I'm using the AB oval on my 1x11 setup and I'm quicker for sure now on the climbs and feeling less knackered 😉
Kind of regretting getting 104 bcd cranks as it limits you to 32T on the oval unless you get a granny mount one. Not sure if that will mess up the chainline but on a shimano 11 speed it could actually be better as it does hang the larges sprocket off the inside over the hub flange.
I am hoping to get away with a 32T or possibly a 34T though. The AB look nice and I feel confident they will be a good profile. If SS come up with a bank holiday 20% voucher that might change tempt me though.
Been using absoluteBLACK chainrings for ages now and love them but, they are not for everyone. Worth giving their 30 day guarantee a go, what do you have to lose?
Get one of our Premium oval traction chainrings Today and use it for 30 days... If you're not delighted with your purchase and feeling the benefit in your legs, then we'll exchange your oval for a round ring free-of-charge
I'm the same andyl I use a 104 bcd crank and I'm limited to 32T oval. I currently use a 30T round and I'm worried a 32T oval might be a bit much for me. The dead spots should feel the same, but its still a taller gear. I probably just need to mtfu!
they do say a 32T oval is like a 30T in the dead zone and a 34T in the power zone so you should be okay and end up a little faster (hopefully).
I did see that CRC list a 64BCD 30T that AB don't on their own website which is odd. It would have a similar chainline to the 32T as it mounts off the granny tabs but will look odd with no bolts in the 104 holes.
from the AB site:
Chainline
26&28T (64bcd) - 46mm ; 32T - 48.5mm ; 34&36T - 50mm
For me that would make the 32T pretty much bang on and the 64BCD rings must be slightly stepped outwards to give 46mm which tbh isn't bad when using a shimano 11 speed set up. I would.t go any lower than 32T anyway or you will just spin out everywhere with an 11-X cassette.
how do you reconcile chain tension on a single speed?
Ss tensions is easy. Move crank to 4 oclock position (most oval part) adjust tension...and bobs your aunties lgbt cousin.
Has anybody else had issues with chain tension with Supestar Components I/o oval on singlespeed use?
I have a Black by Absoluteblack 34t oval on my 29er, and it works perfectly. Reacently installed a 32t oval by Superstarcomp... on my fatbike, and had nothing but troubles. Chain dropping all the time.
Both bikes as singlespeed.
To me it seems that with Superstar chainring the variation of chain tension is really noticeable, as with BlackbyAbs... ring there is nearly no variation.
So, could it be that the BlackbyAbs... ring has more intelligence in it's shape. Keeping the tension even for the whole rotation. And the Superstar ring is just oval, a symmetric oval which lets the tension vary.
Am I the onlyone with such findings?
The tension varies with AB and every other oval ring. There's nothing "intelligent" about one shape or the other. I didn't love oval on my SS... NW is kinda noisy too. Simple round rings will do just fine ta 🙂
