I am just building up a Kinesis FF29 as an XC racey HT.

I have a 32t oval ring in the middle posistion that because of the oval is similar to a 34t ring in height and due to the oval sits away from the tabs of the chain set.

I have maybe 1.5mm clearance at the chain stay.

This is likely to end in tears isn’t it.

Should I just find a 32t round ring?

1.5 mm should be plenty – how much will things flex to close up that clearance. My Genesis ioid had about that as stock

I have the max size chainring fitted to my bike that the chainstay would allow and there is probably less than 1mm clearance. Had no problems in over 1 year of riding.

I used to run mine with a 34t ring as a single speed, no issues