I need to replace the chainrings on my 3t exploro and was considering trying oval rings. Absolute black has some 48/32 or 46/30 rings, that would then go on my quarq dfour. What are your thoughts on oval? The claims on their site seem too good to be true, lower hr, more power, less rpe. Anyone experience any of these benefits?
Hey Dick_Dylan,
Iāve used oval rings on/off over the last 4-5 yearsā¦ both Qring and more recently AB. At this point Iām not sure thereās much meaningful difference. Initially I āfeltā them to be better, but now move back and forth from round to oval and notice nothingā¦
Another point - I believe (meaning heard and maybe seen) that ovals can make powermeter readings inaccurate (ie: lower than actual). The AB rings are beautiful and very well made. Good luck!
1 Like
Related discussions worth review.
Does it feel strange moving back and forth between round and oval. My other bikes would all still have round rings.
I used to ride ovals exclusively, but when I started training with power I noticed that it was much harder to keep a smooth cadence and also found power numbers to be jumpy. I went back to round rings.
Itās been years since Iāve used ovals, so Iād be curious to see how Iād feel about them now since Iām a much more efficient cyclist with a smoother pedalstroke, though Iāve heard many others echo my experience too.
I notice no differenceā¦ but like summerson stated, I suspect that my pedalstroke has improved over the years so as to account for my early experience. Right now my only oval ring is a 1x direct mount on my CX bike.
1 Like
I went with these for my wifeās gravel bike and they are round. Same mounting design as AB with bolts threading into the small ring. They also make a 5x110 version for other style cranksets.
Iāve had oval on my CX bike and did a number of gravel rides and I just donāt like it on the road or gravel. Even when you get used to it; the pedal stroke isnāt smooth and it is really annoying when standing up to pedal on smooth surfaces.
These are way cheaper and have shifted and worked well so far. Iād try these ones if I were you.
Does the D4 have a smooth bolt circle?Any major overhangs with the battery compartment? I had an older Quarq that need āclover leafā style rings, not circular interiors (like Rotorās oval rings). Some oval rings are adjustable , so they wonāt mount over some PMs. Just something to look out for. Save the package to the ring in case you return it.