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Oval chainrings thread since the last one 404'd.
So I've learned another reason why they're not popular: they really, really do not tolerate crosschaining. Like half my cassette is unbearable to ride in when I'm in the small ring. The mechanic at my LBS said it's a combination of the chainring being slightly thicker than the Shimano brand chainring, and the fact that the tallest part of the oval extends further into the chainline (which I imagine would be like if I got a 52t chainring, but I've never had anything higher than a 50).
They do make it a lot easier to stay in the big ring while climbing, so that somewhat makes up for the annoyance, but round chainrings are definitely not a conspiracy to make you slow.
So I've learned another reason why they're not popular: they really, really do not tolerate crosschaining. Like half my cassette is unbearable to ride in when I'm in the small ring. The mechanic at my LBS said it's a combination of the chainring being slightly thicker than the Shimano brand chainring, and the fact that the tallest part of the oval extends further into the chainline (which I imagine would be like if I got a 52t chainring, but I've never had anything higher than a 50).
They do make it a lot easier to stay in the big ring while climbing, so that somewhat makes up for the annoyance, but round chainrings are definitely not a conspiracy to make you slow.
