Why You Need 1X OVAL mtb Chainring

Why oval chainrings work

Our Oval chainrings work because a rider does not produce power evenly through a pedal stroke; they maximize the part of the stroke where power is produced and minimize resistance where it isn't. Oval rings make the spin cycle a lot smoother and are easier on legs while climbing. Believe it (or not), but a round chainring doesn't transfer torque to your rear wheel as smoothly as an Oval one. You will actually feel your stroke to be more "round" with an Oval shape than with a round chainring

WE HAVE PROVEN OVAL RINGS

Our studies led by the University of Primorska, Slovenia show significant differences when using absoluteBLACK Oval chainrings compared to round. Up to 9% increase of Force effectiveness, up to 7% less oxygen consumption, up to 15% less Ventilation (breathing) and up to 10% heart rate decrease when using oval chainrings versus round. What does that mean? In short, it means that you will consume less energy at the same power output using Oval chainrings so you can ride for longer and/or faster. Our data show that the higher you climb the more effort you have to put in, therefore it's important to maximize efficiency and effectiveness and you can improve both by using oval chainrings. Watch the video.

Why choose Premium absoluteBLACK Oval narrow wide chainrings

Because our longterm belief in oval and development of our design, has led absoluteBLACK to become the most commercially successful oval chainring product in the world. AbsoluteBlack encourages modern mountain bikers to ride anywhere with its advanced Oval chainring concept that improves rider efficiency. Designed with both XC and aggressive trail riders in mind. All chainrings are compatible with 1x 1, 10, 11 and 12 speed drivetrains.

INDEPENDENT STUDY: Cycling performance improvement with oval chainrings after 1 year of adaptation

"The results showed a significant increase in indices of pedaling effectiveness as well as a significant increase in gross efficiency.One of the reasons that could explain the improvements is the adaptation in ankle joint kinematics" , "Although the differences in absolute terms (e.g. total force) were not that big (~5 N), they could be interpreted in a different way. If one is pedaling at 90 rpm and is saving 5 N every pedal stroke, it sums to 27000 N (2700 kg) for every hour of cycling. Similar outcomes could be derived from the results on gross efficiency."

Why it matters

Traction, Traction and Traction. With oval chainrings rear tire traction improves greatly on loose and slippery terrain. Smoother power delivery to your rear wheel means that you will be able to maintain better, constant cadence; get less stress on the joints (knees) and therefore be able to keep certain level of effort for longer. This results in higher average speed with less perceived effort.

correct chain length for 1X drivetrain with Oval or Round ring

Oval rings and clutch performance

Oval ring does not affect the work of rear dérailleur cage at all. Such a ring can be used therefore in 1x9/10/11 combination as well as Singlespeed and fixie bikes!

How to tension the chain with Absoluteblack oval (elliptical) chainring on Singlespeed: 

Position the crank between 3 & 4 o’clock (largest part of the chainring will face up) and then tighten the chain the same way as you would on a round ring.

Secret to longer chainring life. How to reduce chainring wear.