Oval chainring + flat pedals?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Maybe his friend is not a retard but actually a crafty fox who was trying to make the OP get a round one and then swoop in and take the oval one off his hands... 

[Bomberman]

Wanted to buy a oval, but never got it for the same reason. All the guys I talked to said it only works with cleats, a few guys even went back to round. 

 

Would like to give it a go but I dont want to spend the money on something and not use it.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Wanted to buy a oval, but never got it for the same reason. All the guys I talked to said it only works with cleats, a few guys even went back to round. 

 

Would like to give it a go but I dont want to spend the money on something and not use it.

Bro Science. 

[Eddy Gordo]

LOL,

 

I changed a while back to an oval.

I have absolutely no clue what you guys are on about. All I know is that there is a huge improvement.

I ride cleats on a road bike, and I can understand the benefit on the up stroke, but to me its like riding clipped in so that you can benefit from the upstroke. 

If you pedal efficiently enough with flats then you wont have an issue at all.

 

Go for the oval, you will love it especially on climbs

[dirtypot]

I ride my oval chainring'd bike to and from work with takkies on my SPD pedals...  What category does that put me into?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I ride my oval chainring'd bike to and from work with takkies on my SPD pedals...  What category does that put me into?

Zeftastic

[Bomberman]

Zeftastic

[clement]

But. All of that is simply irrelevant. 

The real issue is this.

 

You're about to ditch a gift from the wife. Seriously?

Its not some jacket she bought on the last minute that doesn't fit.

Its a cherry picked part which shows she wanted to get you something that you are passionate about. If she asks how the ring is working out.

Tell her you love it. Even if you can't tell the difference. 

 

The most important and relevant advice in this thread.....

[Rich990]

Thanks for all the feedback! This is why I love this place!

 

Popcorn_skollie - spot on with the gift from the wife piece!

 

Soon as Januworry is over I'll pick up an 11-42 cassette + new chain and get the oval fitted!

[droo]

Also a good point except...

Your 'upstroke' is always accompanied by a down stroke on the other foot is it not so?

 

So technically...

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/matrix/images/d/da/Spoon_Boy_Neo_Bends.jpg

There is no spoon...

 

Being clipped in is almost a moot point. Assuming you have a good pedal+shoe combo. Flats can be pretty efficient at climbing with the right technique. Enough to question how valid this upstroke theory really is...

 

Then. Assuming you make a valid point. That you can't benefit from an oval while riding flats. Will switching to a round ring be more efficient than the oval? Because of your pedals? Or will they seem the same anyways. But your flats prevent you from the oval's added benefit. If your assumption is the latter. Why change at all? Why not try the oval anyways? Its silly to ditch something based on assumptions without testing it yourself first.

 

Seen lots of flats and ovals. They won't shut up about how great it is.

 

But. All of that is simply irrelevant. 

The real issue is this.

 

You're about to ditch a gift from the wife. Seriously?

Its not some jacket she bought on the last minute that doesn't fit.

Its a cherry picked part which shows she wanted to get you something that you are passionate about. If she asks how the ring is working out.

Tell her you love it. Even if you can't tell the difference. 

 

Clearing up BS with some relationship advice thrown in.

 

Hooray for people who do actual research instead of just repeating some *** that some oke once told them in the parking lot before a race.

[Sparky and the Warden]

Where did you get your Absolute Black from?

EVOBIKES, good prices too

[PeterF]

Go to BikeJames.com and read what he says about the oval chainring, and he rides with flats.