Are oval chainrings a gimmick?
I'm usually pretty good at geometry and mechanical type stuff, but I can't wrap my head around the oval chainring. It seems like they're using basically an optical illusion to convince you it has power variance.
Bottom line though, to vary power output, it would need to vary the gear ratio. Look at these things online. Count the teeth. No matter what, the chain will always be in contact with half the ring.
Count the rings. If you're on the long half or short half, it's the same amount of teeth. Think of it this way. The chain will either be in contact with 2*1/2 the short side + a long side, or 2*1/2 long side, and a short side. Both equal a full long and full short side contact.
Same gearing ratio.
Make sense or no?
I've got one in my cart from Works, but feeling like it's a bad decision. Might change the 32T oval for 30T round.