32T Oval vs 30T NW Round - XC

[SeanGrey]

Hey everyone

 

So doing my first mtb event soon and there will be lots of climbing... 

 

I have had a 1x for a while now and climb everything local just fine. It's 11-36 with a 32T Oval ring and felt really good. Event coming up has longer climbs than I usually do over a longer distance. Fitness is up to scratch but I do have a 30T NW normal round chainring. Tried it on and the 36/30 feels pretty easy with high cadence up hills. It just felt like the 32 Oval was better to pedal and I had to get used to the round ring again. 

 

Now I don't know much about gear ratio's but used a comparison chart.,.

 

The 30T at 36 is 0.86 and the 32T Oval at 36 is 0.92    (0.6 difference)

Is that difference between ratio's worth keeping the 30T on for the event? 

 

I know the 30T at 32 behind gives you 0.97 so it's kind of like being one gear up on the lowest with a 30 up front but then the other benefit's of the oval vs round come into play.

 

Confusing stuff but what do you guys think? Not much difference... or take all the help I can up long climbs with a 30T? 

[Grease_Monkey]

It is really going to depend on your fitness, but from the sounds of it that isn't much of a problem! Personally, when I know there are gonna be hills I make the change from a 34t to a 32t, I can really feel the difference from the 0.809 (34/ 42) to the 0.76 (32/42).

 

The only problem I do see going to the 30t is that you will sping out quickly as your biggest ration will be 2.7 (30/11) as opposed to 2.9 (32/11).

 

If I was you I'd keep the 32t oval, theory goes you will be just as efficient uphill as with the 30t, and then you still have reasonable top end.

[PeterF]

I would keep the 32t oval and fit a 42t at the back.

[SeanGrey]

Thanks guys, Got a 40T and a 16 for the back and gearing feels smooth. Using my 32 oval up front.