From oval back to round?

SteveF said:

I'm looking specifically for opinions from folks that LIKE oval rings but went back to round rings for one reason or another and whether they found the change ok. My new bike is limited to a 32 max oval or 34 max round and I'd really like to try a 34. Been usuing oval since, like 2015 though on all my trail bikes and I'm not sure I'd like going back to round.

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I have an oval on my hardtail and circle on my FS. The biggest strength with the oval is climbing tech, but it's really not a huge difference. If I had my choice I prefer oval, but I wouldn't lose sleep if I had to replace it.

I have been running ovals for years and love them, but recently put a round steel ring on my hardtail. That bike sees a lot of miles throughout the year, and the steel rings are more durable and last a lot longer. It wasn't a big deal to go back to round at all. Honestly, as much as I love ovals and advocate for them, I think the benefits are a bit overstated. Pedal stroke is noticeable (to me anyways) but you're not talking about huge performance gains or anything.

If I were you, I'd go with the chainring size you want over making sure you have oval. Just my opinion.

I have two bikes, one with oval and the other with round chainring. Switching between the two is no problem. Slightly noticeable difference but not a deal breaker. Technique is still 96% (unsubstantiated number).

Been using oval off and on for a few years. I like it. But I think the benefits are pretty minor for most riders and some of that is placebo. I run oval on one bike, round on the other and do not notice a difference. I think you’ll be fine.

I’ve been using ovals for a few years and earlier this year I went back to round. There wasn’t any adaptation time like there was going the other direction from round to oval. I guess I don’t really miss the ovals.

Echo the above - went from oval back to round and not really noticed a difference. I think the round suits my application a little better (Singlespeed - most climbing done standing up).

Agree with what all have said....but I put an oval on my trail (FS) ride shortly after getting it. After 2 years of riding I went back to stock due to chain and chainring wear while I waited for new parts. What really surprised me was the different burn I got in thighs with sustained climbs....my body really felt the difference. Not saying it was because of one being more efficient, but just different. I see it as subtle advantage with the outer limit of technical climbs so I choose to stay oval.

Thanks for the interesting opinions and experiences. Here's a tangential question-does an oval ring effect gear inches/progression? And if so, how much? One of the reasons I want to go to a 34t is that with the 32oval, I feel my cruising gear when I'm just pedaling along, sits lower on the cassette than I'd like. Does a 32t oval ring have the same gear progression as a 32 round? Slightly more? Or less?

SteveF said:

Thanks for the interesting opinions and experiences. Here's a tangential question-does an oval ring effect gear inches/progression? And if so, how much? One of the reasons I want to go to a 34t is that with the 32oval, I feel my cruising gear when I'm just pedaling along, sits lower on the cassette than I'd like. Does a 32t ring have the same gear progression as a 32 round? Slightly more? Or less?

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Not sure I am following "sits lower on the cassette"?

SteveF said:

Thanks for the interesting opinions and experiences. Here's a tangential question-does an oval ring effect gear inches/progression?

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In a word... No. You are still moving 32 teeths-worth of chain per revolution on every 32T chainring; whether it is oval, round, square, or any other shape. The shape of the ring just dictates how it interacts with your power stroke.

cwoodffr said:

Not sure I am following "sits lower on the cassette"?

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My cruising gear is on a smaller cog of the cassette than I'd like. I would like to have my cruising gear a cog or two bigger to save wear and have a useable range both below and above where I sit on the cassette when I'm just cruising along on flat trail.

SteveF said:

My crusing gear is on a smaller cog of the cassette than I'd like. I would like to have my cruising gear a cog or two bigger to save wear and have a useable range both below and above where I sit on the cassette when I'm just cruising along on flat trail.

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ah, @AdamR83 answered already.

wow, echos of the biopace era....

I am not a smart man... but never did go for the snake oil of oval

I hate oval rings. Tried them a few times, went back to round rings.

I’m faster and have less issues with tech, etc since going to shorter cranks.

Any Knee issues they help with I've fixed with shorter cranks I only use oval as they help with slick tech climbs. Been on bikes with round and they spin out a little easier. If oval was no longer an option I wouldn't really care.

127.0.0.1 said:

wow, echos of the biopace era....

I am not a smart man... but never did go for the snake oil of oval

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Except biopace was 90 degrees out from the oval are today.

127.0.0.1 said:

wow, echos of the biopace era....

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But they rotated it a little.
It's a completely different thing.
🤪

edit...ha! I knew it was coming!
<LOL!

TwoTone said:

Except biopace was 90 degrees out from the oval are today.

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It was 180 a minute ago wasn't it?

slapheadmofo said:

It was 180 a minute ago wasn't it?

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So you're the perfect one on the forum. Good to know.