Who's using oval rings?

I just tried my Absolute Black 32t ring with my XT 1x11 setup for the first time yesterday. I'm used to using a 2x10 with 22t granny ring and staying in the two smallest cogs on my 11-36 cassette for the steeper climbs around here, but was surprised that I didn't have any issues at all yesterday.

It's barely noticeable just pedalling around and I'm sure it doesn't make a giant difference, but I would definitely buy again.

Price was about the same as any standard chainring and I was ready to pick up a round 30t if I wasn't perfectly happy with this.

I just tried my Absolute Black 32t ring with my XT 1x11 setup for the first time yesterday. I'm used to using a 2x10 with 22t granny ring and staying in the two smallest cogs on my 11-36 cassette for the steeper climbs around here, but was surprised that I didn't have any issues at all yesterday.

What's your 1x11 biggest cog?

42t

Ive been using an oval 21T granny ring since 2013 . I just recently replaced my drivetrain and have been using a 21T/36 Oval 2x system with adjustable offset.
Love the oval 36 my climbs have all sped up since it switched. My riding app confirmed it for me.
Its like every climb feels shorter now..
never going back to round.

What next? Oval toilet seats??!!

What next? Oval toilet seats??!!

Wheels, duh! :fruit:

I don't get what size would be appropriate if I'm running a round 30t now with converted 11-42 cassette.

I don't want "smoother power delivery" on a gear I can't push up the Legacy Climb in Squamish.

My new cranks came with a new NW chainring, so I won't be changing for another year at least, but when the time comes, I'd consider getting one.

is that the trail that takes you up to Angry Midget ?? if so i rode it a couple weeks back and was comfortable pushing a 32t.my last bike had a 30t and i am enjoying the extra teeth on the trail .

truth be told my fastest climbing times are with the 32t i find i don,t spin as much and get my legs all pumped up .

Just did back to back rides with first a round RF NW chainring, and then a OneUp traction ring… biggest difference I noticed, as has been alluded to is traction.. I stood and cranked up a few steep sections and couldn't get the rear end to break loose easily. Other than that it felt like a normal ring.

I have used Rotor rings on the road and off road in the past. Those feel different and a bit "pulsey" for the first few minutes then the feeling goes away. Shifting wasn't good though so I abandoned the off road set up. I would say I liked the pedaling aspect. 27 X 40 on the mtb. Climbed well.

And for the doubters, look at the rings Chris Froome used to win that race around France this summer. Seem to work for him and others too.

Just did back to back rides with first a round RF NW chainring, and then a OneUp traction ring… biggest difference I noticed, as has been alluded to is traction.. I stood and cranked up a few steep sections and couldn't get the rear end to break loose easily. Other than that it felt like a normal ring.

What ring sizes for both? I am running a 30t single on the front and am wondering if a 32 oval would be too much or about the same for climbing?

What ring sizes for both? I am running a 30t single on the front and am wondering if a 32 oval would be too much or about the same for climbing?

They would be comparable for sure.

They would be comparable for sure.

So going from a 30 round to 30 oval will give me more purchase?

Or to put it another way going from a 30 round to a 30 oval would be like going from a 30 round to a 28 round. Sorta'. You follow?

is that the trail that takes you up to Angry Midget ?? if so i rode it a couple weeks back and was comfortable pushing a 32t.my last bike had a 30t and i am enjoying the extra teeth on the trail .

truth be told my fastest climbing times are with the 32t i find i don,t spin as much and get my legs all pumped up .

Stop bragging! ;)

Ok I'm really interested in these now.

So going from a 30 round to 30 oval will give me more purchase?

Or to put it another way going from a 30 round to a 30 oval would be like going from a 30 round to a 28 round. Sorta'. You follow?

You probably won't notice much of a difference in gearing, just a bit more traction.