Are Oval Chainrings Beneficial? Pros and Cons - Hardtail Party
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- 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.spreadshi...
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.spreadshi...
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. - กีฬา
Finally someone explain ovals perfectly. Thank you!
Agreed, this is very well explained
Right?
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.
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.
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.
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 switched to a 32t oval from a 30t round and honestly the oval feels no different at all. Put like 25 miles on it so far and feels the same and that’s a good bit of climbing. I might switch back to round just to see if I feel a difference.
I felt the biggest difference when I was in loose steep terrain. It smoothed out my pedal stroke and I was able to limit the times I lost traction.
Do you still use oval? Any updates to your opinion of it?
32t is different from 30t, try to use the same 30t oval chainring..
My oval chain ring helps me a lot for technical climbing, because it smooths out the power and prevents the tire from loosening traction.
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.
Started using oval back in 2010, never looked back.
I must say, that was an excellent oval chain ring tutorial ! Great job, definitely informative
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!
The most impressive part of this video is your uncanny ability to rhythmically count in reverse. Hahaha
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😁
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.
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.
What about a square chainring?
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?
Next time I need to change a chainring I'll give an oval a try, sounds like an advantage for hill climbing.
excellent lesson Steve, after the pandemic is over I have a lot of parties in the mountains to attend, lol
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.
Currently on 30t round, just got a 32t oval just to try.
Got it for just $3 because of discounts!
Got an oval a couple weeks ago. I really enjoy the feeling. Your analogies of how it feels were spot on.
Love my MRP oval. Also "narrow wide" chainrings should be mentioned.
Mate this is some crazy information. If I install an oval chainring do I have to modify the chain and adjust the derailleuer?
You'll want to verify it isn't too tight at the tallest part. But most people won't have to change a thing.
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.
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 have a 7 speed Dahon folding bike with 20" wheels and I run a 75T Driveline chainring to compensate for the small 20" wheels, which works great and provides great top end speed with an 11T 7th gear cog. I'd like to try oval but I don't believe anyone makes one with enough teeth to match the top speed of my 75T chainring. Do you think an application like mine would benefit from an oval ring?*
Hi...I'm doing a bike up (slowly)...My Nkp Scout frame 27.5 takes a 32t Boost chainring...I will also consider a 34t oval also. You don't know until you try for yourself! Thanks.
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.
So when going to an oval you’re supposed to go up 2 teeth? I’ve been thinking about going down 2. So a oval with the same would be like going down?
For me and my preferences, I go up 2 teeth and it feels like the same effort. I definitely wouldn't go down, as that would make everything even easier.
My two cents after trying a bunch of different combinations of round and oval of different tooth numbers. If you have found a round that works well for you then match the oval in teeth. You could go up two but after going up two I found it just a bit to much. I was a 32 round now 32 oval really like it the 34 was just to much for the big climbs here in the northeast.
fast forward a year, and Steve recommends shorter cranks.. i got the 5DEV 155's on my enduro, w/ a 28T oval. it has no problem in climbs. even tho its primarily my jump/park bike, i still have to climb areas that are not lift assist.
my trail bike is running 160's w/ a 30T oval. crank length, progression, ring size are all equations now.
For me that's 0 disadvantages then. The problem of clearance is in my opinion frame's problem, not the chainring itself.
Then the clutch, as you said, regular chain whipping, full sus bikes, swapping geras itself.. it happens all the time so no big deal.
And price? I am now buing a M8100 groupset, and the shimano chainring is twice as expensive, as garbaruk oval 34T.
Would you say that changing from a round 32t to an oval 32t would effectively feel like downsizing to a 30t (especially on the climbs), even though both have 32 teeth?
These ovals work differently from the old " Biopace" Shimano chain rings. The Shimano places the smallest portion of the oval during the power portion of the pedal stroke. They feel really strange and hurt my knees in the beginning but I've adapted my pedaling to avoid using the same amount of force as I did with the regular round chain rings. Its more about spinning than power or force with the "Biopace" . There is definitely a mechanical advantage with them. I am scrambling around the hilly roads around here noticeably better and easier. I'm curious to try something with the oval pattern that you have so well described for a comparison.
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.
Ovals are much better on/for technical climbing...
I run ovals on all/any/every bike I own 👌
I hope someone can help me. I own a Rocky mountain Fusion. It only has 8 gears. Chainring only has 28 teeth, so it is slow to ride on the streets. (need more gears top end) How much difference will a 30 or 32 teeth ring make? I'm not sure which one to get..any help is apprecited
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
Really good explanation. Great video, keep up the good work.
I just watched your video on shorter cranks. Thought it was very informative. What are your thoughts on running shorter cranks + oval chainring? Do you think having shorter cranks negates the benefit of the power section of the oval chainring because there’s less leverage vs longer cranks that can take advantage of the power section?
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.
I commuted on a biopace ringset for a while. I don't know how much it could have helped me but I liked it.
1 simple question when you on easier side of chain ring on right its a push time for other pedal too on the left side. So does it mean you are underutilizing your capability by a smaller chain ring push?
Oval chainrings are pretty cool but don't try putting one on a single speed (e.g a DJ bike) without a longer chain and a tensioner!
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. :)
Really good explication dude, greetings from Chile!
would anybody here start a company with me to manufacture oval cassettes for shimano or sram drivetrains....
Great explanation. I have a 30t on my bike and ordered the 30t oval (which was recommended from the company). It doesn’t fit. Just makes contact with the chain stay. Is there a way I can just add a small spacer on the drive side to clear? I have a DUB bottom bracket
hmm my oval chain ring cost $14 . but im in the philipines . i have not installed it yet cause i have a 3x 8 and need new cranks . and i mihgt get a full suspension bike and put it on that . i have a 42 on the large and never use the middle or small . or even 1 -3rd . hills here arent that steep .
Last week I upgraded from a 32T round NX Eagle ring to a 32T oval Sram ring on my Vitus Sentier. So far I've done two rides and love the difference. So much smoother. I've never liked that awkward spot in the cadence.
But one thing I noticed is that my legs are so sore! It feels like the ring is working my legs in a new way. Has anyone else noticed this?
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.
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.
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 🍻 💯🔥
Would the benefits you described be the same for a recumbent trike?
Got one on my and my gf's MTBs. Mindblowing stuff! ❤️
Dang, that might be the best explanation of Oval chain rings I have ever seen. There are fancier videos on TH-cam that try to tackle this topic, but this guy nailed it with simplicity.
Information > fancy looking videos.
For looong climbing, an oval chainring really takes the fatigue from the spin compared to a round.
Amazing explanation and examples! Great thanx!
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.
I tried an oval for a while and it felt exactly like a round one to me. I didn’t notice any improvements in any situation. When I sold the bike I left the oval on it. I don’t think I’d try another one.
Question, my wife and I race road bikes but we cross train with mountain bikes. Never have we used oval chain rings before. We want to see the difference without compromising our leg strength. Will switching to oval compromise strength in legs? Thank you
I don't know, you'd have to talk to a coach/trainer for that.
I ride handcycles and these make a big difference. We are different where both out crank arms are parallel to eachother rather than the 180 degree difference with an able bodied bike. Using your arms pedaling is a lot more difficult as the muscle groups are smaller.
All that said, any advantage is needed.
Awesome! What a cool insight.
Hello, I have 34T Oval, it is faster and good for rotation.
Cool, I'm planning to get one but is it prone to chain drop or not?
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.
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!
Does it slow the wear on teeth re stroke. And what about the twist or flex at torque.??
What's the best high engagement hub for the money?
So if a 32 tooth would be a -2 to +2 when it wobbles, how much of a difference would be on a 50t oval chainring?! Would it also be +2 and -2 or could it be more??? I have a road bike and I'm thinking of buying one, but now I wonder what size should I buy, depending on that aspect??!?!
Excellent question. I'm not sure about that. I'd reach out to absolute black or whoever makes the oval you're looking at.
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.
And to make this topic a bit less intuitive than this super explanation.... Shimano's BioPace oval chainrings actually REVERSE the oval...putting the tall portion of the chainring in line with "dead zone"! They claim that the short portion provides an acceleration ramp of sorts that provides a boost to better pass through the dead zone of the crank. Interesting, huh?
Exactly. I never liked the biopace ones.
well said
content wise
2thumbs up
It will be another 10 years till someone will give proper explanation of why some people dont see the difference... Under some of videos about ovals theres still overwhelming consensus that it's a gimmick...
Must be something very specific about the difference in pedalling, specific use case scenarios.
Probably same same reason why some people can't feel the difference a -2* Angleset makes. Not everyone is able to feel these things.
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
I bought one for about 3€ 😂😂😂
I like them because of how curious they look
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.
Love ovals I have them on my road bike as well
Oval chainrings do make a difference, but some people can't even feel different tire pressure, suspension setup, terrain they are riding much less the benefits of oval chainring. Thanks for the vid, well done thou.
Has anyone on here ran a 34t oval?
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
What are they like descending?
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!
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.
How bout oval on a single speed?
I love my Absolute Black oval ring. I honestly feel so much better spinning and climbing now.
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.
1980s biopace crank technology? Right.
Nope. It's actually 90* out of phase from biopace.
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 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 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.
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!
Am using 34tt ovalchainring and a 36tt Shimano Cogs because zee rd has shortcages, still adjusting on climbs. My take is they're not for everybody, but there's no harm on trying new parts, set up, etc.
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!..
are oval chainring compatible with sram eagle axs drivetrain?
I don't see why not
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'm running a 36T with a 11spd 11-40 and I started with a 22 speed 26-36T and was worried about not having low enough gear ratio.. but maaaan does that oval chain ring just demolish those climbs. I was going to get a 11-46 for the rear, but after trying it out, I think I'm just going to leave it be.
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 use 34t round for xco racing so if I go to AB Oval i should try 34t or 36t?
Ab will tell you 34. I'd try 36 if it were me. However, a 36 needs frame clearance for a 38