SS newbie questions

rosceaux

Well-Known Member
So, I posted in another SS thread that I recently purchased a 2014 El Mariachi. I have it set up 32 - 18 and I am loving it. It is totally humbling on some of the bigger, rockier climbs, but I can do my regular loop at Baldpate with the exception of 50 steep, rocky yards going up the western red climb. I don't think that's a bike or gearing issue, I think its a HTFU issue, which I relish.

Questions are really related to the drivetrain. For starters, what are the advantages/disadvantages to a circular vs. oval chainring? I mean, I know what I've read, but in terms of riding experience are people generally using oval? Im currently set up with the stock 32. It is circular and non- narrow-wide. I have had no issues yet with throwing chains. To really newbie it up, it is running a "single speed" chain, though I don't know if that means anything as far as replacement chain and/or what chainrings/ cogs I could consider.

I'm happy just riding this thing around as is, but I want to make sure that I am maintaining and running it properly.

Thanks,
 

mattybfat

The Opinion Police
Team MTBNJ Halter's
I run an oval on my geared bike but have yet to run one on SS. I would but no ovals for white industries cranks nor were there for middleburn cranks. The advantage would make sense with a SS in that the down stroke on a 34t oval would equal to a 32t and 34t on the upstroke. But not having one equals not actually knowing the difference.
There is no need for a narrow/wide chainring
On a SS since your not changing gears.

Remember SS is actually 3 speeds
1. Sit and spin
2. Stand and mash
3. Get off and walk

Object is to eliminate number 3 :)
 

extremedave

Well-Known Member
Team MTBNJ Halter's
(As I found out with my KM) if you run an oval ring you'll need to use some sort of flexible/variable external tensioner. As Matty said, you don't need a narrow wide for SS as the chainline is dead straight.
 

rosceaux

Well-Known Member
(As I found out with my KM) if you run an oval ring you'll need to use some sort of flexible/variable external tensioner.


Ahhh.... that makes sense> I hadn't picked that up fro my reading and it didn't make sense how a 32 could act as a 30 sometimes and a 34 at other times. Makes me think that I'll stick with round.
 

Steve Vai

Endurance Guy: Tolerates most of us.
I notice the oval most on my SS. You notice it most when you're slightly overgeared and kinda mashing on the pedals, which happens a lot riding SS. On a geared bike when it gets to that mashy point you'd normally shift into an easier gear. I also feel like I can run a bigger gear with the oval because of it helping with said mashing.
 

Dave Taylor

Rex kwan Do
#ovalded. Seriously though, I have only found one advantage with it. Traction on the ss on loose climbs. I don’t spin any better, go any faster, feel any fresher. I ran it on a couple ss setups with no tensioner and bo problem. See attached pic of a conversation I had with Gordon “Quadsworth” a couple years ago. He is probbaly one of the top 5 mtb ssers in the world.
3F4E8044-A45D-4764-961B-F8B0BCC2901A.png
 

Pearl

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
(As I found out with my KM) if you run an oval ring you'll need to use some sort of flexible/variable external tensioner. As Matty said, you don't need a narrow wide for SS as the chainline is dead straight.
I’ve ran ovals with an EBB and sliding dropouts, I’ve never had an issue. This is fake news.
 

pooriggy

Well-Known Member
Team MTBNJ Halter's
I don't think there is much difference as far as oval or circular. I run circular because that's what I've always run. Iggy science.

What will make a difference is what gearing you are running. 32x18 is a good start, this will work for most trails. Places with more elevation may be better running lighter, like 32x20. Flatter trails could be run with 32x16.

It takes time on a SS to find your cadence (the rate at which you like to spin). Some folks like to mash a big gear, while others would rather spin a light gear.

Over time most SSers pick a favorite gear and adapt their pedal stroke to make that gear work for where ever they ride.

Keep on SSing.
 
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