.. We'll still does. 😊
I love oval chain rings. I’ve got one bad knee (from an old skiing injury) and the oval seems to allow me to maximize force on the strong part of my stroke without irritating my knee as much. I’ve used one for about ten years without any problem.
I have an oval on my Rocky Mountain Altitude and on my Giant Trance 29 I still have the stock round. Once it’s worn I will put an oval on it. I don’t “specifically” feel it but where I do notice it is when climbing. It definitely makes a difference.
on my 2018/7 hardtail, I have a 3X8 system with a 48t max chainring that I use on trails (bc the chain gets stuck between chainrings when shift the front derailleur), After this video I am thinking about going 1X 12 using a a $20 38t oval chainring with a $100 9-50t 12speed cassete. I did some gearing calculations and it looks like the 1X12 setup will obviously give me a better climbing while better for speeds up to 50km/h at 90rpm! I really hope this will allow me to keep up with my dad on his E-bike.
That was a very good explanation as to how they work I've been a little confused about it myself plus I didn't think I had enough room that Clarence thing I have the same issue a 32 tooth barely fits on my bike I would probably have to go down a size I think to 30 tooth if they even make that
I love oval chain rings personally. I have them on my Mtb, Road and TT bikes.
I have time trial setup road bike, previously it has 42t/52t circular chainrings, then couple of days ago, I replaced those with 1x 58t oval chainring, during the pedal stroke, I felt like my acceleration over my power output was so efficient compared with smaller round chainring like 52t.
On the subject of derailleur clutch wear, my xt 11 spd gs cage clutch started chirping in about 2 months of riding and had increased chain slap. Whole drivetrain was new including absolut black oval chainring in February. Just removed it and went back to a straight 34t. No more chirping! It was driving me crazy. Other than that, the oval really helped low cadence standing climbs and sprints.
You could have just serviced the clutch if that was the issue
Pretty happy with Wolftooth CAMO with separate spider and ring (it replaced my worn out Cannondale SpideRing round 30T). The stainless oval 30T is hardly showing any wear so far since mid last season (?) Using with 10-42 so far, hoping to go 10-46 or 10-50 at next cassette replacement
Cool! Now I get it. I have two old hard tail Treks. 70 bucks? Not too much an issue. I'm used to buying spendy motor cycle parts.
I borrow a friend bike and I don't know it has oval chain ring and i feels so good at climbing.
After i test it out he told me it got oval ring. I'm excited to try it out.
Love ovals I have them on my road bike as well