TESTED: absoluteBLACK Oval T-Type Chain Ring

The Original absoluteBLACK Oval chainring is perhaps the original oval chainring, with quite a few brands dabbling in the market now (Even SRAM with Eagle 11spd). So, it would make sense that absoluteBLACK offer their premium direct mount 1X Oval chainrings in a version that are specifically designed for SRAM’s new T-Type Transmission drivetrain system. This new Oval chainring will only fit newer style SRAM cranks that use an 8-bolt mounting system. absoluteBLACK say the chainr ing teeth have been specifically redesigned to work in all conditions with narrower chains that inherently have less space to accommodate mud. absoluteBLACK are also calling this the most premium oval chainring on the market with scientifically proven performance gains. 

So, on these gains and in absoluteBLACK's own words “Oval chainrings work because riders do not produce power evenly through a pedal stroke –the musculature of human legs makes it difficult to maintain an even power delivery to a round chainring.”

I mounted the 34t Oval chain ring to my Pivot Firebird on a set of DUB Wide SRAM XX1 SL cranks. To protect the chain and chain ring absoluteBLACK supplied us with their Oval Bash Guide which is said to be the lightest (69g) and only Oval chain ring specific guide on the market.

Fitting of both the Oval Bash Guide and Oval chain ring are very straight forward with only the removal of the drive side crank required. Once setup and on the trails there was no rubbing on the Oval Bash Guide in any gear adding to the smooth and quite ride being produced by the Oval chainring and chain interface.

It took about an hour to get used to the oval chainring and eventually became very normal to use and only feeling odd when switching between it and a round chain ring on another bike.

You can see the advantages of an oval chainring when grinding up a fire foad or ripping along flowing singletrack. However tight, awkward turns when climbing and pulling up and over rock sections do not offer any real advantage and at first was actually very odd to do as the common half crank used to get over obstacles would feel like the free hub had less engagement than normal in this situation.

To be totally transparent this oval chainring was used on a 165mm/170mm Enduro bike where its advantages are not as obvious. On an XC race bike is likely where you are really going to see the oval chainring come into its own, also the weight savings alone could be a reason to jump on one. This may not be the case for everyone as some riders out there with large leg length discrepancy may get the full advantages by the reduced torque required on a revolution across all situations.

What absoluteBLACK have created is a truly lovely paring of products that will absolutely complement any bike setup especially if you are already a fan of their other Oval products.

RRP:
SRAM T Type Oval Chainring $174.99
Oval Bash Guide $204.99
From: FESports.com.au