The oval effect cancels out the difference?
I like my 36/10*30T setup
No. Its the same as a 30t / 34t. ish.
Not in my experience. I was struggling with a 32/10-42 on my 29er. Using a 32t oval didn't make any real difference, went down to a 30t in the end.
I've them on both my bikes and I reckon they're worth one 'gear' - so the 30T oval on my 29er feels like 29/31.
I find I notice the 'top ' of the oval more, so a 32 feels like a 32 but has the top speed of a 34. Suggests it's pretty subjective!
Oval helps but won't account for 2 teeth
I was using a regular 30 but then went for a 32 oval.No for uphills imho but I do kinda like them (seem to give better grip on climbs)and will probably go for a 30 oval next time.
I was riding my hardtail yesterday. Steep climbs. I have a 30t and a 40t expander.
Had a go on a mates oval 32 with a 40t expander and pretty much gave up trying to climb. Found it much harder work than it should have been.
I don't get oval rings but many seem to.