Will Oval Chainrings Make You Faster? The Science
Dylan Johnson・2 minutes read
Oval chainrings are debated in the cycling world for their performance benefits, but studies show mixed results on their effectiveness, with concerns about power meter readings and industry bias. While some riders, like Chris Froome, experience increased power output with oval chainrings, the general advice is to stick with round rings unless you see personal benefits.
Insights
- Oval chainrings have sparked debates in cycling, with conflicting studies on their performance benefits; while some show improvements, others suggest no significant advantage, raising concerns about their actual efficacy and impact on power meter readings.
- Despite some riders, such as Chris Froome, experiencing success with oval chainrings, the general advice is to opt for round rings unless individual benefits are personally observed, highlighting the importance of personal testing and evaluation in determining the suitability of oval chainrings for specific riders.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
Are oval chainrings better for cycling performance?
Yes
Related videos
FastFitnessTips: Cycling Science!
Do Oval (non-round) chainrings improve one leg vs two leg cycling power (Q ring, osymmetric)
First Components
Oval Chainring - Standard (Dura Ace) to Oval then Semi Oval
Global Cycling Network
The Theory of Oval Chain Rings | ROTOR Factory Tour
Not An Engineer
I made a precision gearbox - with NO GEARS.
Marques Brownlee
Samsung Galaxy Ring Review: I Wanted to Love It!
Summary
00:00
Debate over oval chainrings in cycling
- Oval chainrings are a topic of debate in the cycling world, with questions about their actual performance benefits versus being a marketing gimmick.
- The science behind oval chainrings is explored, including discussions on the best company producing them and their impact on knee health.
- Different styles of riding may benefit from oval chainrings, and concerns about their effect on power meter readings are raised.
- Studies on oval chainrings show mixed results, with some indicating performance improvements while others show no significant advantage.
- Oval chainrings have been tested against round rings, with varying results on factors like maximal power and muscle activation at different cadences.
- The quality of studies on oval chainrings is questioned due to potential industry bias and the placebo effect influencing results.
- Sprinting performance seems to be where oval chainrings show more consistent benefits, with studies indicating increased power output during sprints.
- While some riders, like Chris Froome, have found success with oval chainrings, the overall recommendation is to stick with round rings unless you personally see benefits from oval chainrings.
