Oval/Elliptical Chainrings on SS

[JimboJames1972]

Hi All,

A two part question - will the oval/elliptical chainrings fit on a SS bike (ie, with no variation in chain length and so without the need of a chain tensioner) and, if the will fit, how do I choose a chainring size and crank length to suit my riding?

I have decided that my current ratio (46:16) is a little tall, especially with my short(ish) 162mm cranks. My LBS can get me some nice looking 175mm cranks that then offer me the option of an oval chainring. I'm just really looking for something a bit different and anything that offers me the chance of greater cycling flexibility or more efficient energy expenditure is right up my alley.

Thoughts please,

J

 

[Citius]

Hi All,

A two part question - will the oval/elliptical chainrings fit on a SS bike (ie, with no variation in chain length and so without the need of a chain tensioner) and, if the will fit, how do I choose a chainring size and crank length to suit my riding?

I have decided that my current ratio (46:16) is a little tall, especially with my short(ish) 162mm cranks. My LBS can get me some nice looking 175mm cranks that then offer me the option of an oval chainring. I'm just really looking for something a bit different and anything that offers me the chance of greater cycling flexibility or more efficient energy expenditure is right up my alley.

Thoughts please,

J

Technically it is possible, providing your chain tension is set on maximum tension, and providing that on minimum tension it is not too loose. I can't help thinking it is a pointless idea...

 

[midlife]

As long as the chainrings are elliptical then the chain will maintain its original tension as Adrian says..

Shaun

 

[3narf]

Don't do it just to be different!

Develop a smoother pedalling style.

 

[totallyfixed]

Not the best idea I have heard on CC.

 

[ayceejay]

I am not sure what 'tall' means in this context.
Also you ask advice on equipment to suit your riding (style?) without saying what that is.

 

[Ian H]

It sounds rather like an attempt to alleviate the effort of pushing too-big a gear.

I wonder whether running an oval chainring on fixed/single-speed might exacerbate any tendency for the chain to unship at speed – if the chain isn't perfectly adjusted.

 

[ayceejay]

If that is the case adrian doesn't he just nee a larger cog?

 

[totallyfixed]

It sounds rather like an attempt to alleviate the effort of pushing too-big a gear.

I wonder whether running an oval chainring on fixed/single-speed might exacerbate any tendency for the chain to unship at speed – if the chain isn't perfectly adjusted.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[montage]

The smaller the gear on fixed, the more manly the rider!

 

[totallyfixed]

The smaller the gear on fixed, the more manly the rider!

I will impart that piece of sage information on to dr_pink.

 

[Smurfy]

Sheldon Brown has done this with biopace chainrings.

People are often astonished to learn that I ride Biopace chainrings on fixed-gear bikes. They imagine that there will be tremendous changes in chain slack as the chainring rotates. In practice, this is not the case. A 42 tooth chainring will generally engage 21 teeth against 21 chain rollers, regardless of its shape.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/biopace.html